A new Walgreens pharmacy nears completion on the site of the former Mullane Ford auto dealership on North Washington Avenue in Bergenfield.

Bergenfield Special Improvement District offers overview

By BARBARA PARKER
Managing Editor
Twin Boro News

D owntown used to be the place where locals did most of their shopping, from shoes and clothing shops to butcher shops and mom-and-pop markets to hardware and furniture stores.

No more.

Over the past 50 or so years, the malls have siphoned off most of that business.

And, in response — like most suburban towns in Bergen County -- the face of Bergenfield's downtown is constantly changing to meet new consumer needs and preferences.

Don Smartt, director of the Bergenfield Special Improvement District, a quasi-governmental body, is optimistic about both the borough's current and future downtown.

"I see local students gathering socially at the many fast-food stores," he said.

The borough's eclectic mix of restaurants attracts diners from the entire area, he also noted.

"Many people frequent Tommy Fox's for the food and social atmosphere."

"Specialty stores like Sensational are favorite sites for gifts."

"We have a Sears and Staples that attract shoppers."

Especially, he pointed out, is the wide choice of stores that meet the needs of certain niches representing the shopping preferences of the Bergenfield population's broad demographic makeup.

Where retail stores used to dominate, service businesses abound.

"There's a huge differential between service and retail," he said.

He attributes this to high commercial rents and the fact that there's a lack of walk-in customers for retail shopping.

What does he see for the future?

"Niche markets," he responded, for residents with specific shopping needs that can't be met elsewhere.

He also foresees more service enterprises moving to the first floors of buildings, using an interior decorating business as an example.

Right now, there are some new additions to the commercial community.

Theresa, a Bergenfield native, and Don Ruggieri are excited about the June opening of their new fitness center, which will occupy the old Woolworth building at Washington Avenue and Main Street.

The building, constructed in 1928, has some of the trappings of the 1920s and 1930s art deco style.

Smartt calls it "art deco commercial."

The Ruggieris have completely renovated the old structure, which at one point was in danger of being razed, and have carefully preserved some of the old-fashioned elements that hinted at its former ambience.

Among those are the decorative tin ceilings, the freshly painted crown molding and the exterior metalwork.

But everything else about the new center, called Fitness II and set to open in June, is state of the art, including an optional separate fitness center for women and a weight room for heavy lifters.

Once under way, the center will operate on a membership basis.

Other changes coming are the construction of a new Walgreen's pharmacy on the site of the old Mullane Ford auto dealership, now closed and razed.

The former Fischer Chevrolet at showroom is being refurbished for occupancy by Bergenfield Suzuki, which will sell motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.

And a few years ago, a major overhaul of the forfmer Sizzler restaurant site made way for a new home for Bergenfield Nissan.

And the Ruggieris spoke fondly about a charming new café with outdoor tables that has just opened down the street from the fitness center.

"It's a complex environment," said Smartt. "I want people to rediscover Bergenfield."