Crossroads Hearing Starts With Questions About Movie Theater, Box Stores
See proposed layout of 600,000-square-foot development
Photos
About 90 residents gathered Monday night to watch the Crossroads Developer make its initial presentation to the township’s planning board in a public hearing on the proposed development that is expected to last at least several months. The developer is planning to build a 600,000-square-foot retail development surrounding the Sheraton Mahwah Hotel off Route 17.
At the hearing, civil engineer Michael Junghans began a series of testimonies – which will include others from an architect, traffic expert and planer at future meetings - on behalf of the developer. Junghans laid out a more-detailed presentation of what the “Crossroads Town Center” will look like, and answered questions on the development from township engineers and planners, planning board members, and members of the public.
The development, according to Crossroads attorney Jim Jaworski, “is, we believe, completely in accordance with [zoning] ordinance 1684.” That was the land use law in place when the developer submitted the site plan currently under review. The ordinance allowed for retail uses, but with certain specifications that “are reflected in the plan,” Jaworski said.
The development has become complex because five months after Mahwah’s town council passed the ordinance, it passed another one disallowing retail at the site. The Crossroads developer submitted the plans for the new shopping complex the day before the council reversed its zoning decision.
According to Junghans, the development can be divided into two distinct sections, a north side and the south side, which will be built on opposing ends of the traffic circle currently in front of the Sheraton. The north side is what Junghans called “pedestrian-friendly with a village or main street feeling,” that is “very walkable.” It contains a 3,000-seat (10 screen) movie theater, several smaller boutiques, shops and restaurants, and one 50,000-sq.-foot larger store. The area is connected by sidewalks, and walking and sitting areas.
The south side is made up of two “big box” stores, of 136 and 147,000-sq.-feet, and two smaller locations, around 26 and 52,000-sq.-feet.
The rear of the property, which borders the Ramapo River, would be turned into a “passive recreation” nature trail, and an athletic field would also be added toward the rear of the site.
According to Jaworski, the specific tenants who would inhabit all of the stores and restaurants have not yet been determined. Several specific factors of the development, such as delivery procedures, hours of operation, trash and recycling procedures, and others, will not be determined until tenancy is secured, he said.
The plan proposes to eliminate the current access road from Route 17 to the traffic circle in front of the Sheraton, and replace it with two others. The three-lane circle will remain the main roadway in the development, and drivers will access the shops and facilities from streets coming off the circle.
The development also includes several detention basins and other water drainage systems designed to manage stormwater drainage. According to Junghans, flooding conditions “will actually be better than they are now” because the water management system would have less water flowing off of the site than currently does. “Water would be retained and then released at a later time,” he said.
The board brought up several concerns about the layout of the development, including the practicality and functionality of an athletic field behind a retail development. According to Jaworski, the field is a requirement of the land ordinance, so moving it to another part of town isn’t an option, unless a change is made to the law.
Board members also questioned whether or not there would be enough parking for moviegoers. According to Tony DiGiovanni, the site’s developer, it is required by the land ordinance to have one space per every 12 seats in the theater, which he said is a “low standard.” The proposed plan has incorporated one spot per every 7.5 seats.
DiGiovanni also said “an agreement could be arranged” to have overflow parkers from the theater park in the existing three-story garage that serves the hotel. However, board members questioned the viability of that plan.
Councilman and Planning Board member Chuck Jandris cited concerns about the box stores fitting in to the rest of the development’s design. “By the definition of what this is supposed to be in the ordinance, it is supposed to be a place families and individuals can go to have choices of fun, safe things to do,” he said. “The north end [with a movie theater, restaurants and small shops] fits that definition. But, I don’t see how two box stores are family friendly centers of the community.”
When Jandris asked if the developer would consider removing the “big box” component of the plans, Jaworski explained that the box stores are permitted under the zoning ordinance.
Members of the Committee to Stop Mahwah Mall, a citizen group who has been working to stop the development since Ordinance 1684 was approved almost a year ago, asked the board Monday night to refuse to hear the application, which is currently the subject of several pending litigations.
