Editorial

Finally, a plan for the old ShopRite

Lyndhurst residents are finally going to see some change at the old ShopRite location on Valley Brook Avenue. For years, the site has turned from an empty shell to a weed-grown eyesore. It’s about time that some agreement has been made.

The originally-approved plan included 180 residential units in a five-story building. This was the amended plan approved last week calling for 92,364 square feet of retail space, with no residential units, standing less than 65 feet high.

The old plan was part of the so-called Transit Village Overlay, which was passed under the old administration. It was a cause of concern for many voters and the campaign cornerstone for Mayor Richard DiLascio’s team. Stopping this development — among others — was important to the voters of Lyndhurst.

Whether halting residential development is good for the township or not is a matter of opinion. Regardless, the people have spoken and the developer has agreed to a more scaled-back plan that leaves housing out of the picture.

Just what will be housed there? That remains to be seen. So far, the only name that’s come up is T.J. Maxx, who has been negotiating with the developer. That’s slated to go where the old McCory’s is now, extending to the Radio Shack. All the other stores are shifting around. The old ShopRite will likely be razed.

Development in Lyndhurst is something insiders say has been ill-defined. DiLascio says he is going to change that. He wants zoning rules and regulations that make sense and are uniform for anyone who applies. No surprises, no special treatment, no more vertical development crammed into driveways. It all sounds good. Municipalities typically operating with plans, and zoning regulations are a huge part of what makes a town tick.

The development of the old ShopRite has been rumored to be so many things over the years. Yet, there it sat. A big box of weeds is not what anyone wants in the center of town. Even without the Transit Village (another huge spark of controversy for residents, despite successful Transit Villages like neighboring Rutherford and Montclair), the spot is a valuable chuck of real estate, with easy access to trains, buses and highways. It’s perfect for shopping or housing.

Shopping wins. The people are happy. Cut the weeds and let the construction begin.