The brand new Quick Chek in Lake Hopatcong on Route 15 had its grand opening on Tuesday, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday at 4 p.m.
The convenience store and gas station also brought in a new traffic light at the intersection of Route 15 North and Bowling Green Parkway. The light is completely funded by Quick Chek and was activated on Monday.
Last month, several residents said they were looking forward to the new light to aid in traffic jams and accidents.
"I’m glad to have a light up there," resident Evelyne Waclawicz said on Jefferson Patch’s Facebook page. “That’s a nasty place, always accidents.”
Customers can enter the store from both Route 15 North and South, and can also leave the store to go back on the road in both directions.
Jefferson's newest convenience store will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The chain is offering free coffee for the first two weeks, no purchase necessary, and free soda to anyone under five feet tall.
mayfairwitch1
8:13 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
How many gas stations do we need on a 5 mile stretch of highway?
BP has a 7-11..so how many convenience stores do we need?
Hmm wonder how I survived all these years with just Pathmark, B&J Market and the other deli on Espanong? Progress is not always good :(
Only good thing about this is the traffic light...imo
Carolyn Sund
9:06 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I agree, even though it appears that I have not lived in Jefferson as long as you. I would be curious as to what has transpired over the years. How long have you lived in Lake Hopatcong?
mayfairwitch1
9:28 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
@ Carolyn ..25 years and much has changed. We have all the McMansions that at one time were pristine woodlands, part of the reason we see so many bears, we have dismantled their living areas. 25 years ago it was a rare sight and a treat to spot a bear. Now it's an every day occurance.
The BP station was was a small family owned Amoco station, where Getty is, used to be a restaurant.
My question has always been, especially to people relocating from Hudson, Essex or Bergen counties..why did/do you come here and then want to replicate what you left with strip mall after strip mall and gas stations along a stretch of road. I can ask because I came from Hudson county and was grateful for the quiet serene peace in Jefferson. Rt 15 is going to look like a mini version of rte 22 or rte 18 pretty soon.
Now I would love to know what they are doing on 15 down between Picatinny and Rte 80 as most of the trees in the median have been chopped down.
CJMP
1:39 pm on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I sooo agree with you!! I've been boating on the lake for almost 30 years and live here almost 15 years. The reason for moving up here from the Newark area? For the Lake, the trees, the beauty! I was so upset when they chopped down all those trees on rte 15...then to find out it was for ANOTHER gas station and convenience store? REALLY??? Yes, the light was the ONLY good thing that came out of it...I'd rather have no light than a QuickCheck. It makes me so sad...where the heck do they expect the wildlife to live? And yes...the huge homes...how many rooms do you need for one family?? It's all about ego and showing off how much money you have. And the traffic...need I say more? I hate to say it, but moving out of state is sounding really good right about now...
Kris
9:54 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
On the Picatinny truck entrance will be Pondview Estates luxury apartments
mayfairwitch1
10:50 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Rentals ??
Nancy Milne
9:56 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I now go to the Quick Chek in Mt. Arlington so for me it is convenient and that wasn't easy to cross without a light. I would also like to know what's going on by Picatinny..
Nancy
10:42 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
They are widening it to three lanes and improving the jughandle/intersection. As far as I know, the development planned near there is still being held up due to the water issue.
mayfairwitch1
10:49 am on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
@ Nancy..TY as far as the development it's the last thing we need..more traffic
mayfairwitch1
1:53 pm on Wednesday, October 17, 2012
@ CJMP....Unfortunately many have chosen that option and bailed from this state. Many of my old friends have left the lake area for PA, NC, SC, TN,FL ( that would be a last option for me FL..lol)
25 years ago we didn't have all the house & car breakins either, yes most of it is more than likely drug related but many of these kids come home from school as young as 3rd grade with no adults around for hours. ~~~~sigh~~~~ as I said not all progress is good :(
I may be in the minority but we did not need a Quick Check even for the small amount of low wage jobs it may have created.