The board explained at previous meetings that it would hear the application outside of any decisions made in superior or state court. If a court decision affects the hearing, “then we react at that point,” board attorney Peter Scandariato said.
After about three hours of testimony and a half hour of public questioning, the first night of the hearing came to a close. It will pick up again at 7 p.m. February 27.
Hank
7:25 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
sounds good to me
bring out the heavy machinery
and get going!
Mark Smith
8:45 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
It seems to be in accordance with the ordinance, it'll bring revenue to lower property taxes in Mahwah, let's roll!
Lynne McLewin
11:50 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
According to the Wall St Journal and NYT malls and box stores are facing difficult economic times, partly because there are more of them than we need. Box stores are even renting out space to private contractors. There is a good chance this will not produce revenue to lower property taxes, and because of the services the town will provide to the mall it could even be end up raising our taxes to pay for those services.
JP
3:28 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Lynne, typically malls pay for their own services, security, and maintenance. The town police chief and fire dept have already stated this addition won't be a problem. It's probably a moot point.
Lynne McLewin
5:15 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
JP, go back and carefully read those three ordinances passed last March. Mr., Jaworski wrote a sweet deal for the developer and our Town Council gave it to them. We are not concerned with "typical" here, we are concerned with what was in those ordinances. And it will hit all of us in the pocketbook......go read.
Hank
7:45 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Lynne there are 6,000 Ramapo students with no place to go a mile or two away.
The small stores will do well.
Costco is a no brainer.
forget the movie complex
you just need a couple more box stores and your done
The whole scare tactic of stop the mall was another "palisades center".
JP
1:34 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Lynne, you know what the problem with the three changed ordinances are for the town don't you? The changes weren't in effect for 5 days and then changed back, they were in effect for 5 MONTHS! That is going to be a big factor in any judge's ruling on if those ordinances were legal and valid and the developer was proceeding in good conscious to follow them during that time. Their was a LOT of discussing and back and forth between them before these variances were allowed to change. It's not like the council changed the rules abruptly then said oops, we made a mistake, change them back quickly. They were in effect for FIVE MONTHS! Any decent judge is going to consider this time factor as to the original INTENT of the town council, despite their change of mind later on due to pressure by stop mall. Any judge is going to see that the variances were changed back solely due to public pressure and without adequate due process to the developer (if it actually goes to lawsuit) who was just following all the rules in effect for... wait for it... FIVE MONTHS!
Kenneth F Werring
9:21 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
It's about time. This land area has languished far too long failing to bring in tax relief. Let's get it started!
JP
3:30 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I've been saying that for years now. It's become an eyesore for this town. They need to get this project going.
Susie Q
9:23 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
What surprised me the most about last night's hearing, is that the Council did not know that the previous term's Council in 1684 had amended the normal requirement of 1 parking spot per 3 movie seats to permit 1 parking spot per 12 movie seats. Shouldn't they be very familiar with 1684 so they can properly weigh the application?
Kudos to the first member of the public to question the engineers. She actually caught the developer's lawyer, Mr. Jaworski, in a lie. When he was questioned by Councilman Jandris who was asking them to consider solely building the pedestrian-friendly Northern zone, Mr. Jaworski said that under 1684 the developers were OBLIGATED to build the 2 huge box stores to the South. She got him to admit, reluctantly, that it is not an obligation or a requirement they be built under 1684, it is merely permissable. Nice job!
Lynne McLewin
11:45 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
I think Mr. Jaworski WROTE 1684 and the other ordinances and our Town Council merely rubber-stamped them.
Lynne McLewin
12:04 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Last March when Mr. Jaworski presented this project to the Council I was appalled to hear all the financial commitments our town was taking on to help this developer. It sounded to me like a very bad business deal for us taxpayers. As I recall the town would receive a large sum of money to cover some of the changes.......however several years earlier those projects had been estimated to cost triple the sum we were being given. Our Town Council did not negotiate a good business deal and this will not be a good financial experience for taxpayers.
