SECAUCUS – Hudson CountySuperior Court Judge Peter F. Bariso Jr.
Wednesday extended a stay on Hartz Mountain’s demolition activity at Vitamin World’s property at the Harmon Cove Outlet Center through Nov.
14 after the company sued for allegedly being locked out without notice from the property according to NJBIZ. Citing a reduction in operating stores from over 40 to just four, Hartz Mountain Industries announced in a press statement last month that it closed the Harmon Cove Outlet Center in Secaucus after nearly 30 years of operation. They listed a number of companies that had been or were relocating such as Children’s Place, Prato Men’s Wear Outlet, Gymboree, Van Heusen and Bass. However, Vitamin World, which had a lease until July 31, 2015, alleges Hartz Mountain barricaded Harmon Cove before the mall was scheduled to open on Sept. 29 and then sent out a letter on Oct. 9 that said further access was denied to prepare for the demolition of the interior of the building according to the newsreport.
According to the article, Attorney Loryn P. Riggiola, who is representing Vitamin World, said on Oct. 19 that the court issued a temporary restraining order on Hartz Mountain, and though the court denied the restraint on Oct. 25, it put a stay on the restraint, which held off demolition through Oct. 31. However, Vitamin World alleges that when the courts were closed during Hurricane Sandy and they sought an extension for the stay, Hartz Mountain proceeded with demolition work of the Vitamin World property. Vitamin World ultimately seeks to restore the property to its original condition. – AdrianaRambay Fernandez