Weekly News (July 19, 2017)

1. McDonald’s goes to new age marketing

McDonald’s at 1118 main St, River Edge, NJ is under total renovation
Will open September this year with Touch-screens, table orders and sleek design
Modern restaurant deco / digital self-order kiosk (Same owner in Bergenfield has changed the restaurant last year
McDonald’s plans t change all US operation by end of 2020

2. Challenges are ahead for Leonia, NJ

Facing major projects for new administrator, including Hudson Bergen Light Rail project
Willow Tree Rd / Fort Lee Rd / Grand Ave corridors for rail extension to become more attractive to commuters → In advance plan to fit to the extension project
HB Light Rail extends 10 miles and 7 stations in 5 towns
It becomes a priority this year again because of the deal to replenish the state Transportation Trust Fund
Infrastructure updates – Road paving for entire borough / build Borough Hall
Concern: Thomas Rowe serves as police chief and Part-time administrator
(Jack Terhune was retired last month: 15 years admin, 47 years police officer, county sheriff, commissioner of correction)

3. 7 story mixed use building at former Berger King on Northern Blvd and 144^th St

Construction began at 144-74 Northern Blvd, Flushing
68,824 sf residential and 18,000 sf commercial, 16,816 sf community facilities space
Bergen King ceased operation in Feb 2017

4. Casio Hotel by ‘Resort World Casino New York City’ ground breaking

First Casino hotel in New York City – Mega entertainment complex
$ 400 Million development cost / 3000 workers
At Aqueduct Horse Race Track in South Ozone Park, NY
400 rooms, 4 star Hotel / 20,000 SF Spa Resort/ 140,00 SF Convention center / 1000 slot machine
Will create $200 Million economic effect

5. Flushing, Bayside (North East Queens) house price soars, compared to year ago

6. In Manhattan NY, Landlord can be classified/leveled by web site

‘Rentlogic’: Rental listing start-up company opens landlord classification feature
4 levels: A,B,C,F
Criteria: 1.Complaint to DOB , Tel# 311, etc. and correction level
2.Bed bug, smell, mold, heating / cooling, water line

Critics: Only records for 7 last years → previous owner or current owner
Time/Period for correction is not updated

7. Korean owned Dry Cleaners business is downward

Majority Korean owned Dry Cleaners (about 1,200) were reduced by a half in NY, compared to 6 years ago (about 2,400)
Other nationality (Chinese, Indian) people aggressively are taking over (Still 80% Korean owned)
Difficult to carry on by next generation: Revenue reduced, expensive machine upgrading, high rent

8. NJ State House will jump-start Gateway project by pouring $900 Million

President Trump proposed Amtrack cuts, the State will start funding
Project: replacing 106 year old Portal Bridge in the Meadowlands and digging new rail tunnels under the Hudson River
Total cost: $27B and construction will be for more than 10 years
NJ and NY pledged to cover a half / balance will come from Amtrack or US Department of Transportation