I was asked to brainstorm with a developer as to the best amenities, layouts and pricing for a potential Teaneck apartment complex. My team and I had many conversations as to what would be the most appealing floor plan for veteran members of our community who might consider downsizing from larger homes yet remain in their beloved community. We also envisioned luxury, high-caliber perks that might help lure younger married couples as well as professional singles away from trendy apartment buildings in Manhattan to the suburbs of Bergen County.
As it turns out, we have witnessed both concepts in some of the new developments in town. What I most enjoyed seeing before the current COVID crisis was the mingling of “unencumbered” seniors reaching across the hallways to befriend young families and their children. But the changes to our area will not just be taking place inside the four walls of a particular apartment building.
We hope to see an uptick for all our local businesses. Might these new patrons to our local dining culture bring with them an energized city vibe? Many areas in Bergen County have invested in outdoor spaces specifically for restaurants, and I can’t wait to see how all of these improvements will play out in more normal times. Outdoor street music and cultural events are bound to evolve. Many of these buildings have been open now and are reporting high occupancy numbers, but with an ongoing pandemic and restrictions placed on gatherings it’s a guess as to what the full impact will be.
We reached out to some of Teaneck’s high-end dining establishments to discuss a rumor that a pre-paid dining culture in some of the kosher restaurants may be offered for Friday night and Shabbat day meals. This concept has existed for some time in NYC and in parts of Southern Florida, where locals have a chance to dine with tourists visiting their city at traditional Shabbat meals. One proprietor had spoken of his trip to Italy many years ago, where the highlight of the entire experience was Friday night dinner with his family at Gam Gam in Venice, where they had an opportunity to meet others from all over the world over good food, divrei Torah and zemirot. He said he has always dreamed of an opportunity to do something similar here in Teaneck. Perhaps this would be an opportunity for the ever-increasing population of empty nesters who may be living in houses or in the apartments to share an uplifting Shabbat meal with others.
We look forward to enjoying the creativity that our many local business owners will bring to the changing times and hope to enjoy the experiences in person with others soon!
What are your thoughts on a livelier, more vibrant city feel coming to the suburbs of Bergen County? Please share them with me at [email protected].
