Visions For Vacancies: What Should Move To 49 Claremont Ave.?
The site, in the CVS Plaza, was home to Blockbuster Video.
Let's call this a modern spin on community planning—Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table.
In an occasional column, we'll present a new vacant space and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Forget what zone it's in, ignore setback regulations, dump lot coverage rules, and all the other zoning jargon that puts people most to sleep. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community?
We launched this new occasional feature several months ago by focusing on the vacant spot at 622 Valley Road in Upper Montclair, the former home of Five Guys Burgers and Fries. (Tuscany, an Italian restaurant, has now opened in this space.)
This week, we're asking what you think should move into the large space at 49 Claremont Ave. in the CVS Plaza.
The site had been home to Blockbuster Video, which announced in March that it would be liquidating its inventory and closing its doors the end of April.
Now a sign says that the space, located right next to Subway, is for lease and that it could even be divided.
So what should go into the space? A restaurant? A retail store? Certainly it should be something that could be enjoyed by those visiting the 24-hour CVS located in the same plaza.
The good news is that the space enjoys high visibility and ample parking.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below! Know of a vacant space/building we should highlight? Email Shelley@patch.com.
Petia Morozov
8:25 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
A bookstore + cafe would be nice.
Shelley Emling
8:30 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Interesting idea..
Coll
8:37 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
How about another Italian restaurant or a frozen yogurt place ; )
Shelley Emling
8:49 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Yep, exactly what we need.. another yogurt shop!
Mary Emanuelli
10:06 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
I would like to see a shoe store for tweess and teens! My kids seem to outgrow their shoes every month and we are long past the Little Shoebox sizes.
ninja
10:28 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
considering the location, ease of access, congestion, lack of foot traffic, size of parking lot...i'd say some sort of place you stop in and leave quickly (ala CVS or Subway). A Hallmark, Ace Hardware, Dollar General, Staples quick store, Game Stop, Advance Auto Parts, etc. would go good here and be able to attract enough customers to keep afloat...this isn't the greatest and most appealing area: its kind of vacant, on the train tracks, etc. Something that would draw in drivers stopped for the passing train would be successful.
Crafty Spiker
4:31 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Available parking is a big pus no matter what moves in there.
Shelley Emling
10:40 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Yes, am also looking for a shoe store for teens..
Beth
10:53 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
liquor store, dollar store, bagel store, nail salon, chinese restaurant, christmas tree shoppe
Shelley Emling
11:09 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
I say Game Stop.
Shelley Emling
11:09 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
or a shoe store or a Staples.. all good ideas.
Stuart Weissman
11:29 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
I like the auto parts store idea. The nearest 'real' stores are so far east in Bloomfield that you nearly have to drive to Newark to go there. Shore there is that tiny place across from Firestone, but they're expensive and don't have much of a selection.
Kyle Martinowich
11:45 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
I would really like to see something like Eataly, Flatiron District NYC be put in there.
http://eatalyny.com/
or perhaps
A collectibles place like Bob & Judi's Coolectibles in Park Slope.
Shelley Emling
11:52 am on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Good ideas Kyle and Stuart ..
Carole W.
12:04 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
My recommendation is a grocery store to include a good array of fresh vegetables and fruits: "fast food" for those visiting CVS. If CVS sees and gains value by selling canned goods, juices and milk why not a store next door to provide more of the staples?
Shelley Emling
12:17 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Another good idea.
Stevie Wondering
3:20 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
How do people feel about a children's learning center?
Shelley Emling
3:23 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
You mean a preschool?
Stevie Wondering
3:31 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
No, there would not be space for any outdoor activities. More like a franchise operation
Shelley Emling
3:42 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Gotcha.
Shelley Emling
3:42 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Still say a shoe store or a Staples or a Game Stop.
Laine Murphy
7:09 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Along with CVS, this site also has a Subway, and a Quest Diagnostics so it's a hoppin' place. Boston Market or a great bakery? Mountainside is a block away and visitors and staff often dash to this plaza.
Shelley Emling
7:17 pm on Thursday, July 5, 2012
Boston Market would be great.
careyceccio
9:42 am on Friday, July 6, 2012
Trader Joe's!
Melody Lima
11:05 am on Friday, July 6, 2012
coffee cafe, fresh juicing bar like HLS or Asana House -- the anti-Starbucks or fitness studio: yoga, pilates, personal training with maybe body work or a spa -- lots of space to make small rooms
Cindy Swabsin
1:32 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012
A Trader Joe's. I hate schlepping to Millburn or Florham Park to go to theirs.
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