Visions for Vacancies: What Business Should Fill Former Learning Center?
Patch readers comments and ideas sought for vacant stores and buildings in the township.
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The now-vacant space at 148B Bloomfield Ave. in Verona has been home to both Amy's Florist and a Math Wizard Learning Center.
The 1,370-square foot space is perfect for any kind of business whether its retail or a dentist office.
The visibilty and exposure from both Bloomfield Avenue and nearby Pompton Avenue makes it a prime location with plenty of parking.
So this is where you come in, Verona and Cedar Grove community. The concept behind this column is we’ll present a vacant building and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use of the vacant space.
Here's the fun part: Forget what zone it’s in. Ignore setback regulations, as well as dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts most people to sleep.
Our bottom line: If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use of the space for the community?
To make this work, this can’t be a one-sided conversation. We want to hear from you in our comments section. And, please, let us know if there’s a vacant space/building you know of as well we can feature in a future column.
Interested in this property? Contact Vincent Cheng at (848)-219-2841 or friendwellusa@gmail.com.
Send emails about vacant buildings or stores to Verona-Cedar Grove Associate Editor Eric Goodman at eric.goodman@patch.com
Steve Foster
5:09 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
It is hard to envision what could go in there. Mardi Gras recently exited Verona and t is believed that a Pizza Parlor (just what we need) will soon open in this vacant space. This strip mall known as VJ Plaza has 7 separate slots. When the builidng first opened there were only 3 stores - Brookdale Bakery, a video store and the dry cleaner. Like all of the new buildings being built in Verona, the structure is made so that it can be built into many separate entities. Look at the just designed application for 176-200 Bloomfield. The structure was shown as housing only 4 tenants, but was to be constructed as one big shell that could handle up to 8 tenants.
What coulld go into this vacant spot? How about a jeweler or a small bakery? Please no more eating establishments. I can't beliieve that the Shusi restaurant is long for this world. Remember Amazing Hot Dogs? How long did they exist? Mardi Gras tried to open a small restaurant next to its catering business and it failed. What then should be done? Put the building back to what it originally was - 3 or 4 stores.
Eric Goodman
5:11 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Thank you Steve for your comment. You make some really good points.
P.S. I loved Amazing Hot Dog!