Press Releases
Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lynne Klosowski
201-739-6047
CHANGE.ORG PETITION
RINGWOOD RESIDENTS PETITION PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY TO IMPROVE
THE QUALITY OF PRIMARY SHOPPPING CENTER AND ENCOURAGE LOCAL BUSINESS
Ringwood, NJ, (November 3, 2014)
A local resident group, Revitalize Ringwood, has circulated a petition to Azarian Group, LLC, the privately-owned property management company which owns and manages the primary shopping center in the borough. Azarian Group self-identifies as a ” full service property management and development organization engaged in the acquisition, development, redevelopment, management, leasing, insuring, construction and financial management of retail, commercial and investment properties”. The signers of the petition, (who stretch across all age groups and areas of Ringwood) maintain that Azarian Group has been falling far short of their responsibilities with regards to the maintenance, management and development of the Fieldstone Shopping Center. They feel it undermines the pride and beauty of the town when the shopping center is run down, poorly maintained with serious safety and health issues, and has several resulting long-term vacancies.
Revitalize Ringwood seeks to encourage the restoration of Fieldstone Shopping Center to its former prominence as a center of community and economic activity. They maintain that, as their borough center, a well-maintained and healthy Fieldstone Shopping Center would:
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Spur business development/encourage entrepreneurship
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Increase the local tax base and keep dollars in the local economy
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Create jobs and wages
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Stimulate the housing market
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Increase occupancy rates
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Draw investors
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Rehabilitate empty buildings
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Reflect the character and history of the community
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Promote civic pride and community well-being
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Utilize existing infrastructure
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Increase community involvement
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Reaffirm commitment and inspire involvement from local leaders
The petition has garnered over 500 signatures in a few days, indicating the strength of local feeling and desire to shop locally. One signer, Laurie Renton, states, “The management of Fieldstone Plaza is poor, inept and practically non-existent. The place is a disgrace. There is gum on the sidewalks and garbage cans are often overflowing, inviting pests. I have lived in this beautiful town for 20 years and have seen the Plaza go from bad to worse. Vacant store are unkempt and unappealing to potential renters. There is also a pungent smell of sewage which greets you on rainy days. “ Other residents have voiced similar concerns (many of which can be read on the petition at https://www.change.org/p/john-azarian-on-behalf-of-the-azarian-group-focus-on-and-invest-in-the-fieldstone-shopping-center-in-ringwood/u/8545884 ), prompting the creation of Revitalize Ringwood which seeks to develop a conversation and eventual partnership between residents, the borough, and property managers to improve conditions at the center. For additional information, please contact revitalizeringwood@gmail.com or visit http://revitalizeringwood.wix.com/revitalizeringwood
Aware of the passion and enthusiasm this initiative has generated among Ringwood residents, Revitalize Ringwood and Public Officials have arranged a public meeting to open a dialog and share details of our visions and aspirations for the development of Ringwood on Monday, November 24th at 7:30 PM in Ringwood Borough Hall. All are invited to attend.