| Author | Message | ||
     Montagnard Citizen Username: Montagnard Post Number: 1984 Registered: 6-2003  |
Driving through kind of misses the point. Living near Springfield and walking to the stores is a completely different experience. I'd suggest you just stay in your car and keep on driving till you hit Wyoming. | ||
| S.L.K. 2.0 Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 1888 Registered: 10-2005  |
Chris- Welcome and ignore njphilf. The guy use to live here bashing our neighborhood and recently moved away to continue bashing it. He gets an erection everytime this topic comes up (which has many times). Another character, Lester, should be jumping in soon. njphilf you really don't know how to let go do you? Or you just don't get it. ALL of Maplewood is bordered by Vauxhall, Irvington and Newark. Buying a house "closer to Tuscan" doesn't put that much of a buffer between an individual and "Maplehood." It is funny how car thefts are much mor prevalent on the other side of SA...hmmmm...wonder why.... Instead of chipping in to make things better you took the easy way out and ran away. Now live with your choices and begone. -SLK | ||
| Lester Jacobs Citizen Username: Lester Post Number: 119 Registered: 10-2005 |
"ALL of Maplewood is bordered by Vauxhall, Irvington and Newark" ???? What? Isn't most of the town bordered by South Orange and Millburn? The only parts bordered by Newark, Irvington, and Vauxhall are the crummy parts. | ||
| Parkbench87 Citizen Username: Parkbench87 Post Number: 5296 Registered: 7-2001  |
Dear Lester, Looking forward to your concert on October 31st. I can see you are working on all your classic tunes. I will be traveling from one of the crummy parts of Maplewood, but I am still a big fan. Will Njphilf and his rap group be the opening act? I love the way he scratches his broken records. Love PB http://www.southorangevillage.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=3135&post=681989#POST6819 89 | ||
| S.L.K. 2.0 Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 1889 Registered: 10-2005 |
Lester- Ok, let me correct myself...2/3 of Maplewood is bordered by Vauxhall, Irvington and Newark. Don't kid yourself thinking that a mere mile or two separating most maplewoodians from Vauxhall, Irvington, Newark etc. provides a huge buffer. How far do the folks living near Tuscan school live from Vauxhall? Less than a mile? Huge buffer there... Lester, I really don't understand you. My family lived here just over a year and we see the progress made in Hilton/on SA. You obviously lived here longer and can't. You and NJPhil seem to expect everything to happen overnight, which is just plain ridiculous. The fact that you rag on your own hood is strange but not as creepy as someone moving away and ragging on it (yes you, NJPhil). All the new young families moving into Hilton knew exactly what they were buying into. DO you know how i know this, because i talked to them. We know we weren't into the more glamourous side of town but we saw the potential it had. And guess what? Are predictions are coming true, no thanks to you with your innudating crticism and zero solutions. If you don't like living in Hilton just move. How difficult is that? Your pessimism is appaling... I am really starting to wonder if you know a crappy neighborhood is? Are you ever going to take me up on my offer to go to Brooklyn? -SLK BTW, what is wrong with Vauxhall anyways? I drive through there all times during the day and it seems quiet to me. I have been told my multiple sources that it is a stable community overall. Why is it a ghetto. Trust me, i am the last to pull out a race card but it seems to me that there is one too many black faces that is making you uncomfortable... Lester, if you ever want to talk about this in person meet me at Netnomads on Saturday, say 11ish? I'll by you a cup of coffee and we'll chat...you in? | ||
| bklyntonj Citizen Username: Bklyntonj Post Number: 752 Registered: 7-2003 |
Just curious, why would someone who used to live here and left because of a bad perception of Maplewood, still be interested in what goes on here? Also, why would someone who lives here, bad-mouth their town or section without lifting a finger to change things? ***These are not rhetorical questions*** | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater  Post Number: 2539 Registered: 10-2004 |
SLK, I am NOT going to stand up for Lester or NJPhil. What a bloody waste of time, but I do understand people's fears about Vauxhall. Yes, surely it's a race thing but it also is a crime thing. When we first moved here 3 years back, we heard about a rape near the Dunkin Donuts which scared the bejeezus out of us since we had just put in a bid on a home not all that far from there. Also, when we get off 78 and drive through Vauxhall to trim off a light or two there is always a bunch of kids hanging out at all hours of the night. I'm not saying they are doing anything wrong (although there are often cops patrolling that area heavily which makes me suspect drugs), but I don't want a gaggle of kids out on my street late into the night. So I would say there is a problem in some of that area. Also it is clear that the people living in that area don't have a lot of money. Being poor isn't a sin by any stretch of the imagination, but it does mean that some of the homes are not so attractive or being maintained properly. Clearly none of us wanted to move there, because none of us did. The Hilton section is definitely "on the way up". I'm not certain that Vauxhall is, however. | ||
