Will Cedar Lane be dark by the New Year?

It is a shame to see such a long term Cedar Lane landmark close
Louie's has been a Go To place since at least the 1970's, maybe earlier.

I went to eat there in 99... when I bought my house... decided never to come back that day and never regretted my decision.. the ambiance disgustingly old.... the food was bland.. the service bad and the prices high.....

Good riddance...... One more bites the dust......

I am sure something something will replace it that I will patronize either.....

There is a reason why Cedar lane/Teaneck sucks.......

Very sad. I liked the burger and fries! They were nice people too. Teaneck is really going to the dump! When will citizens stop denying we have a SERIOUS problem and force our so-called "leaders" to take action??? Why are all of our business districts so run down?? Why is everyone in denial???

It's a shame. I grew up in Teaneck and went to Louie's regularly from the 1970s (with my parents) through the 1990s. I will say, the last few times I was there, the service was rather poor, and it was quite expensive for a diner. It was 25% higher than Matthew's in Bergenfield or the Cedar Lane Grille down the street.

But it was a local "landmark."

It's an iconic landmark in Teaneck always open. The staff used to be friendly. You never really went just for the food back in the day. You went to hang out after late night celebrations or out of tradition with your parents. Sorry too see it go.

My daughter Tara will be especially upset. she used to be able to call in her order "the usual" and get just what she wanted. It is an institution for Teaneck and very sad that it and the movie theater of leaving us.

How sad....I've eaten there since the 1960's. I don't care what anyone says the food is fantastic and the service is wonderful. Whether it's a cheeseburger deluxe, the greek salad, navy bean, or matzoh ball soup it was all great. I will miss it.....
Today I live in California and I still visit Louie's as the go to place at least a few times a year.
David Solomon

If its NOT Chinese or Kosher food...you do NOT survive on Cedar Lane. Lets face it...been here 18 years...seen other places trying to establish a "culturally different" restaurant or cafe, only to fall flat on its face. Ask yourself, "WHY". If you want a late nite snack or dinner, Cedar Lane, besides its limited array of food, establishments are closed by 9, except of course on Friday nights, when they close by 3 or 4pm...and Saturdays, no one is open but Chinese restaurants!!!! You wind up going to other towns to spend your money. This should NOT be a surprise to any body who lives in Teaneck

Now we will be eating at Bischoff's for our family lunches. Thanks for the memories Louie's!!!

Cedar Lane to Council, Cedar Lane to Council: Why have you forsaken us? Are we not worthy? We pay our taxes and follow your rules. You tried to make things better with the Streetscape but you didn't listen to our inputs. Both merchants and residents need your enlightened efforts. TEDC, CLMG, all those years of opportunity. Hope its not too late. Send help. Repeat: Send Help.

The diner was overpriced and the food was not the best for the most part - but it was a Teaneck landmark and sad to see it go. We need more 24 hour establishments in Teaneck. The Teaneck business district is quite boring - we don't need any more banks, nail salons, etc. We need more stores like Briar Rose Books. Look at the shopping street in Ridgewood - it has character - Teaneck's Cedar lane is Bland. There are some interesting stores but most are just plain boring. The closing of the Movie theater does not help - people would see a movie and then shop and/or eat out on Cedar lane - now I fear Cedar Lane will become a run down poorly attended area much like area of Paterson and other distressed communities. The local leaders could change this and should do something about it. We need more classy eating establishments and unique shops.
Sheldon

Used to go there late nights all the time in the pre-Boozy Burbs days with friends. Could sit there for hours! Loved the hashed browns and would order a double plate of them. http://boozyburbs.com

Sadly, when I think of going out to eat, Teaneck (my own town) never enters my mind. I have to agree with Diane, unless you're serving Chinese, bagels or have a kosher establishment, you're not going to survive in Teaneck. Putting your eggs in one basket on Cedar Lane, will be the death of Cedar Lane. For being such a diverse town, the establishments are not representative of that.

Louie's had the best pizza burger I ever ate in the 60's. I live in California now but I'll be sad to know ill never have another Louie's pizza burger again

DebSolomon

Hey Town Council Listen the_ Art Vatsky_ and_ James TS.. _ Noah.... Does our Council read the Patch???... Where are they?????Why have they not commented on this... the theater !!!!!!????????? where are they????????

Jackie: they are figuring out how much off a guaranteed increase they will hand out to union employees regardless of their performance...... plus how to spend another 3 millions dollars that is totally not necessary.... They should lease out that building..... instead of spending more of our tax money........

That is what they do jackie......

