POLL: Is There Hope for Bloomfield?

Recently the Bloomfield community learned that in the new Town Center to a Foodtown supermarket and a Subway sandwich shop. 

Many residents and business owners expressed dismay at the news, saying those establishments were not upscale enough and would not change the town’s demographics.  Some homeowners said their hopes for Bloomfield’s future – as well as their property values -- depended on the success of the town’s redevelopment efforts, specifically block 228.  Some business owners said their their livelihoods were contingent upon whether the town could attract a more select clientele to Bloomfield.

Still, not all Patch readers thought the Foodtown and Subway would be a bad thing for the development. “If Foodtown is done right where it is nice and clean, they hire customer service oriented employees, then there is a chance it would fit in well,” said one commentor.

Others seemed to agree with the Principal developer Bill Colgan's position that, "You have to walk before you can run.”

“The first project never accomplishes the end goal," he told Patch recently. "Any other town that has deteriorated to the extent that Bloomfield has . . . well, you have to be realistic."

“Believe me, it is not that easy to get developers to come to Bloomfield," one Patch reader wrote.  "Our neighborhood association was involved in this for years and even contacted businesses ourselves. They were not interested.”

Still, far outnumbering those supporting the developer’s decision were those criticizing it.

“So much potential down the tubes,” said one Patch reader, while another declared, “They have just killed the redevelopment.”

Amidst the debate and criticism, however, is the larger question of Bloomfield's future.  Regardless of which stores wind up renting space in the town center, what will all the proposed projects and changes bring?

“Every town is jealous of Bloomfield for its location and its proximity to New York [and] for having the potential to develop [into a great town,]” stated Bloomfield’s departing Township Administrator, Yoshi Manale, in his last interview with Patch.  He expressed regret that he was never able to help the town realize its promise.

“[Bloomfield’s] location, with it's proximity to the GSP and the Midtown Direct, make it a UNIQUELY desirable location,” commented one Bloomfield resident.  “It's time to stop selling Bloomfield short . . . It could be a great place.  We must see the possibilities and strive to make this a better town.”

Summing up residents’ mixed feelings about the future of the town, one reader simply asked, “Is There Hope for Bloomfield?”

What do YOU think?  Take our poll or tell us in the comments.