Aimed, at least in part, at limiting national retailers from opening in Maplewood Village, the proposed "formula business ordinance" could put new controls on what kind of shops move in.
"This issue is a top priority for me," Township Committee Member Greg Lembrich said during a lengthy report Tuesday night on his findings and a proposal to put such an ordinance in place. He later added, "the potential move of Starbucks and other chains to Maplewood is part of a broader national trend. Having long focused on malls, highways and shopping plazas, many chain retailers and restaurants are increasingly locating in downtowns and neighborhood business districts."
He described them as "squeezing out independent businesses."
See more of his report below:
The former post office project, dubbed the Clarus Maplewood by developer JMF Properties, has revealed initial agreements to have BCB Bank and Starbucks as tenants when it opens in 2017. This new restriction could block such lease agreements in the future.
See some of the TC discussion below:
Formula business ordinances have been put in place in municipalities nationwide, with one currently in Jersey City, which limits chain stores in a designated area. In essence, they allow townships to restrict the kinds of businesses that can open in specific neighborhoods.
The TC agreed to do further study of the idea and possibly consider a specific ordinance as well.
1 comment:
big deal. you have made maplewood lose its 'small town charm' already.
maplewood center has become simply 'food row'. where there were vacant lots in town....now you have condos or other homes. what was once a haven for people that enjoy the suburbs has become a small city.
maplewood, in my opinion, was a nice little hidden gem. but, now? just part of the metropolitan area.
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