This is not really a place for my social commentary or maybe it is I am still working that out.

That said I walked into Red Bank today the first spring like day this year. The cherry and pear trees are blooming and the town was active with lots of foot traffic. As I photographed my way through town I was struck by the amount of empty stores there are on Broad St. Once the mecca for high priced furniture and clothing Red Bank is starting to look a little battered. Though hardly what it was in the dark days of my youth I could not help but be a bit concerned. How well can I expect high priced stores to do in times of a shrinking economy. Broad St. was not the only victim with Front St. also having many vacant store fronts as well. I'll be anxious to see how quickly these are replaced with start up businesses.

The word is certainly on the street that much I know. As I made my way through Red Bank snapping photographs along the way I heard some people commenting on the price for renting an apartment across the street. "That price is ridiculous for a one bedroom. They will never get that this year". Indeed thing have changed in the residential market as well. As I looked down Red Bank's side streets for opportunities to photograph I found many luxury condos just about ready to come on market. I am sure they will sell but with high taxes and slow times they maybe vacant for a while. Who knows maybe they have already sold them all I hope so.

As if all that was not enough so much of the commercial rental market is occupied by financial companies. Those that will probably be the hardest hit. Makes me worry about Red Bank a bit, but she has seen her share of hard times and has manage to get through them all. Gives me hope for all us.

So it could be fear I am smelling.  For now I will just have to wait and see what the future has in store.  I plan on sticking around.