Mayor De Luca's new Maplewood Village-No one can say.

It started abruptly enough. Mayor De Luca announced to the shock of most that the town was moving forward with plans to purchase the Woman's Club for nearly 1.1 Million dollars. He cited the additional parking, up to 60 spots for shoppers, diners and merchants as one reason why. When the town was asked what we might do with the existing building that's in need of millions in renovations, no one could say. 

The Township also just released an Urban Design Report conducted by Columbia University students. The Laugh out loud report which would be even funnier if it didn't cost the township $20,000 has suggested we add an office building over the privately owned rail tracks, parking decks including one on the privately owned Bank of America lot and one way streets throughout the village and behind the Village Coffee shop. Even the Mayor is saying these suggestions make little sense but he is attempting to justify paying the school for their hard work. Was this report necessary? No one can say.

The Mayor is also saying that he envisions a new Kings Supermarket across the street at what soon might be the former Post Office Building. A larger, better store but is Kings really interested in moving? No one can say. In regards to dedicated parking that a new full service Kings might require, would the town grant them this necessity? No one can say.

So where does our village stand in a new village world or one the Mayor envisions? Would construction on the former post office and Woman's Club sites, parking decks, office buildings and one way streets in theory close down the village or at least make it a place no one would want to visit? No one can say. How long would all this take? No one can say.

Oh, and most importantly, would all this eventually lead to lower property taxes or at least increased property value for homeowners? Again, no one can say. 

No one can say a thing but the wheels are in motion so sit back and enjoy the ride. Where we get off, no one can say.