"I'm not that opposed to Starbucks, " Deluca said, noting he does not drink coffee. But he later added, "Personally, I think a dry cleaners over there is a dumb idea."
See more of his thoughts below:
JMF Chair Joe Forgione did not attend the meeting, which was prompted by a letter from dozens of merchants that sought a dialogue with him and Township officials. TC members Nancy Adams and Greg Lembrich also attended.
Deluca said Forgione was invited and the concerns of the merchants would be forwarded to him.
The mayor also stressed that the developer had received all of the required approvals for the project, which would take more than a year to complete. He said Forgione has the right to choose which businesses he wishes to lease to as long as they fit into the current zoning.
Former Mayor Fred Profeta, a strong opponent of the project, raised the question of whether Starbuck's falls under the definition of fast food, which is barred from the Township. The mayor said if it is found to be considered fast food, it would not be allowed to operate in that space.
Several merchants raised concerns about the new retail outlets, citing both the five-year tax abatement that JMF is receiving and the competition it may create.
See their comments below:
Among those also speaking was Annie Kahn, who co-owns Village Coffee, which would likely be affected by a Starbuck's.
"It's hard to make money for businesses. We have put in family time, holiday time, working seven days a week," she said. "I think the (Maplewood Village) Alliance should protect and serve the businesses in town that sacrifice so much."
