No ‘Cheap-Looking Mall’ At Essex Green, West Orange Group Demands

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange may get a much-anticipated glimpse into the future of the Essex Green Shopping Center this week.

Representatives with Clarion Partners are expected to present their proposal for a large-scale renovation of the Essex Green Shopping Center during a Thursday, Dec. 13 meeting of the West Orange Zoning Board, according to a statement from Our Green West Orange.

The public meeting is slated for 8 p.m. at Town Hall, 66 Main Street, West Orange. (Learn more here)

After Clarion Partners purchased the shopping center in 2016 for $97 million as part of "one of the largest retail sales in New Jersey in the last two years," developers announced plans for a large facelift at the property, citing a double-digit vacancy rate among its tenants.

The shopping center has seen a mix of national, regional and local tenants, including ShopRite, Macy's Backstage, an AMC Theatre with dine-in service, Total Wine & More, Sears Appliance/Outlet, Petco, TGI Fridays, Panera Bread, GameStop and GNC.

Last summer, West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi announced that CLPF-Essex Green LLC (Clarion Partners), owner of the shopping center, isn't asking for a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for the property, which the Town Council designated as an "area in need of redevelopment” earlier this year.

See the township’s presentation on the redevelopment of Essex Green here.

• See related article: West Orange Mayor: No PILOT For Essex Green Shopping Center
• See related article: No Tax Cuts For Wealthy Company In West Orange, Union Demands

ESSEX GREEN: ‘DEVELOPERS NEED TO HEAR OUR REQUESTS’

Here’s what Our Green West Orange had to say in advance of the Dec. 13 meeting:

“This is our Town Center and rather than watch it decline yet again, the developers need to hear our requests for innovation in sustainable landscaping and pedestrian safety that will attract vibrant restaurants and retailers to a loyal clientele: Us! Come support the West Orange Environmental Commission who will be there advocating for a green parking lot with bioswales, water features, plant walls and more.”

The grassroots group said of the project:

“Our Green West Orange has reviewed the plans, and has met privately with Lauren Holden, Clarion's project manager for this Redevelopment Project. We have also met with the West Orange Environmental Commission. Our findings are that the plans for Essex Green lack many environmental and safety features smart planning should include.”

A Change.org petition – which has gathered more than 300 signatures – also encourages local residents to attend the Dec. 13 meeting:

“On Thursday night December 13, 2018, 8 p.m. at Town Hall, the owners of Essex Green Shopping Center will present their vision of the future. Residents have an opportunity to hear about it before the approvals are granted and to influence the decision. Will it be a cheap-looking ordinary mall with a likelihood to repeat its history of failure? Or will it reflect the creativity of West Orange residents who will shop there because of attractive landscaping, safer pedestrian access, vibrant restaurants and interesting retail stores?”

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