the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, the Costco Wholesale Corporation is officially moving forward with plans to open a new location in Paramus, taking over the long-vacant property previously occupied by Kmart and Stop & Shop along Route 17 South.
The Paramus Planning Board has scheduled a hearing for Costcoâs site application on August 7, 2025, at 7 p.m., at 1 Jockish Square, Borough Hall. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and provide input on the major redevelopment proposal.
Whatâs in Costcoâs Application?
Represented by attorney Jennifer Mazawey, Esq. of K&L Gates LLP, Newark, Costcoâs application includes:
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A Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan
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A Major Soil Movement Permit
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Plans to become the sole occupant of the property at 857, 859, and 861 Route 17 South
Costco first appeared before the Planning Board on October 3, 2024, with the aim of redeveloping the site into one of its membership-only, big-box warehouse clubs.
Why This Site Matters
The site, located on the highly trafficked Route 17 South corridor, has sat empty since Kmart and Stop & Shop vacated, making it a prime location for redevelopment. The proposed Costco store would not only revitalize the space but also draw substantial foot traffic and revenue to the Paramus area.
About Costco: A Retail Powerhouse
Costco Wholesale Corporation, a leader in the warehouse retail space, is currently the:
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Worldâs largest retailer of beef, poultry, organic produce, and wine (as of August 2024)
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Third-largest global retailer
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11th on the Fortune 500 list of the largest U.S. corporations by revenue
Nearly one-third of American households shop at Costco regularly, thanks to the brandâs commitment to low prices and high-volume discounts.
Community Involvement Encouraged
With such a large-scale project on the table, Paramus residents and local business owners are urged to attend the August 7th meeting. Community feedback will be vital in shaping the final development outcome and ensuring that it aligns with traffic, environmental, and zoning considerations.
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How much foot traffic is this going to bring to the area? Frankly donât care. However I do care about the increased vehicle traffic, noise and air pollution. We donât need a 180,000 + retail building on the site with 800+ parking spaces ( about double of the spaces currently on the site). Yes , the site does need redevelopment, but not on this scale. A small shopping center similar to whatâs already there would be better suited for the site. And frankly regarding increased revenue for the town, Paramus is already bringing in increased tax revenue with the massive new homes replacing the smaller older homes that had a lower tax base. So, Paramus is not going to go broke if Costco doesnât build on that spot. Paramus Planning Board, mayor and town council seriously need to consider the quality of life for Paramus residents. Residents from Paramus and neighboring Ridgewood should show up for this meeting and make their voices heard. Note: It worked when a number of us spoke up about the Charlie Brownâs site on Linwood and won.
correct – there is nearly zero “foot traffic” on route 17. . .
I live in Mahwah, NJ and I go down to Teterboro with my friend a couple of times a year I have always said, I wish Costco would come to this area. It won’t be anymore traffic, and it is a great place for Costco! I think it would work out fine there, as it is on Rt# 17.
Hereâs a thoughtâŚ.. build one in Mahwah. Plenty of room up there and less traffic congestion.
How do you figure there won’t be any additoonal traffic on Route 17 generated by the addition of a new Costco?
Costco stores are magnets for shoppers. The Teterboro parking lot is often spilling over with cars.
A new Costco in Paramus will bring thousands, if not tens of thousands, of additional cars to Route 17 seven days a week.
Costco is going to be an excellent replacement. Paramus will do an outstanding job working with them to come up with a plan. Couldnât come soon enough!
Evan should have bonded the land purchase. Part of the property (the old Grand Union) is within VOR limits.
Would have made for a fantastic Vagianos Sports Complex and new location for his delicious cuisine we all miss so much.
Canât wait
Great location
Paramus is going to do whatever they want, they donât care anything about what Ridgewood says
Especially since it is on the northern periphery of the town. Big property taxes, low impact on residents. It’s a done deal. Ridgewood residents can attend, but they cannot speak. Just know that.
Yes, Ridgewood residents should speak up if this project is going to adversely affect them and their quality of life.
If PFAS Paulie and his stooges don’t care what Ridgewood has to say, why would Paramus?
Just like the intersection of Ridgewood Avenue and Paramus Road, those commercial lots are disgusting filthy rundown, and needs to be all rebuilt. Thatâs a perfect location for 24 hours 711 or CVS.
Better location for a 24 hour 7-11 would be Ridgewood’s abandoned movie theater.
Could be a great place for nice kids from all over the area to congregate.
Horrendous and embarrassing.
You’re embarrassed by a store being built?
I think itâs a great spot! Canât wait đ