A stroll along Ridge Road tells various stories of the changing retail climate and the need for a specific plan for Ridge Road.
While there are new, multiple dwelling projects underway, there is a vanishing retail footprint and the proliferation of “for sale and lease” signs have become noticeable.
While the Pronti Administration is claiming credit and victory for this proliferation of rental units that are currently under construction, what is the fate of the local retail, brick and mortar business?
The advent of AMAZON as the primary source of commerce is gutting Main Street after Main Street as the shopping habits of American migrate to online purchases.
There are few longtime retailers that are still recognizable on Ridge.
The days of PROZY’S and Thom McCann are a faint and distant memory.
MELAY’S, the longtime furniture retailer is the last anchor store along Ridge Road and professional offices for doctor’s and a few lawyers are evident.
North Arlington has never been a magnet for franchise business, although SUBWAY and 7/11 have a foot print for consumers.
For the future of Ridge Road seems to be apartments and high density housing, banking on new construction as a reason for higher rents and thus a different demographic in North Arlington.
Those who commute to Manhattan from Ridge Road seems to be the new target audience, but will this further accelerate gentrification and push out longtime locals and tenants who do not fit this profile?
North Arlington’s main street is changing as we speak and will this be change for the better?
“Higher rents don’t necessarily mean a better community. How will this impact local schools and basic services? Is this new direction pushing out traditional retail, mom and pop style establishments?” questioned one longtime NA resident when asked to comment.
Small changes along Ridge Road could revive the local shopping experience.
“Tear down the parking meters, the revenue does not justify the expense. Why does the Municipal lot on Ridge Road appear like a private parking lot for a single retailer? That parking requires signage so that those driving through the community know that’s an alternative to metered parking,” offered one passerby as a suggestion for more local shopping.
Another challenge for North Arlington is that Kearny is a UEZ and they offer a competitive shopping environment.
“North Arlington is a great community that needs a new, better strategy for Ridge Road. That means a mix of retail with housing that is compatible to the Borough’s current demographics. It will be interesting what will be the future, but a specific Ridge Road plan seems to be required moving forward.”
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