| Psychomom Citizen Username: Psychomom Post Number: 619 Registered: 5-2005  |
For years Vauxhall has been the "Hilton" of Union. Not a bad area but less prestigious. I think Vauxhall is seeing a real renaissance with all the new condo townhouses being built and they seem to be kept up very nicely. The concerts at Biertumpfel park add to the appeal. It strikes me that Maplewoodians feel about their town like I would about a family member...I can complain about them and it's ok but let someone outside say something and "them's fightin words" When I, an Irvington resident suggested that parts of Maplewood were no better than the part of Irvington that I live in OMG you would have thought I was going to be hunted out and tarred and feathered. Now Maplewoodians are saying that there are areas of the town that are not all that and a bag of chips and suddenly it's ok. Very amusing to me. | ||
| slipknot (slippy) Citizen Username: Zotts Post Number: 287 Registered: 7-2004  |
Verizon has been running fiber in the Hilton area this week. I just saw them on the other side of SA this am, so I guess they'll do the rest of the town. Anyone know when it will be lit? | ||
| Fruitcake Citizen Username: Fruitcake Post Number: 314 Registered: 9-2003 |
NJ Phil's favorite song is "Never Can Say Goodbye". | ||
| Ken Scout Citizen Username: Lightningken Post Number: 155 Registered: 11-2005 |
Not a millionaire, so i can't fund the project (shux) but I am aware of a liquor license that has been floating around and available. Consider this a verifiable, legitimate rumor that my friend told me about....How about this as a concept: Left Side/Entrance: Belgium Bar with th3e most Belgium Beers available this side of the Hudson. Right Side/Entrance: French Wine Bar with a French Wine Bar with in depth selections from all around the country. Where they meet in the middle we can put a subway turnstile with a Kissing Booth for entrance to cross. I'll man it for the first few months. | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 15434 Registered: 1-2003  |
njphilf, if someone doesn't have an extra $125,000 lying around, I trust you'll be willing to pitch in, right? Suppose someone told you that you should have spent an extra 30% or so on your house. What kind of dope slap would you give him? bklntonj, I suspect a person would trash his former neighborhood to reinforce in his mind his own decision to leave. Maybe he has self doubts. What else would explain the repetition? | ||
| Stephanie N. Citizen Username: Stephanie_n Post Number: 20 Registered: 1-2006 |
I think the Hilton jitney is also helping to revitalize the area. It gives an option to those of us who work in the city and want to live in Maplewood, but can't afford to live within walking distance of the train station. | ||
| S.L.K. 2.0 Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 1891 Registered: 10-2005 |
alleygater- I hear you, but compared to other areas close by, Vauxhall is a walk in the park... -SLK | ||
| Chris Citizen Username: Crussell96 Post Number: 2 Registered: 7-2006 |
Thanks for the welcome. And as far as spending another $125,000, sorry, didnt have that lying around. | ||
| S.L.K. 2.0 Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 1894 Registered: 10-2005 |
I am starting to believe that it is the fact that SA/Hilton is getting better that bothers lester/NJPhil the most. Chris, not to creep you out but I think I saw you around a couple of times. I will make sure to say hello next time....again welcome and thanks for your optimistic spirit, something Lester/njphil could use... -SLK | ||
| Lester Jacobs Citizen Username: Lester Post Number: 120 Registered: 10-2005 |
SLK, I am happy you have enthusiasm for your new neighborhood, and I hope it works out for you. You just have to understand that the odds are against the Hilton area becoming nice. Unless Irvington and Vauxhall vastly improve that area will always be the least desirable in Maplewood. Look at the housing prices in the Hilton/Lightning Brook section. They are pretty much on par with Orange and East Orange. There is no such thing as a free lunch so that should tell you something right there. | ||
| S.L.K. 2.0 Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 1899 Registered: 10-2005 |
Lester- But that is what you fail to see, no one is trying to make Hilton the MOST desirable in Maplewood. -SLK | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 15454 Registered: 1-2003 |
For some reason, I'm stuck on that phrase "you have to understand." Why does one have to understand this? So you can make him feel bad or something? | ||
| Lester Jacobs Citizen Username: Lester Post Number: 121 Registered: 10-2005 |
Tom, I don't want to make SLK feel bad. I am trying to point out objectively to anybody else condsidering the other side of SA on the hopes of it appreciating significantly (or even holding its value)is taking a huge gamble that will probably not pay off. Also in relation to this thread I believe that the town is wasting taxpayer money on any improvements to SA in the belief that it will attract higher-end establishments. | ||
