Mayor Tedesco defends Paramus
By Mel Fabrikant Thursday, December 21, 2006, 09:33 AM EST
In an early morning interview on WOR, 710 AM, Mayor James Tedesco discussed the reasons behind the Blue Laws in Paramus and gave facts. Responding to interesting questions from the WOR dual team, he explained how Paramus could remain the shopping hub of Bergen County and still retain the bedroom community appellation. He responded quickly to a question about heavy traffic on our roads; “ At 7:11 AM traffic is very light.â€.
Citing figures, our mayor explained that we have approximately 3,000 stores and 10,000 homes along with 30,000 residents. These businesses account for 50% of the property tax income and allow for the services that Paramus provides. This was in defense of a remark that Paramus has more parking spaces than residents. On Sundays the area becomes habitable, a veritable ghost town. Gone are the long lines of traffic, a welcome relief from the other six business days.
When queried about a loss of revenue, once again, our mayor stuck up for the town. Shoppers know that we will not open on Sunday so they prepare by shopping during the week. If a last minute need arises, there are surrounding counties where most of these items can be purchased. We need the respite!
As for new malls and innovations, Jim Tedesco pointed out the newly approved Bergen Towne Plaza and the family oriented direction of the Westfield Garden State Plaza Shopping Center. He ranked the latter as the 10th largest in the country. The GSP will have a theater operation so that coming to the mall will not just mean shopping in a few stores and going home. The family will be able to enjoy it together. Another innovation is Valet Parking, a rapidly growing market.
Our Mayor’s response to opening shopping on Sundays: “Over my dead body!â€
Citing figures, our mayor explained that we have approximately 3,000 stores and 10,000 homes along with 30,000 residents. These businesses account for 50% of the property tax income and allow for the services that Paramus provides. This was in defense of a remark that Paramus has more parking spaces than residents. On Sundays the area becomes habitable, a veritable ghost town. Gone are the long lines of traffic, a welcome relief from the other six business days.
When queried about a loss of revenue, once again, our mayor stuck up for the town. Shoppers know that we will not open on Sunday so they prepare by shopping during the week. If a last minute need arises, there are surrounding counties where most of these items can be purchased. We need the respite!
As for new malls and innovations, Jim Tedesco pointed out the newly approved Bergen Towne Plaza and the family oriented direction of the Westfield Garden State Plaza Shopping Center. He ranked the latter as the 10th largest in the country. The GSP will have a theater operation so that coming to the mall will not just mean shopping in a few stores and going home. The family will be able to enjoy it together. Another innovation is Valet Parking, a rapidly growing market.
Our Mayor’s response to opening shopping on Sundays: “Over my dead body!â€
