BACK TO
November 2004
Update

This is a momentous day and a nostalgic day. One on which we remember the past and look forward to the future.

When I came to Montclair in the mid-sixties, the Montclair Central Business District, although not called that then, included Hahne’s at this location, Sears at the corner of Valley and Bloomfield Avenues where Montclair Auto Group now stands, and nearby stores including J.M. Townes, Sterns and Bambergers.

Obviously times change and names change.

Hahne’s was closed and no other retailer found the location attractive. The building was purchased, the Planning Board reviewed and approved a couple of plans for use, but nothing happened.

The Redevelopment Laws, less than a decade old, provided ways that a municipality could act to improve the use of property within its borders. Political will, leadership and partnership lead to today’s event.

I want to commend previous Councils; Planning Boards that have played thoughtful roles in Redevelopment Plans and Site approval; the Historic Preservation Commission that offered valuable advice to the applicant; the Parking Authority which is proceeding within this partnership on the Crescent Deck Project; MEDC, the Montclair Center BID and local merchants and residents for their help with interim parking and with construction suggestions for this development. I want to thank members of the community whose contributions have made this a better project than it might have been.

Finally, thanks to Herod Development and its principals for working with Montclair and its citizens. I welcome them as an important part of Montclair’s future.