JP
3:32 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Look, you should all be happy that new businesses coming into Mahwah is even taking place in this slow economic recovery. This makes the town much more attractive from a real estate perspective.
Phyllis A. Stewart
9:34 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Please don't anybody overlook the fact that the rectangular space shown on the plan as exhibited by Mr. Jaworski and Mr. Junghans, was labeled "movie theater or retail", which means that there is a 50% chance no movie theater will actually occupy this space. Construction of this mall is a money making business venture, and the developer will lease this space to whomever pays the highest price. With the advent of "pay for view" offered by TV and the ease of seeing movies online, movie houses may not be doing too well these days!
JP
3:39 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Please, I guess you haven't been to the AMC in Garden State lately. Are the people there just hanging around to look at the posters outside?
Kevin
10:40 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
A 3000 seat movie theater. Really is this a good idea.Friday and Saturday night will never be the same in Mahwah and not for the better. The traffic and turn over from this alone will be problematic for this township. If you don't think movie theaters are doing well these days go to anyone of the big ones in the area and see for yourself they are crowded. For the people who keep on stating your property taxes are going down can someone please explain to me how that is happening. If you think in three years from now when this is built the township of Mahwah is going to tell you your taxes went down your mistaken. Don't drink the Kool-Aid. They are not going down and when they don't will you still think highly of this project. Just tell me the last time taxes went down in Mahwah and why. Maybe I'm wrong?
JP
3:35 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Oh please, enough with the traffic whining. Don't want to go there, don't.
JoeRobertson
6:30 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Why don't you want to "go there" JP? Because Kevin has a good point and you have no defense? This mall is a bad idea. Bad all around.
Hank
10:19 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
they will never build a movie house
there are not enough people in this neck of the woods to justify it
JP
1:14 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
That's not what I mean Joe *eye roll*. I mean he shouldn't PHYSICALLY go there after it's built if he doesn't want the mall. LOL I'll bet you Kevin is going to be there the first day it's open. I will!
JoeRobertson
9:00 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Rolling JPs eyes back to him.
Kevin
10:49 am on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Also I went to the Crossroads web site and sent them an e-mail asking some questions about the project and they never sent a response back to me. Residents they don't care what we think. If they started the site to help educate and bring a discussion forward they failed. They really just don't care. If this really works out I will be the first to stand up and say its working but if it is a nightmare and does not bring the relief supporters were sold on will you stand up and say you were wrong? At that point its to late.
resident
1:08 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Did anyone see CNN Saturday morning - Third World America? Property values are going to plunge again this year! Can't afford to keep up with the grocery bill lately. Every time you go to Costco you drop a bundle. I can't afford to shop at Costco. Still can't afford to purchase health insurance - I doubt I will be shopping at the mall. The planning board just approved a new business on MacArthur Blvd. Traffic - only 3 or 4 tractor trailers a day to drop off display materials for shows and some kind of paint factory. Great keep on adding tractor trailers and chemicals to Mahwah and we won't be compared to Paramus but compared to Secaucus. I almost got into an accident on 17 south (by Pilot) on my way to the meeting last night. One tractor trailer was turning turning into a entrance and another pulled out right behind him thinking the tralier in front would move right along but it was too big to make the turn and the trailer behind him had to stop. The trailer behind him could not move and was blocking two lanes on route 17. People must be blind! This mall is a bad idea.
Hank
3:21 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
let me get this straight resident
you don't want a mall
and you don't want the warehouses to be rented?
and you follow trucks too close
Ralph
6:19 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Hey resident,
Lets not forget the value that the trucking community plays on everything you have and do on a regular basis. When you do go to a store to buy groceries weather it be Costco,Sshop Rite ect, remember those groceries were delivered to the store by Tractor Trailer drivers. The house that you built or live in, the supplies were delivered by tractor trailers either directly to the site or to a Home Depot. Do you shop there for anything? Lets get real here, you may not want the development but dont knock the tractor trailer drivers and their rigs who deliver the supplies needed for every day living. Tanker Trucks deliver gas to gas stations. Do you not drive? Guess we should eliminate that also. Its business who keep this country strong and the economy vibrant. Stop your wining and get over it.
resident
10:38 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
How could I forget - the tractor trailers are all over my neighborhood. The noise level from 17 and the thruway has increased over the past few years. I had to turn my TV up the other night because I could here the trucks in my living room! Maybe the American population needs to consume less. Putting in more stores and bringing more traffic to the area is not the American dream. It use to be own a nice affordable home and car and give your kids a good education. Also don't forget about the pollution the trucks create.
