Visions for Vacancies: What Should Take Enterprise's Place?
Patch readers comments and ideas sought for vacant stores and buildings in the township.
When we launched our first two Visions for Vacancies columns the last two Fridays on Livingston Patch, we didn't expect the focus of our reader's responses.
The first week, we focused on the vacant Pathmark supermarket site in the Village at Livingston near the Livingston Circle.
Last week, we focused on the vacant Linens N Things site at 530 W. Mount Pleasant Ave.
Both stories garnered more than 450 readers. And an additional 25 readers each week went the extra yard and provided comments and suggestions each week.
Livingston Patch readers have overwhelmingly given the nod to a supermarket for those vacant sites, with requests ranging from Wegman’s to Stop & Shop, from Whole Foods to Trader Joe’s.
Several readers thought restaurants like Houston’s or a major food court would fill the space and there were even a few readers who suggested an Imagine That-type place for kids and a Christmas Tree Shoppe or Michael's-type craft store.
It’s a new week — time for the next Vision for Vacancies challenge. The same rules apply — Forget what zone the building is in. Ignore setback regulations, as well as dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts most people to sleep.
This week’s property is the site of the former Enterprise Rent a Car at 142 S. Livingston Ave.
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?
For this to continue to 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 or 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.
Kim
7:22 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
What about a craft store, like Painting the Plates or Doin Dishes? Please, no more frozen yogurt places, pizza parlors, dry cleaners or bagel shops. We are over-saturated with these stores. We need a place where kids can go in this town and do something. Too much "hanging out" going on.
Margaret
7:22 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Five Guys burgers or Muscle Maker....both companies currently in rapid expansion and could be nice for the community
Stacey Rubinstein
8:34 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
I love the idea of a hands on craft store for kids.... beading, painting or something that gets their creativity engaged.... it would be nice to have another option.
Debby
8:46 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
I second the no more yogurt stores. This is a popular trend that is being over expanded and will fizzle out, leaving empty stores. Last I looked, TCBY is still empty in West Orange.
Artie Zebofsky
9:56 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
What a great Idea!
As the exclusive listing real estate broker for this property; I can only tell you that a forum such as this is extremely helpful to all-especially the community. Keep the ideas coming-I'm listening.
Thirty Four
9:26 pm on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Too bad Smashburger got taken by E. Hanover (even though a chain owner is a Livingston resident - http://livingston.patch.com/articles/smashburger-a-smash-hit-in-new-jersey). Well, Five Guys would be a good one to add here.
wetochwink
7:40 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2012
The building facade needs updating. Too boring. A bread shop or bakery would fit. Burger joint too. Surf Taco is a good place too.
Artie Zebofsky
8:13 am on Monday, February 20, 2012
Parking is limited and restaurants need a specific amount of parking slots based on the square footage that they occupy and the seats provided for patrons..The existing space is is only 2200 sq ft. approx.including a garage of 600 square ft.