Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
What do people think about the updates in Florham Park? I'm glad that are redoing the McDonalds shopping center, as it was sad and dated. I wonder what us going to happen to the old Walgreens shopping center once Walgreens and Trader Joes leaves. I heard they are putting a pub into Trader's space. It would be nice to have a place to get a drink in that area.
My biggest issue is that you have to drive to each shopping center. I have to drive to the bank, to Kings, to CVS, to Nonna's, to UPS. Yes, you could taken you life in your hands and try to cross Columbia Tpk, but not me. Also, there are signs saying parking for blah blah only. You aren't even supposed to park by Starbucks and then walk to the bagel shop! Annoying!
From the perspective of a 55+ year resident, it should be an improvement.
However, Florham Park will never have a truly walkable downtown. It was just never planned out that way. Large plots were sold to developers who just put in shopping centers wherever they could.
What specifically did you hear about a bar going into Trader Joe's? I'd like to know more about that.
I'm frankly much more concerned about that project across from the little red schoolhouse and never even broke ground because they never planned for appropriate parking. What a disgrace that is.
I'm also getting really tired of looking at that empty Bennigan's building. I suppose yet another bank will come along and buy the land and knock it down (again.) Frankly I'd rather see a Perkins, or a non-chain, well-managed bar.
I still hate how Kruvant screwed up the parking lot in front of the post office with all of that unnecessary Belgian block.
What specifically did you hear about a bar going into Trader Joe's? I'd like to know more about that.
I'm also getting really tired of looking at that empty Bennigan's building. I suppose yet another bank will come along and buy the land and knock it down (again.) Frankly I'd rather see a Perkins, or a non-chain, well-managed bar.
I still hate how Kruvant screwed up the parking lot in front of the post office with all of that unnecessary Belgian block.
Rhys
An Irish Bar going into to th old TJ's was mentioned in the Daily Record (by one of the council members -- a good sign IMO) -- you can search the DR website and find it quickly. In addition, the guys that own the ACE hardware also mentioned that an Irish Pub is looking to move in.
The old Bennigan's building is a lost cause. First off, the current owner bought it at the bankruptcy auction in late 2008/ early 2009. I believe they paid somewhere over $2million -- they will be lucky if they break-even. The building is a disaster structurally and from a code standpoint. Also, the sewer backs up into the bathrooms in heavy rains due to bad settlement of the pipes over the years....I could go on and on...bottomline, it'll be another bank or medical office....UGH!
The parking lot in the Post Office plaza is an unmitigated f'ing disaster. On the other hand the new lot at new Trader Joe plaza is 100X better.
One can't help but notice that they are working on the old Trader Joes space with what looks to be new wallboard throughout. They seem to keep the lights on in there 24x7. Sure would be nice to have a good local bar in there.
The Bennigan's in Springfield was the exact same disgrace of a building. However, it was transformed into a very, very nice diner. Even if it had to be leveled, it would be a great spot for a Perkins.
Whatever the owner there is doing to market the building, it sure is a lousy sales effort. One crappy sign, no web site, and now those blue tarps covering the old Bennigan's signs are blowing away. I shake my head every time I drive by. What are they thinking?
TJ's building will ALWAYS be the bowling alley to me...I grew up across the street from the lanes and I have to say that town changed way too much..not for the better.
I don't know...when it was a bowling alley, the building had never been updated since it was built, and looked it. Too bad, really...had a lot of fun in those rented shoes eating those greasy burgers at the Hamburger Inn.
Does anyone know what the name of this bar is supposed to be, and when they hope to open? Sure seems like they would have to make a bunch of exterior window and door changes to make it look bar-like.
As for that wasteland on the corner across from the Rink, instead of another unneeded strip mall, some affordable senior apartments for residents would make sense.
One can't help but notice that they are working on the old Trader Joes space with what looks to be new wallboard throughout. They seem to keep the lights on in there 24x7.
Rhys
Well, that sounds promising.
Awhile back I found the "For Lease" advertisement on the web for that site (the old TJ's)
It stated some specifics such as, sq footage, 10 year lease term, and most importantly LIQUOR LICENSE AVAILABLE
The advertisement was changed to "not active" a few months back
That "plaza" is owned by the same folks that bought the old retaurant on the corner of Columbia and Hanover (forgot the name) -- now HSBC bank. When they bought the restaurant, they also got the liquor license and have been sitting on it since.
That's an expensive thing to sit on too, as based on the sales price of the property the license had an implied value of several hundred thousand dollars -- if my memory serves
So now they will be able to put it to use via leasing it's use to the new bar -- and the bar benefits by not having to come up with a ridiculous amount of money to transfer the license.
Leads me to think that progress has been made, although I do find it unusual that I haven't seen anything in the town planning meeting minutes -- or the typical bitching and moaning by the FP old timers complaining about a bar (god forbid !!) being opened in the town
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Florham Park Bar Situation
