What Would You Like to See Move In Once Borders Moves Out?

According to a company spokesperson, the Fort Lee location of Borders at 1642 Schlosser St. is scheduled to close no later than April 30. The store is one of hundreds across the country and four in New Jersey closing after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and winning bankruptcy court approval to liquidate 200 stores, according to multiple sources.

As Patch reporter Ann Piccirillo wrote last week, “Borders was integral in Fort Lee’s first step toward revitalizing its increasingly vacant downtown. The expectation was that Borders would act as the magnet that would attract other chain stores to the area. With the development of the Helmsley Property, it was expected that Borders would be the beginning of a commercial renaissance on Main Street.”

Borders was also a big local employer—from the time they opened their doors in 2003 they drew most of their staff from of Fort Lee. And it was the site of film screenings, book signings and perhaps most importantly a central meeting place for residents, in addition to its obvious function as a convenient place to buy books and magazines, grab a cup of coffee and browse the extensive inventory.

Perhaps one Patch reader put it best, saying, “It makes me sad that a town like Fort Lee does not have a Main Street with a variety of stores for the local residents. We need to model ourselves after Englewood they have a host of stores that caters to all. Residents need to have a choice of restaurants, shops etc. and that would help maintain and give our main street stores the support they need to stay open. Our residents our going elsewhere.”

Another reader put it more bluntly: “Wow, one of the only places of interest that Fort Lee offers and even they're leaving.”

Now we want to know what you think. What would you like to see become of the location once Borders closes its doors? Ideally what would type of business or businesses would or could move in that would serve at least some of the functions Borders served? Is there anything that could “act as the magnet that would attract other chain stores" and “revitalize [Fort Lee’s] increasingly vacant downtown?”

Join in the discussion. Let us know what you think. Tell us in the comments.