HIGHLAND PLACE RESTAURANT RENOVATION STALLED

The renovation of the former Highland Place restaurant, which began just a few months ago, has apparently stalled.

And there is no sign when it will resume or why it was stopped.

We reported in August that restaurateur Bernie Gonclaves, who owns Publick House in Mountainside, had reached a deal with the building's owner and was beginning renovation to reopen.

But a few weeks ago the work suddenly stopped. Township officials and Maplewood Village Alliance said they had no indication as to why. Gonclaves has not responded to requests for comment.

You may recall Highland Place closed back in 2014 after the former owner lost the liquor license when he failed to pay some taxes.