Kevin
10:52 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Just hope you can say you were wrong JP when this does not turn out to be the great tax break you thought. You are right I will not go there however I have to deal with the overrun of this project in my everyday life on my street and how this will not deliver the promised benefits you believe it will.
JP
1:09 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I care a lot less about taxes then getting some unemployed people some jobs, and for me personally, I get a new, close by, place to shop, eat, and hang out all day if I want to. Most of all though, I don't have to look at that deteriorating huge field of dying grass anymore that's just begging for something to be done with it.
Kevin
11:03 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
JP you stated "Lynne, typically malls pay for their own services, security, and maintenance. The town police chief and fire dept have already stated this addition won't be a problem. It's probably a moot point". It is not a moot point as you say. They do pay for those things but they cant complete accident reports, shoplifting reports, burglary reports, medical reports and don't respond or disputes, fights or any other crime in progress. They just call the police. So there will be a degree of service calls which the police and fire will respond. Again its not a moot point. By the way who wants to go to the field in the back of this mall with their child on a Saturday afternoon fighting to get there. Not me. Thank you Crossroads giving us the field makes it all ok!
JP
12:57 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Sure there WILL be, but did you not read where I said the police chief stated (in the newspaper) that the mall will NOT be an added problem. Is it that you think you know better then our chief? Complaining about police visits IS moot if the police themselves don't mind.
JoeRobertson
6:27 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Oh isn't the traffic going to be fun...
and just think what it would be like while they work on the roads.. years of lane closures and back ups. I can't wait. Commuting to work on Rts 17 or 287 is going to be a barrel of laughs.
Hank
11:05 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Joe , how do you know? Chances are there will be no delays at all.
JP
1:04 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
For once Joe can some of you STOP thinking about your own imaginary inconvenience fears and think about all the people that are going to be employed in this county to complete this project? You must not be Republicans because you'd be all for more business by default, then again you don't seem Democrat either else you'd be for the working people getting jobs. Strange. Must be center of the road.
JoeRobertson
9:02 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
No delays?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What planet are you on?
Suzie Q
10:42 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I am doubtful that they will actually have a movie theatre. There is no requirement that it be a movie theatre, but I hope there is a way for the Council to require it. A movie theatre will be a draw, and will help the restaurants do good business.
I actually like the pedestrian-friendly Northern section, and lived in Reston, VA where they had one of the first Town Center developments. It was a great place to meet friends to see a movie, go to happy hour, go ice skating, do some shopping or share a meal. I agree with Councilman Jandris that the Northern section meets the 1684 goals, and the 2 big box stores do not.
Kevin
11:14 am on Thursday, February 16, 2012
JP there will be an increase in service calls. Maybe the Chief is laying low on it because he knows he can increase his dept when the call level rises. He will then be able to justify the more hiring of officers which will result in the lost lowered taxes you speak of. Just a thought. I would love to meet you and speak about it over a cup of coffee if your up to it.
JP
3:10 am on Saturday, February 18, 2012
Thanks Kevin, but no thanks.
resident
4:01 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
I took a great picture at lunch of a huge tractor trailer pulled over on Franklin Tpk by Catherine Street. Perfect picture to capture the essence of beautiful West Mahwah which be impacted the most by the mega mall. I will post the picture in the gallery when I have a chance tonight.
JP
2:25 am on Saturday, February 18, 2012
resident, if you know anything about the streets in Mahwah, you'll know that Franklin Turnpike... is no where near the mall site, and never will be. I'd say if a truck is on FT looking for the Sheraton site, then they're lost and it's going to be a very long detour to get over there because of our low train trestles. No truck driver is going to use Franklin Turnpike to get to that site, not now, not ever.
