| Author | Message | ||
     MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4219 Registered: 5-2001  |
I knew I had a deja vu when I heard a "start date" for the Supermarket Construction. I just came across a similar post back in SEPTEMBER: http://www.southorangevillage.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=3133&post=457727#POST4577 27 | ||
| Lucy Supporter Username: Lucy Post Number: 4110 Registered: 5-2005  |
Thanks MHD  | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4224 Registered: 5-2001 |
It's been less than 24 hours and already, the story has changed: http://www.southorange.org/articles.asp?articleID=161 June 13, 2006 ShopRite Parking Lot to Close on June 14 On Wednesday, June 14th, the ShopRite lot will no longer be available for parking. The lot is closing so that preliminary site preparation may begin for construction. The Board of Trustees approved the agreement between Garden of Eden Markets and Sterling Properties (New Market's developer) on Monday, June 12th, allowing for contractor mobilization and site preparation to begin, and to proceed throughout the summer. Excavation is scheduled to begin in September with actual construction following. Please check our website frequently for ongoing updates. | ||
| Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro  Post Number: 3369 Registered: 5-2004  |
MHD, I'm surprised at you. Even right there on the page it says: "Please check our website frequently for ongoing updates." I see the problem. You assumed the updated would be about progress...  | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 2019 Registered: 8-2002 |
in all fairness -- the supermarket will (!) open by Christmas, but the condos etc will happen later (which would be the Sept excavation, at least as I heard it. time will tell, of course /p | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4226 Registered: 5-2001 |
Pete, I THINK the excavation is for the Parking Deck, which we have always been told will be done first before the Supermarket can open. | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9880 Registered: 4-1997  |
/discus/messages/65301/2584.html?984179759 | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4228 Registered: 5-2001 |
Dave, This is actually the reference I was thinking of: http://www.southorangevillage.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=3133&post=408273#POST4082 73
Mark was right....but only one year off.  | ||
| Dave Supporter Username: Dave Post Number: 9881 Registered: 4-1997 |
Only on year off.... so far. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4229 Registered: 5-2001 |
Another ironic blast from the past: http://www.southorangevillage.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=3133&post=411471#POST4114 7
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| Tom Reingold Supporter Username: Noglider Post Number: 14701 Registered: 1-2003  |
Using the word "should" gives everyone an "out." Everyone is (was) angry because the key people missed all the previous dates. Those dates were meaningless. Now you have new dates. Why do you find that comforting at all? These people have wasted all credibility. Have they done something to earn it back? Is announcing dates all it takes? | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1803 Registered: 3-2003 |
So this has been the history of the Shoprite site: Way back when, we (the residents of SO) were told that in order to get someone to come in and develop a market, it was necessary to allow the developer to also develop Vose Ave., and it was necessary to give the developer a PILOT for both the market as well as the residental units on Vose. South Mountain Development was given the right to develop the market sight and Vose Ave. South Mountain then brought in Sterling, and the split was that South Mountain kept the market sight and Sterling would have the residential. John Choi was named as the operator of the market and the whole development was given a PILOT. South Mountain steps out of the picture entirely. Sterling finds Garden of Eden and Garden of Eden is not only the operator of the market but the owner as well. Garden of Eden gets the PILOT for the market. Sterling keeps the PILOT for the residential, which is the only thing it wanted anyway. Edited to add: Also, the problem with the contamination arose because the developer needed to excavate for the parking garage to accomodate the cars from the residential units on Vose. As it stands now, there will be a lot less parking for the market customers than the old Shoprite site. | ||
| vermontgolfer Supporter Username: Vermontgolfer Post Number: 466 Registered: 12-2002 |
Happened to drive by the parking lot behind Shop Rite around 9:00 AM and they clearly had the lot closed to cars. Can't comment on any digging, since at that time, nothing had started. | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 1272 Registered: 5-2003 |
Today Mr. Lizziecat was told by the parking lot guard behind the Shop Rite that the lot behind Toro Loco is going to be switched from individual meters to one central metered location. The guard said that while this is being done that parking lit will be CLOSED--and that it will take at least a month! Mr. Lizziecat remarked that with no place to park downtown, nobody will be able to patronize the restaurants and other businesses in the area. The guard shrugged and suggested that he take it up with the BOT. What can these people be thinking? Why do we need to have the meters switched, and why should it take a month, and why close the lot to do it? | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2826 Registered: 4-2002 |