| C Bataille Citizen Username: Nakaille Post Number: 2718 Registered: 5-2001 |
LJ: Well the fact is that Hilton properties have appreciated significantly over the past decade. So that gamble has already paid off for many folks. No town is equally wealthy in all parts, except possibly the more sterile of the planned communities. You might want to look into that, LJ. Or check out Stepford. And if you think Hilton and East Orange are really comparable then I've got a couple of bridges I'd be happy to sell you (I'll even throw in some "fabulous" swampland.) I used to live in East Orange and I've spent my entire adult life working in NJ's cities, mostly with families heavily impacted by drugs and other severe problems. It's amazing how reality can color perspective. "Objective"?! LOL! Lester, have you sold your house yet? Are you still looking into that rental deal where you hoped to lease to tenants with Section 8 subsidies? Great way to attract stable tenants who have both the energy and wherewithal to invest in their community. Not. The problem for Vauxhall (and we're talking about the part just this side of 78 as that is what is adjacent to Maplewood) is that 78 cut it off completely from the rest of the town. A large part of it is a neglected annex that Union ignores except to collect taxes from the likes of Home Despot. If we ignore Hilton it is also likely to deteriorate. As we invest in Springfield Ave, Hilton remains viable and even, as posters above have noted, a terrific destination for families that want to be part of the greatness that is Maplewood but who don't have the deep pockets of some of our neighbors. An excellent investment indeed, SLK. But not for everyone apparently. | ||
| Scully Citizen Username: Scully Post Number: 999 Registered: 8-2005 |
Just spent some lazy afternoon time on SA sitting on a bench with a coffee from Meow and a nosh from NetNomads watching the grandkids chase down bubbles from the purple teddy bear in front of Wooden You Know. And it sunk in just how much the area has changed. The naysayers must be deaf, dumb AND blind! | ||
| Lester Jacobs Citizen Username: Lester Post Number: 122 Registered: 10-2005 |
Deep pockets? Last time I checked most houses in Maplewood/SO were very affordable compared to most towns in NJ. For the most part a working/middle class family can afford most houses in the 2 towns. Check out towns like Madison, Mendham, Harding, or Chatham and see where people with deep pockets really live. | ||
| Trent_Daddy Citizen Username: Tcedwards Post Number: 201 Registered: 6-2001 |
From C Bataille: "Union ignores except to collect taxes..." Do some research on Vaxhall. You may learn there are interesting reasons why it is somewhat removed from Union itself. TD | ||
| C Bataille Citizen Username: Nakaille Post Number: 2719 Registered: 5-2001 |
LJ, I grew up in Madison. Like any other town it has its "tonier" sections and its more affordable sections and plenty in between. We were part of the "in between." TCE, enlighten us on Vauxhall, if you will. | ||
| canismajor Citizen Username: Canismajor Post Number: 451 Registered: 7-2001 |
TD,I'm with C Bataille, please enlighten us as to the reasons that Vauxhall is alienated fron Union proper. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 12498 Registered: 5-2001 |
It is all the fault of the Maplewood Republicans!!! The original route for 78 was along Boyden Avenue in Maplewood. Bob Grasmere, the then Mayor of Maplewood, led the charge to get the highway rerouted south of Maplewood. The result was very Robert Moses. The Vauxhall area of Union was cut off from the rest of the town. I believe Vauxhall Road is the only crossing of Route 78 in Union, although it is too early to pull out a map and check this. | ||
| george H Citizen Username: Georgieboy Post Number: 317 Registered: 8-2005 |
Burnet Ave.also crosses over and backdoor's into the "Hall".Stuyvestant Ave. by Stanley Terr. goes under 24/78. | ||
| Lester Jacobs Citizen Username: Lester Post Number: 123 Registered: 10-2005 |
CB, Here are some quick stats from Realtor.com: highest price house in Madison is $5.7MM, in Chatham it is $3.2MM, in MW it is $1.3MM. The Lowest price for a place in Madison is $400K, in Chatham it is $329K, and in MW it is $170K. It looks like people with deep pockets are willing to pay 2-3 times more to live in Chatham or Madison over Maplewood. Don't kid yourself that MW is a top-tier town. It is more the equivalent of Springfield or West Orange. High-end retailers know this, and that is why they are not investing in SA. | ||
| jeffl Supporter Username: Jeffl Post Number: 1846 Registered: 8-2001  |
LJ, do you feel it's your mission to place SA in as bad a light as possible? Why would someone want to do that? Why not comment on the 180 degree turn in the look of parts of the Avenue, like the Prospect node? Have you looked at the block east of Prospect on SA. I looks great now and with Bumper to Bumper and the gas station both being replaced with new retail/residential, that area is going to be completely transformed. And then there's the police station, Springfield Commons, the church... I guess there are always "half empty" types. To each his own. I'm going for some coffee at Cafe Meow... | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 9168 Registered: 5-2001  |
