‘Walk And Talk’ Tour Of Essex Green Shopping Center On Sunday

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Sometimes there’s no substitute for some firsthand experience.

On Sunday, Jan. 13, Our Green West Orange will host a “Walk ‘N Talk” tour of the Essex Green Shopping Center, which is due for a major facelift after being declared as an “area in need of redevelopment” in 2018.

“Find out more about the Essex Green Shopping Center!” the group wrote in an email about the event. “It's not just about the trees - it's about making sure West Orange gets the best possible Town Center possible. After all, it's your community, your family, your safety, your property values, and your tax dollars!”

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

Organizers wrote:

“Join resident-volunteers for a free walk 'n talk tour of the Essex Green Shopping Center. See the plans proposed as they are drawn by the developer's architects. Walk the site to learn where new buildings are proposed, where trees will be removed, where the driveways and sidewalks are planned, where the new library has been proposed to sit along with the DPW and animal shelter.”

According to organizers, during the walk and talk tour, participants will be able to ask questions and gather info about:

• Proposed drive-thru locations
• The proposed library site
• The developer’s submitted plans
• The trees slated to be removed

The tour will meet in the TGIF parking lot at 495 Prospect Avenue in West Orange. It will go from 3 to 5 p.m., with a debriefing at the TGIF afterwards, organizers said. Learn more about this event 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.

• 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

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