Business & Tech

Livingston's Pathmark on Route 10 Circle is Targeted to Close

Livingston grocery is listed in latest round of closings by troubled A&P.

The Pathmark on Eisenhower Parkway is on a list to close -- adding more vacant space along Route 10, just as signs of a turnaround are beginning to emerge.

The Livingston grocery is among seven Pathmarks and three A&P groceries in New Jersey identified in the latest round of closings by the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. -- the Montvale-based chain that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December. The Livingston Pathmark is the only Essex County grocery targeted, according to the union that represents workers.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 464A posted news of the closings on its Web site.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

“When I was told the news, my first concern was for the families impacted by the job loss,” said Livingston Mayor Rudy Fernandez.

But there is also concern of the economic reality of another vacant retail site on the business corridor.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

The mayor, however, said he believes the economic impact on Livingston will only be temporary.

Over the past two years, the counil has worked with two specially formed committees, the Economic Development Committee and the "Big Box" Committee, "discussing policies that continue to promote investment in our community," the mayor said.

He pointed to signs of a turnaround. Fortunoff’s recently opened at the former Barnes and Noble location (a vacancy due to the book seller’s move to Livingston Mall), Fernandez said. And the first Margarita’s in New Jersey will soon open at the Route 10 Circle.

Those new businesses -- along with expansion plans at the former Circuit City site, the farmer's market at the Toy’s R Us shopping center, and new and expanded retail space planned for the Saturn dealership location -- have renewed optimism that the retail corridor will weather the storm, Fernandez said.

 “The BID has worked very hard during this difficult economic climate to continue to attract businesses to Livingston, and the council has been working with local business owners and has proposed changes to certain zoning, facades and sign ordinances to help businesses succeed,” the mayor said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here