I ran out Saturday night to plan for my family's small Hanukkah gathering. I ran into Amazing Savings and bought some small books for all the little children. Then, I entered the parking lot across the street, to that little grocery store that opened last year. I think it was called Bravo - wanted to buy some ice cream and chocolate for dessert. Much to my surprise, the place was BOARDED up and closed. Not sure when that closed, but we have several restaurants, coffee shops, cinema and grocery stores all closing in a matter of a couple of months. Yet, people in town complain where are the major retailers. Clearly, the town planning and infrastructure is not attractive to many successful businesses, and after checking out areas like downtown Englewood, Tenafly and other near by areas, they choose to open their businesses elsewhere, or if already opened in Teaneck, close down and launch somewhere else.

Very sad.

At the same time, power went on and off several times in Teaneck this weekend. I see sidewalks / stumps still sitting awkwardly on many side streets, as if the town does not plan to clean them up [some of them dangling / hazards to children walking to school] . I see several telephone poles leaning dangerously and others cracked in half, but somehow, still standing, waiting to come down. Reported them to town. I guess other things come before safety of our residents and financial stability of our community.

Jason I do not think power outages have anything to do with businesses closing. Read the Patch article Sunday saying power was out in Teaneck and Englewood Cliffs. That town does not have any boarded up stores like us so I dont think PSEG can be blamed for our lousy business districts.

To David Schwartz: You make some good points. I do not think ANY Cedar Lane store is truly doing great. Every time I go there all stores look dead, kosher AND non kosher. Cedar Lane is run down and looks very shabby overall. Too many banks and nail salons.

Englewood and Ridgewood bring people from outside the towns too to shop and eat. Teaneck does not even attract residents to come out. The town has a very negative perception and most areas are run down and in disrepair.

Look at Englewood and the new businesses they've attracted. They also have apartments over the businesses.
Main St in Hackensack right over the Cedar Lane bridge has a thriving business of very diverse restaurants. Teaneck for always bragging about its diversity has no such ambiance.
When will Teaneck wake up/

JamesTS: They are busy getting conference rooms for the township red tape...... so they can sit there and figure out how to solve our problems..... (in the old police building) it is amazing how the council never seem to object to such preposterous suggestions of the administration....... This is why they need to raise our taxes every year with out a miss......

So what do we do; do we all move? I have lived here 7 years and worry what the future holds.

Building up a town's central business district should be high on the Town Council's agenda. However, "promoting business growth" is the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce's mission, as well as the Cedar Lane Improvement Association. Attempts to publicize the good about Cedar Lane have gone nowhere. Having one street fair a year where outside food vendors are brought in rather than showcasing the variety of foods on Cedar Lane proved to be of no benefit to anyone other than the outside vendors.

To be fair, the economy is largely to blame, as are the ridiculously high rents that have driven a number of good stores away. So repeatedly citing a plethora of kosher restaurants as the reason businesses are closing is neither valid nor fair. Take a look. There are currently 20 non kosher vs. 7 kosher places to eat up and down "the Lane." Good restaurants like Fish of the C's and Mabat, while kosher, attracted many non kosher clientele but I believe high rents shut these places down.

My vote: Save the movie theater and encourage the Town Council and the Teaneck Chamber of Commerce to be more proactive in getting landlords to lower rents and provide incentives for business to stay on Cedar Lane.

To all bloggers, this is rampant problem among our towns, because of ever tighter building and fire code rules,zoning, and of coarse taxes, so get ready the best is yet to come, every town can`t be ultra trendy ! first the theater, now louie`s , the writing is on the wall. signed leaving the country , spending my money elsewhere.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-6764681.html

Sad to see it go. Many fond memories were made in that place and the cedar lane of years past, but things change and some places can't keep up with the times. I grew up in Teaneck, but bought my house elsewhere because Teaneck no longer had my best interests in mind. I live in Westwood now and our down town area proves big business chains can live side by side with mom and pop shops and they benefit each other more often than hinder. I would love to see some some rejuvenation in that town, but only time will tell.

How many of the people who ask, "why doesn't the council...." go to a council meeting and ask?

I have lived in Teaneck most of my life and I understand that the businesses that are owned by a Jewish restauranteur most of the time if not all time they are closed on Fri night and Sat...that's when everyone wants to go to eat and hang out for the non-practicing Jewish community...so we take our money somewhere else. Then because it's kosher the price is jacked up due to the significant practice to be certified kosher...what makes it worse is that most of the food sucks...therefore I don't event bother anymore...and when I do try to want to dine out...you guessed it, their closed.

Sadly Louie's and many other Cedar Lane businesses are empty 7 days a week. I am not Jewish but the problem is much much bigger then stores just not being open Fri and Sat. Of course we do need more options and yes that means not just kosher establishments. Fact is nobody goes to Cedar Lane Monday, Tues, Weds, etc. There just is not enough stores to attract people from Teaneck and elsewhere.

Teaneck needs outside help. Maybe our neighbors in Englewood would come to a council meeting to share views on how they built a successful downtown shopping area. i dont think our "in house" leaders have the ideas or ability to solve this issue.

