Big Lots Eyeing Former A & P Plaza
No lease agreement yet, but company received zoning approval for permitted use
Big Lots, a Columbus, Ohio-based company that owns about 1,400 department stores across the country, is considering opening another store in Barnegat, at the site of the old A & P on Route 9.
Although no agreement has been signed, and the negotiations are not yet finalized, the company did apply for – and receive – a zoning permit from the township last month.
“All I can really tell you is that we had some discussion with Big Lots, but there is no lease as of this moment,” said David Silver, corporate director of marketing at Levin Management, a New Jersey-based leasing and management agent for the former A & P property.
Big Lots is not ready to comment on the possible move to Barnegat, the company’s corporate officials said.
But should the company decide to come here, township officials said they would welcome it.
“They did get their zoning permits, which in essence allows the use of that facility for permitted use, which it was,” said Township Committeeman Jeffrey Melchiondo, who serves as the committee’s liaison to economic development.
“Everybody was overjoyed by the fact that someone was coming to that, and with a company like Big Lots, I am sure that when they come in, they will employ lots of people. It will be an important ratable for the town, too.”
Big Lots department stores sell brand-name closeouts and bargains, including furniture, seasonal items, toys, gifts, electronics, clothing, tools and more.
Karen
5:36 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
HOORAY!
mark
5:36 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Would be great to see them come to barnegat...
NightShadows
5:36 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Big Lots is a huge waste of that space. They don't carry enough variety of necessities to make it more valuable to this area than a supermarket. The dozen or so people I talked to when I heard this rumor two weeks ago were less than lukewarm to the idea of Big Lots. meh!
Jerry Harper
5:36 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
It would certainly be good to have a major retailer occupy that site. It would be beneficial to the existing businesses as well.
TRAVIS
5:36 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
hopefully they move in soon and fill the empty store
Gabriele
8:00 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Any "township officials" should go take a look at the big lots in Toms River on RT 37 in the plaza with the retro fitness, before they "Welcome" anything else into town.
Bob Wise
8:40 pm on Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The "township officials" may be looking for something to complement the low income housing that will be flooding that area. Funny how people will make tons of comments on what high class supermarket they wish would go in the newest strip mall, but have nothing to say about what is really happening around town. Not too many people wishing for Big Lots in Barnegat, or more low income housing. (well it's ok if you put it on the East side....right?)
Capt Jacobsen Mey
9:00 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
Yes, Big Lots will create jobs, however, the jobs it will create will again be mediocre $9.00hr jobs. Not putting anyone down who works for that amount or in those types if job positions - BUT - Barnegat needs BIG BUSINESS that will truly benefit the people of Barnegat.
Will BL be a "ratable", yea, to a certain degree, however it's not te type of business that is needed or one that will do anything at all to help with REAL jobs or impact the ratable tax base.
If Barnegat where to bring in higher retail outlets or super markets, in many ways lore than one, people WILL come to those stores to buy - and the customer base will only build once surrounding areas know of such business locations.
The Twp Committee needs to wake up, because Barnegat Residents are LEAVING. Who wants to continue to live in a town where there are no real job opportunities, no good businesses and property taxes that keep getting raised when the fact of the matter is, all of our properties have drastically decreased in value?
Vote the Stooges out, bring in folks who will make progress for the town and people.
Danielle Matusz
11:10 am on Monday, April 23, 2012
I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!. CAN NOT LIVE HERE MUCH LONGER WITH THE ILLEGAL TAX INCREASE AND LOWERED PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS. NO JOBS, AND WHAT EVER THERE IS BARELY PAYS FOR THE GAS TO GET TO AND FROM WORK. ITS JUST A CONTINUOUS RAT RACE..
Dan Druff
11:18 am on Monday, August 20, 2012
More supermarkets?????? You lost A&P because it couldn't sustain itself and Genuardi's is looking to sell and get out too. You need any kind of business you can to bring in money.
Sonia Liddie
3:01 pm on Friday, June 1, 2012
I am self employed and find it very difficult to make ends meet. I would welcome a job for $9. or $10. per hour. Hire me! I have retail, customer service, sales, cashier, marketing internet sales, mangement experience and more! Ready to start in Barnegat location and Tom's River immediately! email me at lymeinlove@aol.com
Thanks and have a fantastic day!
with kindest regards-Sonia
Rick
10:09 am on Friday, June 15, 2012
A "ratable"?
Doesn't the property owner pay the same amount of tax whether a building is occupied or not?
It works that way with a private home so why wouldn't the same apply to a commercial property?
audra rauso
1:10 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012
its the same all over wake up people