Hank
9:50 am on Saturday, February 18, 2012
that's not a bad idea. If they repair the black bridge the trucks can come into the mall the back way so they won't have to deal with all the mall traffic on 17
Kevin
9:37 am on Sunday, February 19, 2012
JP i see you do not want to debate face to face that's fine. You avoided the point I made about the service calls its ok. The service calls will go up.
JP
12:00 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
There's no need for debate Kevin. I state my view ( the correct one) and you absorb it in as it is. I reject your positions.
Hank
9:54 am on Sunday, February 19, 2012
of course the service calls would go up
the cops are out there anyhow
what's the big deal
how about some facts
give me a figure of how many service calls would require a new officer to be hired
Kevin
6:30 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2012
That is really a bad way to look at it Hank "the cops are out there anyhow" as you stated. If the patrol officer spends more time responding to calls there it lowers the time the patrol officer is on the residental streets. Which results in not being in the right place at the right time to apprehend the criminal who as of lately are in Mahwah often. I would think the PD is looking into the possibility of this reality and how they will need to address it. It might be with more officers. 6000,000 sq foot mall will bring accidents, shopliftings, buglaries and medical calls to mention a few. This might never direcrly effect you Hank, if you do not call 911 but it will effect someone. Lets hope this is addressed by the individuals placed in the decision making process of this township.
Hank
6:41 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2012
They sit on 287 all day looking for criminals. What's the difference if they find a criminal in a car on 287 or a mall right off 287?
JP
12:17 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Or... because of the mall, a couple of added police persons are hired, and when they aren't fighting all types of criminals and decrepitness at the mall for 10 minutes (!), maybe they benefit the rest of Mahwah by being available to us in the community as I suspect the real case will be. One more shot at this... the mall will have their own (privately paid) security personnel!!!!! They will handle the incidents and pass off to police if necessary.
Gottardo DiGiacopo
5:19 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2012
Developing the Crossroads property is an excellent idea, the mall however is a terrible fit for a changed world. a mall builds no comprehensive economy; it's just a place to buy more disposable crap. Pharmacology and the new 'Silicon' east-coast are booming industries (with real jobs); i'm thinking the Crossroads Developers should really consider office-space. and BTW, a mall will most certainly raise your property taxes. And even though mahwah's property taxes have gone up considerably in the last several years, they still remain far lower than most towns in Bergen County and almost half of what comparable properties in Suffern NY cost... Why is everyone always bitching about their taxes?
Kevin
8:05 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2012
Hank there is a big difference. I kind of feel bad for you that you can't see it. I am well aware there can been positives as well as negatives with this mall. If the negatives are not addressed prior to this being built they will have an adverse effect on this township and all that live, work and visit here. The negatives out weight the positives, it is not worth doing. So to minimize the negatives they must be addressed now and have a plan in place to prevent or slow down the frequency of the negatives. Are the police really out there all day Hank. If you really knew that you would be implying you are there all day and we all know your not. I know I want my officers to spend time in my neighborhood watching over my home and family not just out on 287.
Hank
9:40 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2012
I am actually in Ramsey/Mahwah taking care of customers7 days a week.There are speed traps on 17 and 287 pretty much all day but not in one spot they move around. Moffat Rd hill is the new hot spot for 17 north. So what is the difference if a speeder gets stopped on 17 or a shoplifter gets put in the back seat of a cop car at the lifestyle center. Why would you need more cops? They are on duty anyway. You said a" big difference" but then you did not back it up.
And again my question to you is:
if retail was so evil why is the town of Ramsey letting new retail stores open up on 17 you would think the citizens there would have the same fears.
Andy Schmidt
1:29 pm on Monday, February 20, 2012
Because their won't be a big sucking noise and all the existing perpetrators stop their misdeeds in the rest of town and only congregate in the mall. The crime-fighting in other areas of the town can not let up - but now you have a new huge mass of persons, many from out of town, in an additional area of town, leading to additional acts.
