| Author |
Message |
    
Joan
Citizen
Username: Joancrystal
Post Number: 2583
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 10:57 am: |     |
2 acres with space for 70 cars? Sounds like about what the town is seeking for the new Police Station. Are you suggesting that we build the police station across from the high school?
Seriously, we need to develop more successful commercial enterprises if this town is going to survive. Too many long time citizens have been forced out of town already by the "keep the Currier and Ives look" crowd.
A store the size of a typical Walgreens may not fit on that site but a smaller convenience store, especially one which sold merchandise aimed at the needs and wants of high school aged consumers: stationary, music CDs, books, trendy fashion accessories, make-up, sundries, snack foods, sodas, lunch fixings and the like, if properly managed, could be a huge success at that location. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 2559
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 3:36 pm: | |
Joan, I'm talking about the library site for the Walgreens, and the pool site for the police department...
Oh, you say you already knew that? Listen, I'm also one of those "Keep the Currier and Ives Look" people, only that's for the Village, not the Avenue... |
Maplewoody
Citizen
Username: Maplewoody
Post Number: 500
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 6:53 pm: | |
Art,
There's a library already in close proximity to that location...the one on Baker Street!
Why would we need 2 libraries so close together? |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 480
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 6:23 am: | |
You can have practical, non chi-chi businesses and still more or less preserve the look of the town, can't you? I believe Princeton NJ managed that by having certain requirements (no neon at one point) of busiesses.
Anyway, the look of that corner isn't anything special so far as I can see. The electric repair shop? The karate school? The gas station? |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 4975
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 8:00 am: | |
I drove by the corner in question a couple of times over the weekend. A couple of points. First, the actual building housing Gordon Dart looks in very poor condition. Second, there is a big grade elevation on the site. Probably around 20 or 30 feet is 50 or 60 feet. Third, this ain't two acres. |
cmontyburns
Citizen
Username: Cmontyburns
Post Number: 37
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:59 am: | |
so just wondering: has anyone actually determined that a Walgreen's is indeed planning on moving to the site, or is this all speculation? |
botulismo
Citizen
Username: Botulismo
Post Number: 121
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 2:19 pm: | |
As I have been told, it's not a done deal yet. Three of the four landowners involved in this deal are apparently on board with selling to Wahlgreens. The parcel of land Wahlgreens is interested in, stretches the whole block from Jefferson to Parker on the west side of Valley. I have not been told the reason the last landowner had not decided to sell yet. |
Michael Janay
Citizen
Username: Childprotect
Post Number: 246
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 2:22 pm: | |
He's undoubtedly holding out for the best offer.
I hope Walgreens makes it.
That would be awesome... Especially if it were a 24 hour one! |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 400
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 5:06 pm: | |
I agree that the corner of Valley and Parker is no beauty, but that stretch of land currently contains several private houses towards the Jefferson end, doesn't it? Not sure I'm so thrilled about a semi-residential stretch being transformed into such a large-scale commercial enterprise -- a business of that type belongs on Springfield Avenue, not Valley. |
Michael Janay
Citizen
Username: Childprotect
Post Number: 252
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 5:18 pm: | |
So Supermarkets, car dealerships, garages, etc, are OK on Valley? How is Valley "semi-residential"?
Or are they only OK north of Parker?
A business of that type belongs wherever it can and will thrive. That corner is almost perfect. Its centrally located, across from a highschool where kids walk, and parents drop their kids off, and one that holds almost nightly adult classes and events. Valley is a heavily traveled artery. There isn't another store like it anywhere close (closest is Rite Aid in SO or CVS in Millburn) So it has a great chance to take much of its competitors business away.
God I hope it works out. |
mtierney
Citizen
Username: Mtierney
Post Number: 526
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 5:39 pm: | |
It may be urban myth, but I recall that Valley could not be made wider because the addition at CHS was essentially illegal when it was built. It is far too close to the street. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 401
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 5:51 pm: | |
Supermarkets, car dealerships, and garages are all over Valley Street in South Orange and on that short stretch of Valley in Maplewood north of Parker, and it's an eyesore. Why extend the blight further into Maplewood?
