The projects are part of the efforts to preserve open space, bring much needed parking and eliminate eyesores. "This is one of the problems when you have an old industrial town," said Cassella, noting that some properties lie vacant for years and the town occasionally needs to step in. The money for purchasing the properties will come from a $2,450,000 bond approved by the borough last summer.

Sunoco

The former Sunoco gas station at the corner of Paterson Plank Road and Hoboken Road has not been purchased by the borough yet, but will undergo an appraisal. The tiny property could become the site of the East Rutherford Historical Society, but another option could be lane-widening to allow buses to make a left turn off of Hoboken Road, said Cassella.

If a developer were interested in the property, it could become an office building. However, an application to put an office building on the property was turned down in the past because the property could not hold enough parking to meet county standards, according to Cassella.

Regardless of what becomes of the property, the borough wants to move toward eliminating the abandoned gas station. "The upside is for the immediate future, it rids us of an eyesore. It will enhance the appearance as you’re coming up Paterson Avenue," said Cassella.

2 Carlton Ave.

The buildings at 2 Carlton Ave. near the railroad tracks will be a part of the Rails to Trails project. For years, East Rutherford has had plans to tear up abandoned railroad tracks and create a walkway and a bikeway in their place. 2 Carlton Ave. has been subdivided into several properties over the years. The largest building, a red building across the railroad tracks, will remain standing.

The borough has filed to condemn a long building running alongside the tracks next to a large red building. Next, the borough will need to present its case in condemnation court to decide a fair price. "We have received some grants for this acquisition," said Cassella.

Another building behind the large red building, formerly called Global Wrap, could be purchased by the borough outright pending negotiations. Both buildings will be demolished and converted to open space.

Park City

The borough purchased the site of the former Park City Grill for roughly $1.3 million, said Cassella. The business, which earned a reputation in the neighborhood for loud noise and unruly patrons, was denied a renewal of its entertainment license in March, prompting owner Lou Grasso to pack up and leave.

The borough plans on turning the property into a parking lot, both to alleviate the tight parking situation near Park Avenue and to prevent a similar nightclub from opening up in Park City’s wake. The lot will allow for about 50 parking spaces, according to Cassella.

By the end of 2008, the borough hopes to demolish the building and complete the parking lot, said Cassella. "Along with the much needed parking, this purchase also gives us the opportunity to upgrade the area, ending the public nuisance that was created by the former business located at the site. After years of having to deal with this, the residents of Boiling Springs will finally have peaceful nights," Cassella said during the Jan. 1 reorganization meeting.

The borough has contracted the job of evaluating the building for asbestos. If any asbestos is found, it will be removed before the building is torn down.