i would give anything to have a Trader Joe's in Collingswood!! This town is perfect for a small market - we need it so bad for those who do not drive. Aldi's is great but some alternative foods would be fantastic-I think it would help all of the retail to have a destination store on Haddon Ave.

The National Market is an eye sore to the town of Collingswood. If the owners don't sell this property, then they need to step up to the plate and run it like a grocery store should with clean shelves, product and better hours.
The shelves are empty, dirty and what is on the shelves,looks like it's been there for years. The store is empty!!!
I don't go in there because it is so dirty!!!
There best option is to sell to someone who is going to bring it to life!!!

I completely agree...However, wouldn't a series of daily fines facilitate the takeover rather than looking like your telling someone what to do with their business or what type of business to have in a prime location. I own a modest 1 level home that would be a prime location for a larger 2 story dwelling and would love to entertain offers from interested parties.

Is there any way that the borough, county, or state can rescind their ability to sell lottery tickets? No one makes money on cigarettes anymore, so I have to imagine this is the only marketable thing that is in that store.

What are the Lottery requirements for store hours and, is National Market in compliance? Without Lottery, there would be no business. Is the owner current on $14,209.83 Collingswood taxes? If so, Lottery must pay well or might there be a coupon exchange business being conducted from the site?

Finally! that blight in the middle of Haddon Ave breaks up and continuity the main shopping/dinning district has. Pretty much anything would be better than what is there now.

A while ago I visited this store [ http://www.homefarmstore.com/HomeFarmStore/HFHome.html ] in Virginia, which was converted from a bank, and thought it would be a good option for the collapsing bank next to the library. But it could go in that space too.

Maybe see if Sara's wants to expand?

But where am I going to buy my broken taco shells and dusty cans of Ragu pasta sauce?

Everytime I've been there the place looked like it had just been robbed: Lights flickering, products on the floor, no one around. Just terrible. Fingers crossed it remains some sort of grocer!!

Finally! It was (is) a horrible ,horrible place.......And it supposed to sell food???????

@Jasomm: I would love to see Sara's expand! They are a friendly family business that offers a nice variety of fresh produce (and really, where else can I find avocados in a pinch)!

I'll hold my breath for a TJ's - with the screwed up parking kiosks on Haddon, it would make foodshopping there a real mess... as long as it's NOT another restaurant or bakery, I say bring on the change!

While it would be nicet to have one, we'd more likely see a trader joes someplace like Deptford than in Collingswood. They have a location in Marlton and Philadelphia, It just wouldn't make sense for them to put one here.
As far as the national food market, kudos to the efforts to try to do something about the place. I also wonder like the poster above if there had been any fines placed on the facility to date and additionally if a health inspector has been called? These seem like avenues to sjut it down anyway. i hope the efforts work. Some people just won't let go of a property no matter how much they are offered.

Now if only we could convince McFarlan's Market (of Merchantville) to open a 2nd location in Collingswood! Every time I am in there, I think about what National Food Mart could have been if they had put in any effort. This location and clientele is IDEAL for McFarlan's! http://mcfarlansmarket.com/

Yes it's dirty, no I won't go in there, yes it's an eyesore.

Is this going to be an other property we as residents own? If so, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!

Please no more Italian restaurants. We're pretty full on most other types unless it's some kind of specialty steven starr place and with that we'd be held up by the silly religious based liquor law. Get real retail in there. Gapkids would be perfect due to the plethora of kids in town.

DR Marks, the state Lottery Commission regulates the actual sale of lottery tickets, but I don't believe they set regulations on hours of operation for businesses that sell them. That's up to the municipality.

I agree. The market is just not working. I would note however that many years ago, it was also unable to prosper. Parking is a problem, obviously, for a grocery store on Haddon Ave. Recall Thriftway? There seems to be a problem w/retail in general on Haddon. I don't know what, other than another food/deli/restaurant/coffee shop will make it. The restaurants are drawing people, largely in the evenings. Perhaps a retailer who can be open when the restaurants are?

For the life of me I don't understand why the current owner wouldn't upgrade - it would be a gold mine! A nice, clean, well stocked grocery in town similar to the one in Merchantville but it would require the patronage of the town (which I think it would get) to keep it viable. I for one would find myself shopping there at least once a week. The problem with a new owner, as I see it, is 1) the cost of purchasing the property, 2) upgrading it, 3) competive pricing to attract all levels of buyers - not easy and not cheap to do.

trader joes! trader joes! trader joes! trader joes! trader joes!

i dont think trader joes will actually happen. but a 'mini joes' would be wonderful there.

I love the idea of convincing McFarlan's Market to open a branch here! Any sort of cool bodega would be great, like the ones on NYC where you can actually get healthy choices along with convenience items. BUT PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP THE COOL SIGNAGE. I WOULD HATE TO SEE IT DISAPPEAR LIKE THE McMILLIAN'S BAKERY SIGN IN WESTMONT.

why would any decent establishment want to open there with the awful parking kiosk situation in collingswood. i personally never shop anymore in collingswood. the town needs to fix up the parking issues first. everyone hates the kiosks. get with it collingswood!

