What's Next For Fanwood Crossing

Local residents have a lot of ideas about what should fill the 8,800 square feet of retail space being constructed at Fanwood Crossing.  In a recent article, Patch asked readers what types of new businesses they want to see. Here are some of the most popular suggestions.

 A full service bakery, a local coffee shop, a two screen movie theater, specialty deli or food store, a Whole Foods, a learning center, a night life spot, a pharmacy or vitamin store, a retail chain to attract a younger crowd (such as Abercrombie & Fitch or Game Stop), and a tattoo shop.

Now, Fanwood Mayor, Colleen Mahr and Elite Properties Developer, David Checchio have responded with an update on the progress of the construction and their vision for the space.

“As of now, there have been no leases signed,” Checchio said. “The retail space and the residential apartments above will be completed by June. There has been quite a lot of interest from local, as well as national, businesses. National or ‘Mom and Pop,’ we are determined to find the perfect tenants for that space.”

Checchio explained that Elite Properties will not accept any tenants that will compete with existing local businesses. Checchio and Mahr share a vision for downtown Fanwood; each stating that securing a restaurant or café for Fanwood Crossing is their number one priority.

“Ideally, I would like to see café or restaurant that could use the pedestrian plaza outdoor space,” Checchio said. “I also think that a bank or financial space would work well for commuters coming off the train from New York City.”

Mahr added that she would also be happy to see a learning center or a dance studio open up where parents can drop off their kids and then explore and shop downtown. The Mayor went on to state that Fanwood Crossing is an ideal destination for shoppers not only from Fanwood and Scotch Plains, but also from neighboring communities such as Clark and Plainfield.

“We are looking to create a downtown where people can work, live and play,” Mahr said.

Mayor Mahr expressed that the retail tenant must be able to coexist with the property owner and the residents who will live in the apartments above. Checchio added that the pedestrian foot traffic created by the new tenants will make the retail spaces more attractive for perspective retailors.

 “There is already a list of people who are waiting to rent the apartments without the developers having done any marketing. Elite is not going to jump at the first offer [for the retail space] if it is not what they really want,” Mahr said.

Mahr stated that she continues to struggle with the fact that Fanwood has no additional liquor licenses. The four allotted are currently used by Flannery’s Pub, Sun Tavern, Fanwood Liquors, and A&P, which sells beer.

“It would be wonderful, and very profitable to have a larger destination or restaurant that could serve alcohol. We are working with legislatures to see what can be done about securing another license for the town,” Mahr explained.

In addition to the Fanwood Crossing redevelopment project, Elite Properties is overseeing the development of a second project. The building will face South Avenue, replacing the old Sovereign Bank which has been torn down. The front face of the building will mirror other South Avenue store fronts such as Enchantments and Seng Couture.

“A high end grocer or deli would be a terrific fit for this location,” Checchio stated. Unlike many strip malls, customers can also enter these buildings from the rear. The back of the building is just as appealing to look at as the front.”

Checchio explained that Elite Properties has taken the design of downtown Fanwood very seriously; modeling the appearance of the store fronts and the Fanwood Crossing apartments after the historic Fanwood train station, using Victorian design elements in the construction of each building.

“People don’t remember what South Avenue used to look like,” Mayor Mahr said. “We have done all of this in a recession. It was important that the new buildings reflect the history of downtown Fanwood and that the actual construction stands the test of time.”

Mahr pointed out that there are no empty store fronts in downtown Fanwood, commending the many local business owners who call Fanwood home.

“We have always had people who invest in their properties and have ties to the community. Helen Lang, who owns Enchantments, came to this country 40 years ago and has been a merchant in town for 25 years… we have people who have invested countless dollars in this community and are here to stay,” Mahr said.

Mahr explained that she has worked on the revitalization of downtown Fanwood every day for the last eight years, and that she ran for re-election in part because of her passion for the redevelopment process.

“People take pride in Fanwood. People in this community have a passion for downtown and they want to go there and spend time with their family. This is a march towards the revitalization and a creation of a vibrant downtown to match our equally vibrant community,” Mahr said.