Lizzie: I am pretty sure the lot is being renovated (paving, restriping, etc), not just new meters, otherwise the lot would stay open. The parking authority coordinates and manages the parking lots. I know I asked them about the timing and the length. I get the feeling there is never a good time to do work to a parking lot, but when this was planned, the firehouse construction was supposed to have been finished so that those spaces were going to be available (and for those who will ask, the contractor for the firehouse blew his deadline, did not get paid and a new one had to be bought in - all thanks to the low-bidding process, but that is all for a different thread). | ||
| SOrising Citizen Username: Sorising Post Number: 421 Registered: 2-2006 |
Start a thread on the bidding process, T. Rosner. It does nothing good for the village from what I've seen. I don't know how the town gets any decent contractors for anything. Unbelievable. | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 1273 Registered: 5-2003 |
Mr. Rosner; Thank you for the explanation. However, I think that with parking at a premium downtown, it is counterproductive to close a large parking lot at this time. I think that renovation on that particular lot should be deferred until the work on the firehouse is completed so that those spaces will be available. On the one hand the BOT talks about wanting to encourage businesses and restaurants and the patronage of them in our downtown, and on the other hand the BOT and the parking authority authorize a parking lot renovation and closure which will make it impossible for potential patrons to visit these businesses and restaurants. I know that there have been several occasions when my husband and I, because we have been unable to park downtown, have changed our plans and patronized a restaurant in another town. The fact is that if we can't park downtown, we won't go there. Nor will lots of other people. What will happen to the stores and restaurants if people can't patronize them? | ||
| vermontgolfer Supporter Username: Vermontgolfer Post Number: 468 Registered: 12-2002 |
Folks, you're missing the big picture. They need to get this lot ready for when all the tourists come to marvel at TAU! Sorry Mark, I couldn't resist!  | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 579 Registered: 1-2006 |
A new diner in town, and parking will be crippled. Great news. The lot works fine for everyone, every day. Just spend someone else's money, please. jd | ||
| SO1969 Citizen Username: Bklyn1969 Post Number: 343 Registered: 7-2004 |
Paving a parking lot seems like a relatively simple undertaking. The timing of this is ridiculous. - Parking at old Shop Rite is gone - Parking by firehouse is reduced - I don't know for sure,I think SOPAC construction is taking up some parking How do the minds at the Parking Authority work? Would postponing until the firehouse was done, SOPAC was done, and parking intended for the old Gulf Station was built have posed such a burden? Maybe a re-bid of a bid contract? Or was it even bid out? Who is the contractor and how were they selected? Is the lot perfect? No, but there are many streets in equally bad shape. I think the parking lot could wait until next summer...could the campaign donors? | ||
| jayjay Citizen Username: Jayjayp Post Number: 691 Registered: 6-2005 |
Doesn't Millenium have development rights to this parking lot, along with the whole area beyond it? Or is that still up for grabs? In any event, with all the discussion about whether to develop or not this area, shouldn't any repaving/meter changes be held off until its decided. Or is this another gazebo? Put it up and tear it down. Or in this case, pave it over, then rip it up. Money be damned. | ||
| Josh Holtz Citizen Username: Jholtz Post Number: 490 Registered: 4-2004 |
You all are worrying too much. If Beifus doesn't start construction by May 9th then his lot will be converted into a parking lot and all of the parking issues in town will be resolved. Oh ... wait. | ||
| Cali6buff Citizen Username: Cali6buff Post Number: 30 Registered: 4-2006 |
<sarcasm> We really should only do one project at a time. That was it will take 10 years to paint lines on the street. </sarcasm> | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2827 Registered: 4-2002 |
jayjay: Millennium does not have the development rights to the lot in question. And they do not own any property in S. ORange so they really have nothing more than a vision on paper at this time. Fancy presentations, meetings, full page ads are all nice, but they add up to nothing. They were named as developer for the third street lot, but they have yet to take the steps needed to go to the next step. It is clear they want a much bigger slice of the pie (all of valley street) but they will have to compete with other developers for that right (if valley street is to be redeveloped/rehabilitated). | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4235 Registered: 5-2001 |
Someone needs to tell that to Bill Calabrese. | ||
| jeep Citizen Username: Jeep Post Number: 182 Registered: 8-2005 |
Ok MHD come clean you clearly are planning to either run for office or campaign for someone which is it! | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4236 Registered: 5-2001 |
OK, jeep...you got me. I hereby announce the start of my campaign for Bill Calabrese.  | ||
| Soparents Citizen Username: Soparents Post Number: 1035 Registered: 5-2005  |