As it stands now, Valley south of Parker is a mix of residential, municipal, recreational, and small scale business, and it should stay that way. If Walgreens could confine their business to the already-commercial properties on the corner of Parker that would be one thing, but to have them take over a full block for a 15,000 sq foot store with a 70 car parking lot would be a huge mistake.
|
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 484
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 6:59 pm: | |
I hope someone does a traffic study before any decisions are made... |
Gene Z
Citizen
Username: Genez
Post Number: 52
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 8:15 pm: | |
Yes, traffic is a major concern at that corner, especially with the number of children crossing there during the school year.
Can anyone tell us what products/services a Walgreens would provide that are not already available at the A&P or Pathmark? And, please, not the usual negative rhetoric about those two stores. Objectively, other than tax ratables, what need would a Walgreens fill?
Z |
Tom Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 2605
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 8:23 pm: | |
Walgreens is what I would call an extended drug store, like Rite Aid (the big ones), Drug Fair, Eckerd, and CVS. There's a Walgreens on Irvington Ave and Manor Dr in Newark, across the street from Maplewood. I've been there a few times. It's a pretty useful place, actually, and it's open 24 hours.
I feel ambivalent about the possibility of having a Walgreens on Valley St. Mostly, it seems like a good idea, provided the project does it right, like handling the traffic adequately. I don't think it would make Valley St look any worse than it already does. |
Gene Z
Citizen
Username: Genez
Post Number: 53
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 8:37 pm: | |
Tom, I'm quite familiar with the Walgreens chain. I also agree that that corner could use some dressing up. But, the Walgreens on Irvington Ave is a 5 minute drive for me, should I wish to go there. Parker/Valley is a 5 minute walk. The A&P/Pathmark about ten minutes. Other than being open 24 hrs (which some might consider a negative) I still wonder what need a Walgreens at that location would fill.
Yes, I live in "the Box" as it has been called; but my major concern is any project's impact on traffic. I don't believe Valley was meant to be a "high density" traffic artery, like Springfield Ave; but, more of a local commercial zone for the neighboring residences. If anything does go in at that corner, it ought to be an improvement, not just a change. I think we're basically in agreement on this.
Z |
Michael Janay
Citizen
Username: Childprotect
Post Number: 257
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 10:36 am: | |
How much traffic do you think a Walgreens would cause?
Do you really think it would add more than say the A&P or a Gas station, or a day care center?
If its done right, with adequate parking there would probably be a improvement in traffic.
The need it would fill is one of convenience. Being able to drop off or pick up prescriptions, film, etc, while dropping kids off at school, or after an adult school class. Having a nice new and pleasant shopping experience in Maplewood (I realize that this is a foreign concept to most in the area). Being able to pop in to a store specifically designed so I can pick up a few essentials quickly.
It would be GREAT, and it would also put pressure on A&P and Pathmark to clean up their acts. |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 485
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 11:24 am: | |
"How much traffic do you think a Walgreens would cause?"
This is already a very busy intersection. I'm not against the store - I just want to make sure that it's not a huge mistake (i.e. ever driven down S. Orange Ave during rush hour? The "merge" is a nightmare.)
|
Gene Z
Citizen
Username: Genez
Post Number: 54
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 11:40 am: | |
M.J.: It (a Walgreens) would certainly cause more traffic than the current businesses at that location do.
At what price "convenience?" The argument M.J. makes "Being able to drop off or pick up prescriptions, film, etc, while dropping kids off at school, or after an adult school class..." is not convincing to me. The people fitting that description would probably be a very small percentage of the class of both a) those who use the high school; and b) those who use the Walgreens.
SoOrLady expressed my feeling. The A&P and Gas station are already there. If you want to "put pressure" on the A&P or Pathmark, why not speak to the management directly and express your issues.
If anything does go in at that corner, it ought to be an improvement, not just a change.
Z |
Michael Janay
Citizen
Username: Childprotect
Post Number: 260
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 12:25 pm: | |
"The people fitting that description would probably be a very small percentage of the class of both a) those who use the high school; and b) those who use the Walgreens"
That must be why Walgreens is considering the site...
The market puts pressure on competitors. Complaining to the management does nothing if they have no compelling reason to change. Why would they? Where else are you going to go?
Walgreens, Thats where.
They were on Dateline for gods sake and they haven't changed one bit!
A walgreens would be an absolute improvement.
