Whole Foods to Hit Parsippany By 2015
Company releases more details about the organic supermarket's forthcoming Par-Troy site.
Since word was released last week that a Whole Foods Market is coming to Parsippany, many residents have reacted with excitement. That joy will have to be tempered: The store likely won't open until 2014 or 2015, according to a company spokesperson.
Michael Sinatra told Patch that lease papers have been signed for Whole Foods to rent about 40,000 square feet in a complex that will be constructed on Route 46 between Waterview Boulevard and Intervale Road, where woods now stand.
"We're thrilled to be coming to Parsippany," Sinatra said. "I am from the area and with Mountain Lakes and Denville nearby, we know this will be a great location."
While a lease agreement has been struck for the yet-to-be-erected building, the project is in the process of obtaining building permits, Sinatra said, adding that the eventual market site should be roughly the size of the Whole Foods in Madison, "though it will feel larger."
The spokesperson said that Whole Foods Market is very selective about where it places its stores.
Asked why Parsippany was chosen as its newest location, Sinatra explained that the company only opens two or three new stores each year.
"We are a growing company, but we don't want to grow too fast in any given area.," he said. "But we know Parsippany would be a great high-traffic area."
And Sinatra said he believes Whole Foods Market would be good for the township.
"We only sell the highest quality natural and organic foods," he said. "You get the ability to shop without worrying about the ingredients in what you're buying.
"We have a commitment to local products, so customers will see produce from farms in Northern New Jersey," Sinatra continued. "Whether it's pickles or cheese, we really try to focus on local products. And we provide a level of customer service that is meant to ensure that customers have a great experience."
He added that Whole Foods also has selections for customers dealing with special diets.
"Whether you need gluten-free foods, or if you're a vegan, a pescatarian or a vegetarian, we want you to have a solid experience in our stores so that you will come back time and time again."
As to when we will see a Parsippany Whole Foods open its doors, Sinatra said there is no exact date at this time.
"It's a new construction, so it will be a little bit," he said, noting that the store's opening will come no earlier than 2014 and may take until 2015. As far as the exact timing, we won't know that until we get closer to it.
"But we have signed the lease and we are committed to the project."
KristieKreme
6:12 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Wow, Wegmans and Whole Foods to be within a few miles of each other. I'm in hog heaven!
nabee
2:33 pm on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Wagmans coming to Parsippany? What location?
Jack S
7:05 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Woods?!?! I didn't think we had any woods left here in Parsippany. I'm glad a "natural and organic" business was able to locate this abomination so it can be clear cut and paved over.
When is this over-development ever going to end!
Michele Gaynor
8:46 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
I agree. WHY would Parsippany and Whole Foods decide to clear woods for yet another store. I would love to see a Whole Foods in this town but in a vacant, already standing building! Don't clear any more land!
Roberta Chopko
6:47 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
"Where woods now stand"?? There are several vacant properties in town (Snow Goose, Loman Ford, the old Michaels store to name but a few), but why use them when you can chop down some more trees! Is this Whole Foods' idea of being 'green'?
Just Another Tree Hugger
Carol A
9:31 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
I agree completely.Tthe only 'green' that they seem to care about is the one in the cash register.
PHHSMom
11:34 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Seriously... There's also the vacant Chili's and soon-to-be vacant former Cost Cutters location.
Leeann Coleman
7:45 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
My thoughts exactly. There are many vacant stores they could occupy, why kill a forest?
DMHerinya
9:39 am on Wednesday, August 1, 2012
My thoughts exactly, Jack, Roberta. It's unfortunate more natural land will be cleared. Meanwhile the growing vacant spaces here are pretty depressing. I've lost faith in Whole Foods. The same is actually true with the Wegman's property to be honest (but I'm biased in that I prefer Wegman's over WF.)
lulu hoffa
11:15 am on Friday, August 3, 2012
They won't kill lobsters, but they don't have a problem killing trees??!!! How does this jive with their business philosophy?
Larry Johnson
11:29 am on Friday, August 3, 2012
I hear you, Lulu, how does a "geen" company do this in good conscience!
Annie
10:26 am on Sunday, August 12, 2012
Not only do they plan to cut down and pave over a wooded area filled with deer, turkey, coyote and many other wildlife but this area also butts up against residential homes. The woods provide a buffer against the office complex and Rt 46 traffic. In addition, several years back, when they proposed a 'town center' in this very same spot, Mountain Lakes would not approve an access on Intervale Road. Therefore, Forest Drive, which is already used as a high-speed cut-through between Intervale and RT 202/Parsippany Rd/ Rt 287 access will also gain the additional cut-through traffic as shoppers avoid Rt 46 lights and attempt to use the Waterview Corporate access. Agree that there is already so much vacant building space that could accommodate Whole Foods or any other new business in Parsippany, that the only real reason for selecting this site is pure greed. Final comment- I thought this site was originally zoned for 'office use only' to keep traffic contained to Monday through Friday, normal office hours of 8-6. Whole Foods doesn't appear to be office space and I believe their business hours extend to weekends and beyond 6pm.
Heather Kays
2:16 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
I am the editor of The Citizen and doing an article on this issue from the Mountain Lakes standpoint. Any residents interested in commenting on the issue please call or email me at 973 934 5604 or hkays@recordernewspapers.com. Thank you.
Annie
8:11 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Heather,
We have a website, facebook group and yahoo group for anyone interested in supporting/contacting the cause to STOP the overlay and keep the POD zoning.
http://www.dontrezonewaterview.com/
dontrezone@yahoogroups.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/316577331791540/