1 Month After Fire, Bound Brook Businesses 'Suffering'

BOUND BROOK, NJ — A month after a devastating seven-alarm fire ripped through Bound Brook's downtown area help is still needed to support local businesses.

"While the immediate effects of the fire have worn off what is left behind now is a number of residual effects that are hurting the businesses in Downtown Main Street," said Bound Brook Downtown Manager Kate Knowles-Brindle.

The main impact to businesses is the partial closure of Main Street that remains since the fire on Jan. 12 that ripped through a new-construction apartment building complex called Meridia 2 near the train station. The closure is between Drake Street and John Street.

"It is still closed because our construction officials feel it is still unsafe for pedestrian and vehicle traffic to pass by," Bound Brook Police Capt. Kevin Rivenbark said. "It will reopen once its deemed safe."

"A detour was designed but it takes people away from businesses and they've been suffering," Bound Brook Mayor Bob Fazen said.

Fazen did add that he is hoping the roadway will reopen Wednesday.

"Right now we are trying to get Main Street open today," Fazen said. "The problem is the concrete towers that house the elevator and stairwells for both [Meridia] buildings have to be demolished so there is no threat of debris falling onto Main Street."

Despite the road closure businesses on Main Street are open and ready to serve. Customers can still access the business on foot and can park at the borough parking lot.

"I'd say one way to help Bound Brook is to spread the word that Main Street stores are open and encourage people to come out and show their support for these local businesses," said Knowles-Brindle.

As far as the Meridia developments, Fazen says they will rebuild the same apartment complexes that were already approved by the borough. Fazen estimates they will start renting out units in 2021.

There has been no update announced by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office in regards to the fire or arrest made in connection with it.

"There have been no new updates as of yet the matter still remains open and ongoing," said Francis Roman, SCPO spokesman.

Juan Hector Padilla, 28, of East Second Street in Bound Brook was arrested and charged on Jan. 13 with second-degree aggravated arson and third-degree hindering investigation apprehension/false information in connection with the fire.

Video surveillance from nearby businesses helped identify Padilla, Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson said.

Padilla was seen walking in the area of the Meridia II building on East Main Street several times leading up to the fire on Sunday night, Robertson said.

He was later found to be responsible for the fire, authorities said. The investigation is ongoing and looking into how the fire was set and why it was set. Robertson would not comment on whether an accelerant was used.

• See Related: Roads, Schools Impacted After 7-Alarm Fire Rages In Bound Brook
• See Related: Bound Brook Man Charged With Setting Massive 7-Alarm Fire

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