Sunday, September 23, 2007

What belongs at 1280 Teaneck Road?

1280 Teaneck Road is the former gas station, now closed and fenced in. For those of you not following its recent going ons, McDonald's was interested in opening up a restaurant there, which of course requires a drive through. Being one of the top corporations/ franchises of all times (and a damn good place to get a burger) , they instructed their agents and attorney's to first hold a community meeting, held at the Rhodda Center (by the way, do they have to pay for that?)

Of course, the negative comments were running rampant at the meeting (and rightfully so!). So now what.

I feel that a mixed use retail/ condo development (like was was originally proposed 1/2 mile up the block at 1515 Teaneck Rd) is the perfect use for this Gateway District.

Without trying to be sarcastic, I sincerely hope the owners push this plan. The north east Teaneck residents (even though the boards and councils represent all of us at large!!! ) need to figure out what they want.

I understand why they do not want a drive through, but no idea why 1515 was turned down. They seem to want no density development, low taxes and all services. It doesn't take a master in public administration to realize that can't work.

I used the word "north east Teaneck residents" because I have a strong feeling the Teaneck Road business groups want these developments. After all ,this is our gateway block, surrounded by public administration with built in parking.

What will give first!!!

16 comments:

esther said...

"The north east Teaneck residents...need to figure out what they want."

The people who opposed the condo development and who have been upset over the handling of the masterplan process and the lack of detail with respect to the zoning of north Teaneck Road want a voice in deciding what gets built in their community. This is not unreasonable.

I believe that they are concerned that members of the council are railroading inappropriately scaled development projects* through to make good on campaign promises to increase ratables.

Participation in the political process is a good thing. Let's hope this kerfuffle results in increased voter turnout in the next council election.

*It should be noted that I disagree the opponents of these projects that development projects with retail on the ground floor and several floors of housing constitutes high density development and would be bad for the community.

Anonymous said...

Does it really matter what goes there? Someone is bound to complain anyway. You can't please everyone.

Let's put another bank there! They seem to be agreeable to everyone as we have so many.

Seriously though, why can't there be drive-through service? Is there an ordinance that prevents this? Is the reasoning behind it that there will be too much traffic?

I have to tell you that as a parent with small children, it is an inconvenience to have to take the kids out of their car seats every time I want to just pick up something quickly. Hence most of my visits to the ATM or anywhere else are done at night without the kids.

Anonymous said...

Drive-through businesses such as fast food restaurants are in fact limited by the Township code, which is available on the town's website. Left side, blue bars.

esther said...

Bank of America has a drive in on Palisades Avenue. I recommend that people concenred about the local economy boycott banks that consume our scarce and valuable retail real estate.

As for fast food places. They belong on highways not in downtowns.

Anonymous said...

I would love to hear what the business owners in that neighborhood would like there. Anyone?

Anonymous said...

That Bank of America on Palisade is a perfect example of how a drive-thru business isn't appropriate in all areas. It creates a bottleneck on Palisade Avenue, and it would appear that people exiting the bank are allowed to turn left at a place where Palisade is two lanes in each direction. Bad planning.

Anonymous said...

The new Dunkin Donuts on Cedar Lane, just East of Pal. Ave. is now open. It has a drive through as well.

Anonymous said...

Those people don't know what they want. They don't want houses, they don't want businesses, they don't want parks.

They want NO taxes, MORE services, immunity from breaking the law (like jaywalking), and a pedastal to stand and bitch from.

No matter what is offerred or built, they will never be happy.

If you don't like Teaneck- pack up and move. This is a free country- you can go wherever you please.

esther said...

Can we please refrain from using the expression "those people?"

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Esther-

would "North East Residents" make you happier? Is that more PC?

Anonymous said...
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Tom Abbott said...
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Tom Abbott said...
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Teaneck Truth said...

All- posts that spew hatred will be deleted. Tom- I will not micromanage the blogs and each comment to your draconian and iranians standards as well.

Anonymous said...

I"m still waiting to hear from the business owners in the North East Teaneck Road area...

Comments? Or don't you really care?