You really think that if you are dropping off your kid and need something you wouldn't run in. Or if you drop your kid off every day you wouldn't think about getting your prescriptions filled there so you don't have to go out of your way?
"The A&P and Gas station are already there."
Exactly, do you think that a walgreens would add to the amount of traffic? It would be redistributing traffic from the existing businesses. The amount of additional traffic would be minimal. |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 487
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 1:05 pm: | |
MJ - I don't follow your thinking.... at present, there is not much on that corner to attract a number of people, yet it is a very busy corner a good portion of the day and evening. People who presently shop at the Millburn Mall's Drug Fair (refer to old threads) might redirect their path to Walgreen's - same for people who go to the Rite Aid in S. Orange. This ADDS traffic. I'd love to see that corner spruced up and productive - I'm just not convinced that a business that has a high volumn of quick-turnover traffic is the answer |
Gene Z
Citizen
Username: Genez
Post Number: 55
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 1:24 pm: | |
M.J. wrote: "Exactly, do you think that a walgreens would add to the amount of traffic?"
Without a doubt, and tremendously.
M.J.; disclosure time. You don't own stock in Walgreens, do you?
S.O.L.; please take it from here. I'm tired and have to get some work done.
Z |
snshirsch
Citizen
Username: Snshirsch
Post Number: 130
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 1:48 pm: | |
My understanding was that South Orange stores could not be open past 11:00. Pathmark would probably be a 24 hour store like their location in West Orange if they could keep it open. Are there any laws in Maplewood forbidding a 24 hour store? |
Michael Janay
Citizen
Username: Childprotect
Post Number: 262
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 2:18 pm: | |
I don't own stock in Walgreens, I just live near the proposed site and would LOVE to have one so close. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 5078
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 2:37 pm: | |
Since there is a very significant slope between Valley and the river I suspect if a Walgreens is built there it will be on the lower portion of the property and probably not all that intrusive, other than the sign, from Valley Street. Parking, especially in a snow storm, should be interesting. |
Joe
Citizen
Username: Gonets
Post Number: 21
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 2:49 pm: | |
For what it's worth, up until last year I lived in Woodbridge where they had just put in a Walgreens. It was new and lousy.
First off they, like CVS in Upper Montclair, engaged in the sneaky tactic of filling prescription skin ointment with a tube that was half the size ordered but only 3/4's the price. In each instance (both did this twice) they explained that it's less money, duh, but we're getting ripped off nonetheless.
Second, in the year that I dealt with their business, I encountered only one person working there was competent and reasonably conscientious. The rest were indolent, inefficient and gave off that vibe that they deeply resented the inconvenience that having a job presented.
Third, they were bad neighbors. They didn't do a good job cleaning up litter in their lot and didn't shovel anywhere but right in front of the entrance. We had a lot of snow that particular winter and one day I went by and the walkway and sidewalk were a sheet of ice. I picked up milk and complained to a manager who promised to get someone on it. Went in that evening to pick something else up and nothing was done. I asked to speak to a manager, they get one for me.
I told her this isn't so much for me, but they have lots of elderly people who walk there every day. If they fall they'll sue the pants off of you. Her response, "I understand but there's nothing I can do."
"Nothing you can do? As the manager why don't you just tell someone to go out there and shovel?"
"Well, I'm not a real manager."
I'll never forget that lame copout. It was both infuriating and hilarious. Aparently, the real manager had gone home for the day, but she was going to leave a note.
Anyway, I don't know that the personel at the new Walgreens will be this abysmally bad, but my experience with this chain seems to indicate that they don't actively seek the best and the brightest. Generally, the workers at the CVS around the corner were significantly better.
Hopefully, the personel problems were unique to this particular store in Woodbridge. If not 2 years from now we'll be bemoaning what a blight Walgreens is whereever they happen to put it. |
LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Citizen
Username: Librarylady
Post Number: 1311
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 3:04 pm: | |
The daycare and private home in the middle of the block are NOT for sale. Don't know if they can or would want to build just on the corner. |
amandacat
Citizen
Username: Amandacat
Post Number: 405
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 4:49 pm: | |
Thanks for that information, Library Lady. |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 500
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 - 5:22 pm: | |
Too bad the Walgreen's can't take over the A&P space....I wouldn't mind a Walgreen's and, say, a TruValue or Ace hardware store on that street... |
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