WILL WE STILL BE A FAVORITE DOWNTOWN AFTER THE POST OFFICE PROJECT?

We wrote the other day about Maplewood being included in the newest New Jersey Monthly cover story as one of 16 choices for its favorite downtowns.

The issue is out and you can read HERE what they have to say about Maplewood Village.

As Mayor Vic De Luca urged residents to vote online for our Township in an upcoming web competition to narrow the 16 down to one favorite downtown, it also raises the question of how favorite we will be if the planned former post office complex is built.

Not saying the proposed three-story, 20-unit, five-shop complex will ruin the downtown. It may make it better. But it is something several readers have brought up to us.

New Jersey Monthly even cited the post office plan at the end of its glowing downtown tribute, writing: "THEN AGAIN: The town is working to assure that redevelopment of the old downtown post office doesn't disrupt the Village's charm."

The New Jersey Monthly issue also includes a list of the 100 best places to live in the state, from which Maplewood was noticeably absent. The magazine says it will post its full 510-town list of best places to live next month online. Can't wait.