Maybe we need a new Council? If results count, then look over the past 10 - 15 years? The record seems to say, "Look, we can't cope. We're clueless. We are scared of the staff, of each other, of the public. But you elected us so here we are. End our misery, elect someone else already. Please."

Didn't Starbucks try to open a store on Cedar and Garrison a few years back? Teaneck turned it down. Why? People go in there and spend 7 bucks for a cup of coffee. These types of stores are doing well no matter how bad the economy is doing. And this is what people want to have in their neighborhoods. If you build it they will come.

First it's County Discount and now this? What's next, Davis Pools? Sandy's?

Bottom line: There is not enough diversity on Cedar Lane. I have no reason to go there. Many of my needs can be met on Teaneck Road. Why? There's more diversity there. I can't wait to try out that new AYCE sushi restaurant, and the new coffee/arepa joint.

The Chamber of Commerce, The Council, and whomever else needs to be taken to task for the lack of business diversity on Cedar Lane. Yes, the economy shares some of the blame. But, I can't help but to look at the overcrowded malls each weekend and ask myself: "Recession? What recession?" Surely, Teaneck can grab some of that shopping pie. If Englewood can, so can Teaneck! The world around Teaneck is changing, but you would not know it by driving down Cedar Lane. It's time to catch up!!!! That's not to say that Cedar Lane has to lose its small-town charm because Ridgewood still has quite a charm to it. However, their downtown is booming. Ours is not. WHY?????

I agree that the Council needs new blood. It's time to shake them up. Their history has been one of in-fighting and drama instead of results. Vote new blood onto the council. Fresh ideas, new energy.

The possibilities are endless: The draw is that we are the anti-Paramus. Less traffic. Less crowding. More diversity. That's what Teaneck is about: Our township is rich in diversity. Look how many cultures make up our melting-pot of a town!

Coffeecol Arepa Bar is amazing! The coffee is great and the arepa is good as well...the only arepa place I know outside of NYC...glad to have tried it...and we now continue going...I hope it stays open for a long time...only complaint the cashier woman is a little sloppy in her transaction so watch her carefully and not overcharge you...and be clear in what you want...other than that...it's a good place to check out

Ladies and Gents -

Let's be honest. No ethnic, elected or any group of people control what happens on the Lane. I've lived here for a VERY long time and have watched Teaneck and Hackensack go down the tubes because of the highway. Short of having a developer come in and completely revamp one or all of the districts, nothing will change. Every time development or redevelopment has been brought up, the same group of individuals shoot it down. It's time for the residents (and the Council!!!) To take the bull by the horns and shake things up a bit.

Vatsky for Council!

The best way to revitalize Cedar lane is to allow developers to knock down the old buildings and build new 4-6 story buildings with one floor of retail and 2-5 floors of apartments on top. This would bring the necessary scale to allow businesses to flourish.

Since Teaneck has a fear of development, our downtown area will never develop fully.

Teaneck sucks...... there are people that say "these huge buildings will not be good fit"..... I guess empty old ghost stores look just fine to them......

Louie"s was wonderful for so many years, however it fell victim to a dying Cedar Lane. It is not just because Louie's was not Kosher how about Mabat closing as well as other restaurants that were Kosher?

A couple of thoughts: A THS classmate of mine is a long-time landlord of property on Cedar Lane. He is reluctant to talk with me about what he feels are the difficulties with being a landlord in Teaneck, which is fine with me! But -- It would seem to be imporatant for a public meeting to be held at which the Councilmembers andTeaneck landlords have a frank and open discussion about how the difficulties in their relationship and about how they can collaborate to return Cedar Lane to a vibrant state. Second thought: Amerone on Cedar Lane across from Holy Name is thriving (and delicious. Many kosher friends feel comfortable eating fish there). What's their secret? Problem is that they are a somewhat expensive restaurant so can't serve as Louie's or Bischoff's. But they do show that some places can survive. We need bright, energetic people to do some serious analysis (a task force of residents) to understand the full economic dynamics of Teaneck. and that MUST involve landlords and a Council willing to act.

Barbara: I agree with you on this. My feeling is that the council is oblivious to the concerns of residents about the terrible state of affairs when it comes to businesses here. I want to PRINT out all the comments on ALL these articles here about stores closing and hand them out to council members. I feel ike they need to see people's thoughts in writing on the record so they cant just ignore it.

Amerone is a very nice place. I feel like it is the last place I would actually go eat in Teaneck. Quality is lacking all over this down, business districts are poorly maintained and dirty. Sad sad sad. i do not think it has anything to do with kosher or not. Kosher places on cedar Lane also look pretty bad shape and the Mabat steakhouse closed too with nobody opening a new store. Why?? why does prime property just sit empty in Teaneck???

