What Should Take the Blue Collar Inn's Place in Garwood?

What does South Avenue need?

In our new series, we ask what you'd put in the available spaces in Clark and Garwood. In our second installment, we ask what you'd put in the old Blue Collar Inn's place at 607 South Avenue (at the corner of Maple Avenue) in Garwood.

The property has an infamous history: In 2003, the NJ Division of Criminal Justice busted a $100,000-a-month mafia gambling operation there, connected to the New York-based Genovese crime family, according to a report from the Star-Ledger.

The report says the Blue Collar Inn housed an operation where "mobsters would give 'loans' that carried interest rates as high as 156 percent."

The property has been vacant since the bust, the empty restaurant and bar a haunting reminder of mafia activity that shocked residents in the quiet borough.

According to the property's listing agent Gary Schneider of Coldwell Banker, the space boasts roughly 1500-square feet with a kitchen and vintage wood bar. It's renting for 2,500/month. See photos of the interior in our gallery, right. 

"It's certainly had a colorful history," says Schnieder. "But it has one of those great old bars in there. It's really a gem."

Schnieder said he's had inquires from different businesses, including catering services and a dog groomer, but nothing on the books yet.

"It's difficult to get another bar in there because there is no liquor license," says Schieder.

The building also houses an apartment above the available space. The property is zoned G-B, or general business. (Read the zoning specs here.)

So tell us, Garwood. What would you put there? A trendy restaurant? A dog groomer? A boutique? A catering company? A grocer or deli? Something else?

Take our poll and leave your vision for the space in our comments section.

Prospective renters out there? Call Schnieder at 908-233-5555 ext.220.

About this column: In highlighting vacant buildings in Clark and Garwood, we aim to help residents take a proactive role in planning and building their community. Know of a vacant space we should highlight? Email jessica.remo@patch.com.