What Should Replace Windfall Auctions, Lola’s Alterations?

In a small strip mall near the end of Verona and the beginning of North Caldwell sits two retail locations that have been vacant for a little over a year.

The 500-square-foot spaces, both with large front windows and an inset door, are located at 709 and 713 Bloomfield Ave., and used to be Windfall Auctions and Lola’s Alterations, respectively.

Lola's Alterations has not closed and, in fact, the store has moved larger quarters at 707 Bloomfield Ave.

Since the eBay drop store and tailoring shop closed, Saveur Gourmet Cheese Shop and J Nails remain the only two stores open in the strip mall, despite the prime Bloomfield Avenue location. 

Both spaces are currently being renovated by the owner, and will be ready to be leased beginning soon.

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. 

Send emails about vacant buildings or stores to Essex County Associate Regional Editor Jack Durschlag at jack.durschlag@patch.com.