"Half empty" is too optimistic for our friend.... | ||
| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 15461 Registered: 1-2003 |
Lester (if you're not a troll, and I have my suspicions), deep pockets is a relative term. Sure, the rich in Maplewood seem poor to others. That's fine. The point we are making is that it is not easy for all Maplewood residents to afford all houses. Just because someone can afford to move in south of Springfield Ave doesn't mean he can affort to live anywhere in Maplewood. It may be easy for you, but take a look at some demographics. The median household income in Maplewood is about $70,000 or $80,000. It's unlikely to have the means to buy a $1.3M house on that income. Now imagine buying one when you're at the bottom of Maplewood. The fact that houses cost more outside Maplewood doesn't put those $1.3M houses closer into reach. | ||
| Lester Jacobs Citizen Username: Lester Post Number: 124 Registered: 10-2005 |
Tom and all, I think you are all missing my point. The whole idea behind improving SA was to attract high-end businesses and lower the tax burden on some of the residences. What I have been trying to point out is that although SA does look better, it will never be able to attract the type of establishments the town leaders at the time envisioned. What has been the ROI for the investments so far on SA? Although MW is mostly a decent community, it is not a high end town. Trying to recruit high-end businesses to the worst part of town is a losing proposition. It is simply not going to happen. How much money is being wasted on a new police station we don't need? How much in tax revenue will this new church bring in? How many more deliquent kids from Irvington are going to be in our school system because of these high density housing projects going up? | ||
| S.L.K. 2.0 Citizen Username: Scrotisloknows Post Number: 1911 Registered: 10-2005 |
Lester- Please define "high-end businesses?" I don't think anyone is holding their breath for a Brooks Brothers to open up on SA. And where are these housing projeccts going up? It seems you are the only one that knows about this.... It seems you'll rag on SA/Hilton no matter what is (or isn't) done to it. -SLK | ||
| Carl Thompson Citizen Username: Topcat Post Number: 213 Registered: 4-2003  |
You guys gotta stop feedin' the troll!  | ||
| Mtam Citizen Username: Mtam Post Number: 144 Registered: 11-2005 |
All I can say is Springfield Avenue has become my favorite place to go--and I live in the "expensive" part of town where I can walk into Maplewood Village all the time. I find the village sweet and quaint and I'm happy for many of the amenities, like the movie theater, but to me, a lot of it is stuck in a fifties suburban time warp. I'm glad that the furniture store does well, but it has nothing to do with my taste and I've never bought a single thing there. What's going on on Springfield Avenue has nothing to do with chain stores--those always follow a trend. What's happening is a kind of gentrification, for the better, and from storeowners who have flair, personality, and are offering what people like me want. I use the Shakti Yoga once a week, have already been to Cafe Meow twice in one week, my kids take classes at Stories in Motion and when the Bead Shop reopens, I'll be there for some repairs and presents. Oh, and I forgot that I much prefer shopping with my kids for stuff at Wooden You Know. I'm eager to see some other businesses coming in. I never shop in Millburn (occasionally at PAD) but I do on Bloomfield in Montclair, which is what SA could resemble if the momentum keeps up. In fact the Bloomfield area, which is all individual shops, only recently attracted a chain store--Urban Outfitters--and that's obviously because of the cultural vibe that the downtown had created. People like Lester and the others--you'll never have an eye for what is meant by this kind of change so I don't know why you keep pontificating. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 9178 Registered: 5-2001 |
I hate to take away from the 99% positive energy of this thread, but what happened to Stories in Motion? | ||
| crabby Citizen Username: Crabbyappleton Post Number: 768 Registered: 1-2004 |
(after having read this thread back a few pages)... lester- the Starbucks was considering going in where Leo's Nails is in the village (NOT SA). They didn't for whatever reason - I don't know. | ||
| Lester Jacobs Citizen Username: Lester Post Number: 125 Registered: 10-2005 |
I think people on this board start calling me a troll when they know I am right. SLK what I mean by "high-end" are establishments like "Trader Joes", "Ann Taylor Loft", and "Johnny Rockets". All of these establishments were mentioned in a report from the town a few years back. I think it still might be on the town's website. | ||
| John Citizen Username: Jdm Post Number: 126 Registered: 3-2006 |
greenetree, Nothing's happened to SinM. I believe the owner was on vacation last week, but I saw her yesterday and I think classes are back in session. The Beaded-Path-ers are on vacation this week. (Otherwise I'm with Carl on this one: stop feeding the trolls! Surely others have a short list of posters to whom they refuse to respond; if so, I'd recommend a few from this thread.  ) |