Back to the thread... I am somewhat concerned about Eden Gourmet coming here. Don't get me wrong, I think it will be wonderful, but it says in the Gaslight, that Eden want to come here, as they know there is a need for someone like them, because of the close proximity to the railroad, and for the progressive downtown development plans. THAT is the part that worries me.... I called Eden Corporate office and asked when they were coming as I would be first in line with my shopping cart, and they said that they will be opening one in Hoboken. I said well, that's Jersey, but that's a bit further for me, and that I had heard they will be opening one in South Orange. The woman hestitated quite a while before asking where I had heard that as she knew nothing about it. I said that I heard it from our town. She went quiet again and then somewhat tried to cover by saying that maybe by the end of the year. I didn't find this encouraging, as before she has said that the only store they were opening was Hoboken. Trustee Rosner, if you are reading this, do you know if Eden have really been picked/signed/cast in stone etc etc? The phrasing in the Gaslight may be a bad choice of words. "Progressive" is not a word that comes to mind, is there any chance that we could lose them? I hope not as I really think it would be so great for the town. | ||
| Pippi Supporter Username: Pippi Post Number: 2345 Registered: 8-2003  |
I wouldn't be surprised if, once Eden found exactly how "progressive" our development is, they backed out. | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2828 Registered: 4-2002 |
SOParents: GOE signed a contract with the developer. We passed a resolution the other night giving our blessing (for lack of a better choice of words). I guess anything is possible and nothing surprises me anymore, but as far as I can tell GOE is coming to S. Orange. I do not know who you spoke with but I also doubt that GOE was going to tell their staff people anything till the deal was signed, sealed and approved. | ||
| Tuxedo Citizen Username: Tuxedo Post Number: 34 Registered: 7-2004 |
So happy to see the notice in the Gaslight...then as I read, no info on WHEN. Psych! They only published this little blurb as a PR gimmick to make us think there has been progress. Quotes from the NY Times on shiny peppers? How about a quote from Eden or Calabrese or the Developer. Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies. | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2829 Registered: 4-2002 |
Tuxedo: If there was no "blurb" then people would say how come nothing was said when a contract was signed in May .... The gaslight is published without input from the BOT so I know why there was no quote from any of us. Nobody wants to give a firm date until they start their construction. GOE thinks they can be open by the end of the year if they do not find any surprises inside the building. I think everyone will have a better idea of a more exact time frame by the mid-summer. And I agree the Developer and/or GOE should make a statement. | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1805 Registered: 3-2003 |
Mark - When is it anticipated that the Village will receive the initial payment of $1 million towards the purchase price? Does it depend on when title passes to Sterling, or now that GOE is to be the owner of the building, will payment be received before passage of title to Sterling? And how does the split of ownership betwen GOE and Sterling work out as it pertains to the old Shoprite building? Are lofts still planned for the Shoprite building, and if so who will be the developer? The original deal called for the Village to hold a mortgage for $1 million which would be repaid as the lofts were sold. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4237 Registered: 5-2001 |
Oh by the way, today is June 15 and construction has not started! Watch Calabrese's update from Monday night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4l0o_xIBw8 ...and Parking? Who needs parking? | ||
| Spitz Supporter Username: Doublea Post Number: 1806 Registered: 3-2003 |
Mark - I guess the critical thing is whether the $1 million will be received before the budget is adopted. Generally, the budget is adopted in September, after the announcement of any extraordinary aid from the state. Sterling can't obtain financing until it excavates to determine the extent of the contamination. It's now been stated that Sterling won't begin excavation until September. Will this upset the financial plans of the Village for 2006 to use $550,000 in 2006 to help with the budget crisis? | ||
| mrosner Citizen Username: Mrosner Post Number: 2830 Registered: 4-2002 |
Spitz: I think the closing and first installment is to be in mid-July. I don't think the lofts are in the plans any longer, but I hope to know/have all the details regarding the purchase of the property, etc. We were told the net to the village will remain the same with the same type of timeframe. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4243 Registered: 5-2001 |
June 16 - still no construction. | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 586 Registered: 1-2006 |
So, fearless leader tells us that if the operator of the market is not worried about parking, "we" are not worried. No, "we" are afraid, very afraid. Turning over government to friends of Bill, again. jd | ||
| P.A.G.A.N. Citizen Username: Mattfoley Post Number: 691 Registered: 6-2004  |
I know I am an easy candidate for MOL Most Juvenile Posting. That said, why don't we just call this supermarket project what it is...BULLSHIrT! | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4249 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think the sheer fact that the Supermarket Operator isn't "worried about parking" shows they may not be ready for life here in the suburbs. All of their other stores are in NYC (and soon Hoboken) where obviously parking is not "expected". Opening a supermarket out here in the suburbs without parking is a HUGE issue and it makes me wonder if there aren't other suburban differences they aren't accounting for. |
