Old Blimpie's on Valley Street

Does anyone know what's going on with the former Blimpie's location on Valley Street (next to the Columbia High School field)? It's been vacant for quite a while.  Looked like something was going up a while ago but I never heard anything again.

sgomez33 said:

Does anyone know what's going on with the former Blimpie's location on Valley Street (next to the Columbia High School field)? It's been vacant for quite a while.  Looked like something was going up a while ago but I never heard anything again.

From what I heard the parking lot is too small for most businesses and when potential businesses try for a variance the local residents voice opposition since clients/customers of any business would likely end up parking on the street.

I'm totally blanking but I just read or heard something recently about the people who are renovating this space. Maybe they had a booth at Maplewoodstock? Or that's where I heard about it. 

shh said:

I'm totally blanking but I just read or heard something recently about the people who are renovating this space. Maybe they had a booth at Maplewoodstock? Or that's where I heard about it. 

Maybe you're "Blinking"?   Blink Fitness is building across the street... (Joking, of course, but I couldn't resist.)

also wondering about the lot across from the high school, which is being cleaned up. Heard an unsubstantiated rumor that they are putting in an arcade there. I doubt it, but I heard it from a friend of a friend

I'm shocked that the parking is such a big deal now as that Blimpie's was there for a quite a long time.

I think the former Blimpie's had little concern about parking as they were expecting much business from Columbia students, which did not materialize.

mrmaplewood said:

I think the former Blimpie's had little concern about parking as they were expecting much business from Columbia students, which did not materialize.

Blimpies was there for years and did quite well. However, most of their customers got food to go, not to stay in, so whether customers walked or drove it wasn't an issue.

 I believe someone wanted a variance to turn it into a sit down restaurant, where parking would be an issue. Basically, any use that would have more than three potential customers at the same time would be a problem with that lot. 

I've heard that the absentee owner wants a very high price for the lot. The building is in terrible shape and would need extensive work to get it up to today's codes. It's a real eyesore. 

I was just curious as to any updates with this property (5 years since the last post).  Seems like some action should be taken at some point.

God I hated Blimpies.  When I worked in an office in Times Square, the one on 43rd was the only place to get a quick, tourist free bite at lunch.  Having moved to NYC only to end up eating in a Blimpies made me question my life choices.

jamie said:

I was just curious as to any updates with this property (5 years since the last post).  Seems like some action should be taken at some point.

Such as?

Condemnation of the property and seizure via eminent domain?

What would go there instead? It's not a big enough space for a large mixed use building.

We patronized it often and I think it's been closed for well over a decade.  IIRC, it closed before my kids got to CHS and they are now age 26 and 30!

mrincredible said:

jamie said:

I was just curious as to any updates with this property (5 years since the last post).  Seems like some action should be taken at some point.

Such as?

If my property looked like that - I would probably be getting a lot of fines at least.  I guess if they're current on paying taxes then anything can stay like that.  Not sure if it falls into this category - here's the Maplewood ordinance (South Orange must have something simiilar:

According to Zillow - it looks like it was listed in December 2011 for $549,000.  Listing removed May 2012.

jamie said:

mrincredible said:

jamie said:

I was just curious as to any updates with this property (5 years since the last post).  Seems like some action should be taken at some point.

Such as?

If my property looked like that - I would probably be getting a lot of fines at least.  I guess if they're current on paying taxes then anything can stay like that.  Not sure if it falls into this category - here's the Maplewood ordinance (South Orange must have something simiilar:

301.3 Structures and land. All structures and premises thereon or vacant land located within the Township of Maplewood shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein, so as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the public health or safety.

According to Zillow - it looks like it was listed in December 2011 for $549,000.  Listing removed May 2012.

Agree that S.O. must have a similar ordinance.

I recall someone saying there was a neighbor that pushed back on some of the proposals (or at least one proposal) for a restaurant.

Bumping this for the heck of it - I always wonder when some action will be taken every time I drive by it.  It's just odd.

jamie said:

Bumping this for the heck of it - I always wonder when some action will be taken every time I drive by it.  It's just odd.

I've heard that's the last piece in a play a developer is making for that area. Strictly a rumor, I guess.