Cedar Lane to Council: Why have you forgoten us? It appears that we as a community are not a worthy cause to fight for? All of us pay our taxes diligently and follow all the rules. So what is wrong ? I feel at this point sad for the closures and living here in Teaneck close to 17 years, we need new board members who can come up with new and exciting ideals to keep Teaneck a float. Otherwise we are looking at doom. We here in Teaneck need help!!! Maybe the town can have a Town Hall meeting and find outside help who might want to sponsor this wonderful town of diversity, set an example of togetherness and will to save a worthy cause "Teaneck" My heart saddens each time I walk down Cedar Lane to shop. I need the stores to stay because I don't drive. So it's a convience to have stores to shop at. We are in dire need of help and this is when our diversities of all should hold hands and work together to make Teaneck a better place to live and a great enjoyment. Finally let's all rally to save the movie threatre and the other establishments that might go under sooner than later. P/S if we as Bergren county residents never work together before, this is the tme to work as a team.. Please.

Jacob: Thanks for the endorsement! If I did run, most residents already know my platform from my comments and letters.
I do criticize the Council because I have high standards and they frequently don't. They have our tax money (about $65 million a year) and a lot of power - over 350 employees.
No DPW garage for our workers? I think that is more important than expanding the Town Hall. They don't.
Shoddy construction on Cedar Lane? They ignored it for years.
Closing Town Hall for 52 Fridays a year to "improve service"? That made sense to them but not to me or most of you.
Come next election I do hope we choose new Council members so we can get out of this decades long rut we seem to have gotten ourselves into. Higher standards for Teaneck.

Maybe folks that are on here should considering running as well along with Art Vatsky? Seems as though we have more passion than those of the current council! Just a thought...

I lived in Teaneck for many years.(sold my house) I moved out several years ago. There is something missing in that town. It does not have a 'HEART" It treats it's businesses and residents like it is an honor just to live, work and shop there. I'm surprised it's not a ghost town already...

Zizi: You have some interesting thoughts there. 1. Outsourcing is a double edged sword. Right now the Township's truck technicians work without a GARAGE. Give them the tools and our techs will do just fine and remember, loyalty counts.
2. Employees having fun? OK if they are getting the work done. It improves productivity. However, If there are mistakes, delays, misinformation, abuse that is NOT OK and must handled. It is not to be condoned or neglected. When it was it cost Teaneck nearly $8.5 million in legal judgments.
3. I think our Town Hall appears too small but, BEFORE it is expanded, we should see what improvements in information processing can do to improve the situation.
4. Giving away Friday access to the 10 depts in Town Hall was a terrible decision for the residents of Teaneck. Yet the current Council has made it difficult to return to the 5 day work week. I have walked up to the Town Hall door on a Friday to find it locked. Library is open. Banks are open. Schools are open. Stores are open. Teaneck Town Hall is closed. I don't get it. I really don't.

I grew up in Teaneck from the 1950's into the 1960's and graduated Teaneck High School in 1962. To read what is going on in the town I loved so much is indeed very sad.

One underlying issue being overlooked is to price parking in such a way so as to encourage a turnover in use and discourage those from occupying scarce space all day.

Another larger issue, is that the County Blue Law restrictions as they apply to communities with traditional downtowns like Teaneck, should be completely abolished.

Teaneck should also ban all commuter parking on its streets.... a lot of people are using Teaneck as a free parking garage while they go to work. This should be stopped. Resident parking only on residential streets.... non-residents can park for 4 hours max....... fine all who violate and generate some much needed revenue....

New, more eclectic outfits prob. can't afford the rents- or they see the 'mix' of current businesses and restaurants and are scared off thinking the town is too culturally closed-off or skewed, perhaps- and think that their's won't be accepted or embraced, perhaps.

I agree w/many writers here however- that the 'officials' need to be MORE INVOLVED! There's a reason the C.L. district is the way it is, then there's a way it can be addressed. That said, I hope they do NOT approve a giant MEGA-store to replace 3 SMALLER BUSINESSES on C. Lane. As the person who mentioned Ridgewood knows, a BIG, soulless store is NOT going to give the biz district the shot in the arm it needs, because it's not ONLY about $$, it's about CHARACTER and the FEEL of a place that makes folks want to go there and spend their bread. But if they won't HELP and embrace the small, more eclectic and interesting businesses that would LIKE to be here, those parties will try to find somewhere they ARE appreciated and even courted- Nyack maybe. I'm still wondering how a theatre that only charged $6. a ticket (and less at one time) could not keep their seats more filled for some really great movies. It's a tough business, esp. for an independent- but there HAS to be a way to make it work better! I dont want to go back to paying whatever it is now at some highway 50-PLEX. The 5-Star Diner is my favourite eatery in Teaneck, but I WILL miss the theatre if someone doesn't prop it up again. THAT will be a huge loss, to the residents and others that appreciated it, as WELL as to the character and lifeblood of the town & biz-district.