NEWS from the
TOWNSHIP OF IRVINGTON

"It is the goal of this administration to investigate and implement any initiative that will improve life in Irvington, and to do so with all due care, commitment and concern."
MAYOR WAYNE SMITH

A groundbreaking ceremony today is marking the imminent construction of Krauszer's food store, one of several noted projects under the Township of Irvington's comprehensive Strategic Redevelopment Plan.

The new franchise is Krauszer's first foray into urban NJ. "Krauszer's has been a suburban staple of the tri-state area for about 30 years," Mayor Wayne Smith said. "We are breaking ground in the physical sense, and more importantly, in the social sphere as well. This is a new market for Krauszer's and an exciting, new day for Irvington. Clearly, Krauszer's has granted its ringing endorsement of our robust record in redevelopment and the promise for future progress," he added.

The $500,000 project will expand an existing 2,100 square-foot liquor store located on the high visibility 18th Avenue-at the triangular intersection of 21st Street and 22nd Street-to a 3,900 square-foot establishment with warehouse space, increased retail space, a loading zone and one slot for handicap parking. Planned customer amenities include faxing and copying services, and an Internet access station. The textured brick exterior building will have security lights and surveillance system. About 15 to 20 full- and part-time positions are expected to be generated by the store. Construction is expected to begin next month, and completion is targeted for Winter 2008.

Encouraged by the mayor's plans to revitalize the East Ward-a strategically-situated but historically underserved community-the property owners/developers approached Krauszer's in 2004 and secured the approval a few months later.

"A well-known franchise is coming to the community, and hopefully others will follow," according to Krushang Patel, vice president of Maharaj, Inc., which formed in 1990 and acquired the property the following year. "Our store should create a competitive spirit, in which everyone will have to provide better products and services; that's always best for the community," Patel added. His father, Pramod Patel, is president of the company.

In June 2005, the mayor designated Krauszer's among the leading commercial and residential projects that would jumpstart the rebirth of the vicinity. Since that time, 22 two-family and 3 three-family homes have been constructed at scattered sites by New Visions Redevelopment Associates and sold; in addition, 6 of 10 two-family homes on Grove Street and off the thoroughfare have been completed by KayGee Developers, LLC; all 10 residences have been sold.

"The project represents confidence by developers and retailers in Irvington," according to Wayne Bradley, business administrator and head of the redevelopment team. "Their willingness to invest sends a message to the region that Irvington is an economic force."

The new building will be enhanced by the planned reconfiguration of the intersection for safer negotiation of vehicular and foot traffic. Partial funding will be provided by the 18th Avenue Neighborhood Preservation Program, which was launched in Irvington last year by the state Department of Community Affairs. The agency is expected to dedicate $525,000 over a five-year period for residential, neighborhood and business development on 18th Avenue.

Krauszer's was established in the early 1970s. Its 115 stores are located in the tri-state area; 40 percent of them are in NJ.

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