To maintain the coverage thoughtout the township that's been successful in keeping Mahwah's per capita crime rates one of the very lowest in the county - you quite obviously will need additonal personnel and resources to cover the additional incidents that some percentage of the additional persons coming to Mahwah will cause.
Yes, if you ask the police chief if his department foresees a problem handling the Mall - the answer would be "No" (assuming his budget will be adjusted up accordingly). But I would be interested in hearing his estimate/planning about the change in call volume and the additional annual cost for staff and other resources to police the mall adequately, e.g., by reviewing statistics, personnel needs for the local police department that suddenly had to deal with the Palisades Mall. Whatever the answer is, it would certainly either help assess the value of the Mall more realistically, or address some of the concerns that clearly do exists for many.
Kevin
10:49 am on Monday, February 20, 2012
Wow Hank you really do not listen. If the amount of service calls go up a lot and the officers are in the Mall more, then they spend less time on the streets of the township. How much is the work load going to go up is the question here and if it goes up a lot then you need more officers to respond to service calls of the residents. Really try to follow along here. You would need more cops if officers are in the mall during peak service hours of calls. Which would result in calls being stacked by dispatchers and residents waiting for responses from the police. If the call needs an instant police response officers would have to break from what they are doing if they could or we would need assistance from another agency. This running around by officers can results in lower moral and less production in a police dept. If you would like to get together and discuss it over a cup of coffee I think we can better educate ourselves in the finer points we our both trying to make.
Hank
2:44 pm on Monday, February 20, 2012
.Interstate shopping center is 350,000 square feet and has no security. Jewelry store, bank,etc and no security. Are you afraid to go there? Do you see criminals in hand cuffs all hours of the day. Do you see "service calls" when you go there? But somehow the crooks are waiting for the Crossroads to open up to do their evil. And the Mahwah kids are waiting for it to open up to take drugs and become disoriented youth. I think you guys are full of baloney.
JP
1:12 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
It's not baloney they're full of Hank.
Kevin
10:56 am on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Andy Schmidt don't waist your time speaking to Hank or JP it is a waist of time. They do not want to see this for what it is. We are asking for these issues to be addressed prior to it being built which is not a lot to ask of our elected officials. They are wearing rose colored glasses and think all is great. Shame on them. Just be thankful they are not our elected officials or hold any position were they need to make logical decisions for the rest of us. By the way Mr. Schmidt very well stated and Hank not very well stated "full of baloney" is that your educated and professional conclusion. I would think you would be a little more articulate then that.
Hank
12:22 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
you have no facts just baloney
where is the crime you are so afraid of at Kohls, Interstate,Bottle King etc
Kevin
12:33 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I'm done with you Hank save your typing for someone else. You Sir are a lost cause. I invited you to a sit down face to face to talk about this and you and know one else want to sit and discuss this topic. I hope all works out for you sir in your life. I yet to see your facts about the benefits to this mall. You are the only one as you stated it "full of baloney" in other words you speak in circles with no reason to what you want to say. We can sit down and discuss facts if you want but you do not.
JP
1:19 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Discuss your facts right here Kevin so everyone can see them. There's no need at all to meet in private. Show us the numbers. Show us projections. Give us some red meat will you instead of just assumptions based on conjecture. Oh wait... you don't have any facts to back up why this mall will be so ominous, do you? Nevermind.
Mercedes1
11:40 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Kevin
Let's talk grammar...education, etc. Learn the proper usage of "then" and "than".
Kevin
12:52 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Thank you I will look into it and then will work on making the corrections. I am glad such educated people like yourself are here to help people like me. Thank you once again for pointing this out to me.
Mahwah Resident
8:20 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Hank, I suggest you watch the film "Mega Mall" and then get back to us.
JP
1:22 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Oh please... get real on this for once will you resident?!?
