LAKEWOOD’S DOWNTOWN: PROFITS OVER COMMUNITY, DECLINE OVER PRIDE

Downtown Lakewood is slipping into decay, and the reasons are both alarming and preventable. Storefronts that once bustled with life and community spirit are now occupied by shadowy businesses that contribute nothing to the town’s vibrancy. Suspicious operations—some with locked doors, blocked windows, and no clear purpose—are replacing legitimate shops, leaving residents questioning what’s really happening.

The old Torah Treasures location is a prime example. Once a cornerstone of the community, it now houses one such enigmatic business. Passersby rarely see customers, and the person inside appears to have no interest in actual transactions. Despite the apparent inactivity, these tenants pay significantly higher rents, a fact that has led some Jewish property owners to prioritize profit over preserving the area’s character.

This isn’t just an isolated issue; it’s a systemic one. Suspicious businesses, many of which seem to defy explanation, are taking root throughout the downtown area. Their presence erodes trust, invites crime, and sends a message to the community: your concerns don’t matter as long as the rent checks clear.

But landlords aren’t the only culprits. The town’s leadership appears indifferent, allowing this deterioration to continue unchecked. Where is the enforcement? Where is the vision for a thriving downtown? Residents and business owners alike are left wondering why no one is stepping in to stop the decline.

The consequences are clear: a once-vibrant downtown is becoming a slum. The streets feel emptier, the atmosphere less inviting. Property owners and town officials alike have a choice to make—prioritize the community or let short-sighted greed win. If they choose the latter, downtown Lakewood may soon be beyond saving.