I think a market would be great! I've never been to McMillans, but maybe a compact supermarket like Rittenhouse or Gristedes in NYC. it can still be operated locally but affiliated with a national chain to uphold franchise standards.

Oh, and +1 on keeping the signage.

HOORAY!!!!!!!!!! It is a complicated undertaking for the Borough but anything would be better than what is there and I personally think it will be a great move!! I am personally willing to help out if there is anything ordinary citizens can do (or those with a community planning background ;) )

Its too late now, but a Trader Joe's should have gone where the Perkins Center is... Then the Perkins Center could have gone on Haddon Ave, pretty much anywhere (Former TD Bank?)

I've never been to McFarlan's but after checking out the website shots and a quick glance around it seems a nearly perfect solution. My wife and I currently have a three place system going on, the farmer's market, Trader Joe's (either one depending on what other errands) and Wegmans....I'd love to drop to a farmers market and local market with an bi monthly run to big box land for paper products....count us in

What this town really needs is a food coop. If in fact the Borough successfully acquires this property through eminent domain, I'll be first in line to join the Collingswood Whole Food Cooperative. Who's in?

Trader Joe's is an overwhelming favorite for us in Collingswood; I think anyone would thumbs up this company. Unfortunately, I don't think they could fit at that spot but I would love to see a nice "chain" that fits the town go in there. LET THEM SELL ALCOHOL! Then everybody wins...the BYO's, etc.!!

I love both the Home Farm Store and McFarlan's suggestions. How great would it be to stop by and pick up some fresh food or even nicely prepared meals to take home? If there are enough parking spots for the number of restaurants we have i find it hard to believe that we couldn't make a food store work (especially with the new garage they built under the Lumberyards. Also, isn't there an empty lot right there or nearby? I can't remember exactly but I'm pretty sure it's by the Library. Thoughts?

I think a cooking school would be great in our town! Something like The Viking School in Harrah's in AC.
http://www.harrahsresort.com/casinos/harrahs-atlantic-city/casino-misc/viking-cooking-school-detail.html
I think it would bring locals as well as people from all over the tri-state area.

I find it fascinating that property ownership is once again exposed for the fraud it is, and everyone supports it's devaluation. Everyone seems to have designs for this property except for the owner, including the Mayor, who speaks about it as if it's his. Feudalism, anyone?

I've lived here for over 40 years, and I'm probably one of the few left in Collingswood who remembers the original National Food Market. They had the best and freshest produce, cold cuts, fresh meats and poultry, etc. anywhere around. People came from other towns to get the fresh fruit and vegies they featured (my pediatrician from Haddonfield, the wonderful Dr. Repici, was a frequent shopper). It was bright and clean, and the employees were friendly and helpful. It was a real family business. When the original family retired, the store began to change hands and decline little by little - until finally to the deplorable condition it is now. I sure hope it can be brought back to those "glory" days; and from what I read here, McFarlan's would be the ones to do it. Maybe the Mayor and Council of Collingswood can approach them with this idea?

I recall someone posting something months ago from Trader Joes. They already looked into this location-- they passed due to parking, and the proximity of the two other locations. They aren't going to do it.

@ Sue Gerenstein and Tricia and others....count us in too...I've belonged to Mariposa in West Philly and Weaver's Way in Mount Airy....we'd LOVE a coop in town

Wow! A cooking school like the Viking Cooking School in Harrah's is an excellent idea to court to town. I probably would not put it there but with all the upcoming, empty retail space at the Lumberyard approaching, I think that would be fun and novel for the town. Especially a town built on gourmet restaurants.
I am not a big fan of "eminent domain" but if it applies to a dirty property that has been warned, then it needs to be done; that place is an eyesore.
I recently read an article about how Philadelphia is one of the few cityy's that is really expanding with youth and affordable housing. The young first time couples will eventually leave those rowhouses in favor of a close, and youth oriented suburb. Collingswood SHOULD BE tops on their choice. What are we doing in this town to attract the "starter home" professionals? Haddon Township surpasses us with schools and a bit of nightlife and we are still too "Norman Rockwell" Do not let opportunities for attractive businesses pass us by! If you want it, let Maley know you want it; don't let the "town fathers" decide for you "what's best".

Is it possible the current owner is using his piece of Collingswood as a dumping ground to support more profitable ventures elsewhere? For example, importing immigrant workers to staff a taxi business he owns in the city? He can save a bundle by paying immigrants much less than a living wage, and paying zoning authorities to look the other way while he stows workers and equipment in your town. If this is the case, it would be wise to support your mayor's efforts in upholding current living conditions in your community. Plenty of elected officials elsewhere are looking the other way right now.

