ShopRite addresses concerns

WEST MILFORD — West Milford will indeed get its renovated ShopRite Supermarket. That's what Larry Inserra, president and CEO of Inserra Supermarkets, told the township council and a group of concerned residents Wednesday night after an online petition, calling for a 'clean and healthy environment" in which to shop for their food, reached more than 400 signatures at press time.

Inserra went over the history of the expansion project, which began in 2009 when the company came to the township with their plans to expand toward the back of the existing store. Doing that would require them to close the store throughout the process and instead, they decided to expand to the front. They received their approvals for the expansion plan, which also includes the renovation of the entire facade of the shopping center and repaving the parking lot.

Some obstacles in the way
And while Inserra owns the plaza, except for the Wells Fargo property at the end of the property, the McDonalds restaurant is also a separate entity. It, too, has applied to the township for approval for a renovation. With Inserra's expansion now coming on the front of the building, the company had to get the okay from McDonalds before beginning because they would be encroaching on the McDonald's property by about two feet. Inserra said he has been waiting patiently for an answer from McDonalds and expected to get a positive result within the next couple of weeks.

He said the delay has not been because of the local franchise owner but the corporation itself.

Complaints of a dirty store and poor quality products

A Facebook group called "West Milford Moms," started a petition on Change.org a little while ago, looking for support in their quest to get a clean, safe store for the community. Those who commented on the change.org site said the condition of the store was not acceptable. More importantly, they said the quality of perishables, such as produce, meats and deli items, was not up to par. They claim food spoils quickly after it is bought and the selection of healthy foods, including organic produce, is not acceptable. Many said they are shopping elsewhere, even going out of town for their groceries.

Inserra said the petition certainly got his attention. He said he understands the frustration on the part of customers who have been waiting for a renovation for quite some time. But, he said, it isn't for lack of trying or wanting it. He said he is committed to getting the project going and completed. And while people are upset it has taken this long, the project won't begin until next year, after the winter has passed.

"We're looking forward to getting this process started," said Inserra, adding he expects the project to be finished within six months of its start.

Addressing concerns and rumors
West Milford Mayor Bettina Bieri said most in town would agree the store is outdated. Inserra said the renovated store includes an investment of $4 million inside the store for new equipment. He acknowledged the store is outdated and that some cases aren't working the way they should be. "It's just old," he said.

The delay is certainly not caused by the company's lack of funds or desire, Inserra said. The process of dealing with a huge corporation like McDonalds is what has taken so long, he said. All other approvals, he believes, are in hand.

The current store has been expanded throughout the years in a piecemeal manner, he said. Having this total renovation, adding state-of-the-art equipment and a whole new look outside will correct all of that.

Inserra also said the township has been wonderful to work with.

What's next
Inserra expects to hear from McDonalds within the next few weeks. The full project will take approximately six months, he said, but they won't begin the project until the end of next winter because of weather, he said. The approved plan allows more than 4,000 square feet additional in square footage for the supermarket.

What are your thoughts? Go to westmilfordmessenger.com and tell us if you continue to shop at West Milford's ShopRite or if you go elsewhere.