Visions for Vacancies: What Type of Business Should Replace This Vacant Building?

We couldn’t be prouder of the response and comments we’ve gotten here at Livingston Patch to our Visions for Vacancies column.

As we approach our fourth week publishing this column, we’ve run the gamut of comments from you, our readers.

Last week, we chose the vacant Enterprise Rent-A-Car site at 142 S. Livingston Ave as our Vision for Vacancies site.

And, in what was perhaps one of our proudest moments, we heard from Artie Zebofsky, the exclusive broker for the property thanking us for running the article and for having a forum for someone like him to get feedback from readers on what to do with the property.

So, Artie, Livingston Patch readers have spoken and here’s what a few Patch readers would like to replace Enterprise at the site:

• Kim said she would “a craft store, like Painting the Plates or Doin Dishes? She also had the following request: “Please, no more frozen yogurt places, pizza parlors, dry cleaners or bagel shops.”

• Margaret said she would like a “Five Guys burgers or Muscle Maker.”

• Wetochwink said they would prefer a bread shop or bakery or even a burger joint, suggesting Surf Taco as well.

This week, we chose the vacant building at 156 S. Livingston Ave. The building contains 5,000-square-feet of space, suitable for retail or offices.

The same rules apply — Forget what zone the building is in. Ignore setback regulations, as well as dump lot coverage rules and all the other zoning jargon that puts most people to sleep.

Our bottom line: If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use of the space for the community?

For this to continue to work, this can’t be a one-sided conversation. We need to hear from you in our comments section. And, please, let us know if there’s a vacant space or building you know of as well we can feature in a future column.

Send emails about vacant buildings or stores to Essex County Associate Regional Editor Jack Durschlag at jack.durschlag@patch.com.

About this column: Visions For Vacancies is a Patch feature where you, our readers, tell us what type of business or businesses you want to see in vacant stores or buildings. Email Associate Regional Editor Jack Durschlag at jack.durschlag@patch.com with your choices.