Hank
11:31 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
the planning board is dealing with a 600,000 sq ft mall not some mega mall you made up in your head. If this proposal will be a 2,500,000 sq ft Palisades center give your facts please.The only thing you guys say starts with "wait til you see...." then not a fact to be found
Kevin
12:43 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Everyone who is for the mall has yet to present any facts as to the benefits to Mahwah. I am still waiting for those facts. Now you can place a couple of them up here for the rest of us to read and become educated by your wealth of knowledge. One point I heard pro-mall people say is the taxes are going down. Please let me know how that's happening and when was the last time they went down in Mahwah. You want to talk facts lets. Show me now.
JP
1:04 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
There's only one benefit that be of any concern. It fills empty (deteriorating) space! And while it's not the only thing that can fill that empty space, it's the thing we have at the moment wanting to fill that empty space. Other suggestions were low cost housing, a casino, office space, a hospital, even a prison. None of those are lining up for a shot there Kevin.
JP
1:10 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
BTW, where are YOUR facts? Where is the stop mall's studies on traffic, flooding, crime increase, tax burdens, police inadequacies, or anything else? All I see from you complainers is morbid assumptions, fears, and bully tactics against our town council and planning board. Put up or shut up.
Hank
3:12 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Jobs for HS
Jobs for senior citizens
Jobs for empty nesters
Jobs for tow trucks
Jobs for gas stations
Jobs for car dealerships
Jobs for local restaurants
Jobs for snow plowers
Jobs for landscapers
Jobs for construction
Jobs for dump trucks
Jobs for window washers
did I mention jobs?
Roger Pachiderm
3:54 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Jobs for retail managers
Jobs for Dad
Jobs for Mom
Benefits for Mom, Dad, children
More property taxes collected
Income for businesses that will benefit from lower unemployment
Less gas spent driving 15 miles to see a new movie in a modern comfortable theater
More amenities to attract new home buyers and start reversing decline in prices (hard to believe for some but in reality numerous food choices and entertainment options are a positive for people looking to buy a home).
Kevin
9:33 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
"Instead of being a naysayer Mr Kevin you should try to figure out what you can do to cash in on the mall." This is what Hank responded to me about the mall. There you have it its all about cashing in to Hank. Cash in his pocket regardless of what the negative outcome may be. You Sir have shown your true colors. I'm not about cashing in for myself if me cashing results in a negative result to many others. I am not about that. I want to work to a conclusion with this but I will not sell myself out for it so I can become wealthy. How are you cashing in? What is your stake in all this? Jobs is all you came up with. How are you filling your pockets? Wow!
Hank
9:48 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
I am not filling my pockets. I am a local business owner and I dream like a business owner.
Kevin
12:22 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
You have already said enough Hank. You dream and do not live in reality its alright. I know what you are now, between your cash in on the mall statement and dream statement. You have blinders on. It is really alright. I hope all works out for you when the mall arrives. May you continue to dream and line your pockets and not see the potential problems if not addressed at this stage of the process in building this project.
JP
1:25 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
What in the world makes you feel that any potential problems are NOT going to be addressed Kevin?
Mercedes1
6:20 pm on Thursday, February 23, 2012
Kevin
While you are looking into your grammar, check your spelling. "Waist" is a part of the body. Perhaps you meant waste?
Kevin
12:33 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
Thank you much.
JP
12:55 am on Sunday, February 26, 2012
Seems very hypocritical in complaining about a mall in Mahwah being built when all along Rt 17, on both sides, Ramsey and Upper Saddle River are taking advantage of the growing economy and letting just as much new business move in or be newly built (albeit not all in one place). Doesn't traffic have to go through our town southward to get to these spots? Are these sites invisible to criminals? I hear or read absolutely nothing about any complaints on these projects. But... like I have always stated before, this is NOT really about the mall, it's about bigotry towards the people who would want to shop and work there, nothing else. This was indicated many times on this board from various people complaining about the "type" of people that would come into our town. This whole long drawn out scenario about crime at the mall is just code for not wanting "undesirables". Stop hiding the true reason for opposition behind the artarded traffic, police manpower, and flooding issues. It's pure and simple discrimination by people who harbor unrealistic fears. Better get used to having people come into our town mall now. It's going to be build like it or not.