The National Market is definitely too small, with attendant parking issues, for a Trader Joe's to possibly be interested. It could work great as a co-op or such.
The best shot we had for TJs was, alas, the Lumberyard. But the Mayor decided that more apartments, with minimal additional parking, and a 25 year gift of tax abatement to a builder best known for Section 8 housing, was just what the town needed.
As for as Trader Joe's only being interested in the South, more nonsense from the Mayor. Go to their website. At least half of the 18 stores they have in development are in such southern locales such as Connecticut, Northern New Jersey, Colorado, Utah, California. And, if the powers-that-be would deign to let the citizenry have a voice on the subject of alcohol sales, that aspect could have been addressed as well.

After googling Shinder Pal I'm even more convinced you've got a bigger issue than the lack of a Trader Vicks in Collingswood. Commend your local zoning board for keeping its eye on YOUR property values. Plenty of communities north of you are paying the price for zoning boards and elected officials who put the interests of out of town business owners before their residents!

Trader Joes on Haddon Ave would be a total traffic hell scape. Horrible idea. Just because you like something doesn't mean that it belongs in a congested commercial area.

I envision an Italian restaurant with apartments under every table - that seems to be the mayor's fix for everything - oh, that and the business owner will not have to pay a single penny in taxes for over 30 years, like that sweet deal the contractor is getting on the Section 8 housing they are going to build at the "BlunderYard"

I, too, recall National Foodmarket as a great little convenient walk-to store for FRESH food. Its hard to imagine that the store can survive with the amount of business that happens to come through the door when they are open. A well-run market would be great.
I'm not excited about the Borough buying more real estate.

In regards to the cooking school idea, I believe "The American Table" has plans to do some cooking classes in their current location on Haddon Ave.

pat o'rourke
as someone who moved here recently, it has been my pleasure to proudly show this community to my visiting friends and real estate colleagues especially as the vibrancy of downtown encourages others like myself to consider buying homes.
as a a former main street coordinator, I realize the challenges our borough faces when trying to get good retailers here. let's look at this as an opportunity to complement the needs of future retirees like me to have all our needs met within walking distance. we become a true transit village and reinforce the kind of wonderful interaction with others that doesn't happen in a mall parking lot.
i hope we can put on our creative hats and come up with something that we don't have now. this is a community of people with forward-thinking ideas. it could be fun to have a forum on what should happen there. with all the other wonderful things we're doing (bikeshare, zipcar, farmer's market), let's see what we can do.

A forum before you've dispensed with Mr. Shinder Pal? What if he has other ideas about the property he owns?

I am deeply disturbed by the fact that people seem to be almost unanimously in support of this takeover of a private business. In my opinion, these types of practices are offensively un-American. Amazingly, the discussion here seems to consist almost exclusively of speculation on what new store we might get after the current owners are unceremoniously swept aside. Shouldn't we be asking whether Mr. Pal should have the right to retain possession of his own private property? Has anyone stopped to think that your home or business could be next?

Shinder Pal has been cited for many violations over the years, mostly for using the property for purposes that contradict local zoning ordinances. In addition, he has shown no interest in bringing the business up to code, even where doing so could increase his own profits if he really intended to use it as a commercial business as he (no doubt) claimed he would do when he bought it. Instead, he has ignored all invitations from the community and handed off legal summonses to his attorneys. I'm sure Mr. Pal's attorneys have a firm grip on his "rights" and he will continue to profit by abusing the basic
tenants of citizenship that bind the rest of
us poor saps.

The concepts of citizenship and community building are the real victims here, not Shinder Pal. They will go down the tubes long before your home or business.

No Nick - not forfeiture of his property. No one is threatening that. The mayor is applying pressure, ie dogging Mr Pal about persistant code violations and running up his attorney fees. If he can make Pal uncomfortable enough, Pal may say the heck with this and sell the property to the town, or more likely to someone else who is interested in running a legitimate
business there. Then Mr. Pal can buy property in a town with a less vigilant Mayor, make a contribution to his campaign fund and continue to violate zoning laws by using the property as a dumping ground for underpaid laborers and discarded taxi cabs while his new neighbors watch the value of their own homes and
businesses decline.

I commend your mayor for cracking down on persistant code violations that threaten the quality of life of nearby residents. But I don't envy him constituents who only want to know "what do you have for us?". He's working in a vacuum on this one.

Go Mike!!!! Well said. Period.

And, apparently no officials in Collingswood ever talked with Amy before it was too late!

many of the points here are detracting from the argument. i am NO FAN of the Mayor and the lack of insight, foresight and current vision of the Lumberyard is a nightmare BUT, I believe that any business that fails to operate under orderly and decent directives after being cited repeatedly for them earns the right for forfeiture. A business in that bad of shape affects ALL OF US. An eyesore is an eyesore and warnings are warnings. As with any actions of our mayor, I expect more transparency; the Lumberyard is a prime example of how that is NOT HAPPENING. One bedroom apartments are not the answer to the issue. Land banking was the most viable option and NONE OF US, as investors, seemed to have much of a say.