file photo by Boyd Loving
July 27,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the manager Jennifer Colangelo of One Love Bike+Barre Studio speaks out about the purchase of the former Elks Lodge by Ridgewood Water .
“To my fellow Ridgewood community please take a minute to read about the recent news regarding the purchase of the former Elks Lodge by Ridgewood Water for $1.6M.
There is absolutely NO mention of the fact that there is a current tenant in the Elk’s building – One Love Bike+Barre. As studio manager, I found it interesting that “an agreement had been reached between the village and the Elks organization” without our knowledge. It is extremely disheartening as a Ridgewood resident and small business owner that we have not been informed of this plan and are just finding this out, much like all of you!
This is not just some abandoned building. We have been tenants for over 3 years now and have been running a successful small business and plan to continue, as stated in our lease. A lease that has 19 months left with a 5 year renewable option. So for all intents and purposes, we would have liked to continue growing our community for the next 6+ years!
So, while nothing is set in stone and much of this could just be in the beginning stages, it sounds like our Mayor, the Elks organization and Ridgewood Water have all started making decisions without us. We are hopeful that the town will take into consideration that their Ordinance 3606 will be putting One Love Bike+Barre out of business with absolutely no regard for the owners or it’s current members!”
https://theridgewoodblog.net/ridgewood-water-to-bid-on-ridgewood-elks-property/
You may have a successful business, but you rely on your customers parking illegally across the street in the Kings parking lot.
An option to renew is just that, an option. Knowing how slowly municipal government operates, this business will likely be able to remain for the next 19 months, then get the boot. The writer suggests that there is no possibility of finding another suitable space in this geographic area. Get a grip and stop being a crybaby.
Unless I’m mistaken, doesn’t a tenant’s lease survive a conveyance of property from grantor to grantee unless the tenant agrees to terminate the lease?
Such an eyesore.
Yea, that’s nice. But the facts are that Ridgewood water will not be buying anything as they will soon be forced into bankruptcy and sold to Suez who own Hackensack water. Either way as a former member of the Elks I highly doubt you have a lease, let alone one with 19 months left and sure as heck without any “options”… Sheesh…we didn’t even know if we were going to pay the liquor guy next week let alone writing leases long term with options. Nice attempt at holding on to your below market rent. Your on your own there “small business owner”.
If your lease is valid, you are protected and you stay. Tenancy goes before ownership.
Very sad..are we surprised NO. Hacks…
People don’t know that when Jennifer moved into the building, she actually joined the Elks Club. This was an asset to our membership which increase the past 3 years.
She was a loyal member since moving in and my hats off to her and her staff.
As I know first hand, it was a land grab by the National Elks organization.
They are really a Mafia. They recently did this to my dad’s Elks in New Rochelle.
9:39, you have no idea what you’re talking about that their customers are parking ILLEGALLY at Kings.
They have 15 spots in the back and their classes hold less than that.
Taking up some of their spots are employees at the library and people visiting the library.
In addition, library patrons park at king all day.
G.
As long as the tenant does not default on its lease it will be able to renew. Ridgewood will have to spend more money to buy them out of the lease.
lose a lease and they are “out of business”?
seems like a weak business if this is the case.
Who owned the Elks building? The Mayor’s family? Is this the unnamed property that the Village budget mentioned as the reason for raising new municipal debt? Why is Ridgewood Water paying $1.6 million to buy a buikdibg in the CBD when they already have offices by the recycling center behind the firehouse? This stinks to high heaven.