We urge the South Orange Board of Trustees to select either Run, Jump, Lift as our first choice for the space behind Farrell Field in South Orange (formerly known as the Jersey Animal coalition site), or the YMCA as a second choice, as tenants for 298 Walton Avenue. This building is in a quiet residential neighborhood next to the Farrell Field park and both of these businesses will fit well into the community, as they are both focused on the South Orange/Maplewood community and making it better.

The other two bidders for the building (People for Animals, a same day surgery center for dogs and cats, and Sagamore Inn, a kennel/day care for dogs) will bring more traffic, noise and animal issues similar to the problems encountered with the previous tenant (animal waste and health issues). Their primary focus is not on the surrounding community, but rather, to generate income from large numbers of clients and customers who will bring traffic from all parts of NJ and other states.

Malcolm Chisholm of Run Jump Lift has been a wonderful tenant for the past six months and proven that his business fits well into this neighborhood. He will provide a low-impact business that does not bring car traffic or require additional parking, and will compliment the River Greenway project with his clients using the running and bike trails. The YMCA is also a worthwhile tenant, and we are happy that they are also being considered, but they may require more parking and logistical arrangements, which will take time and money. Therefore, our first choice is Run Jump Lift, we urge you to accept their bid and negotiate a lease with them.