It is with great sadness that we read about the destruction of the strip mall on Poole Avenue in Hazlet that served as home for our dance school and a place of learning for literally thousands of dance students for 17 wonderful years. When we moved in during the summer of 1979, the tenants were Harry’s Bar, Enterprise Cleaners, Cheryl’s Beauty Salon, Tastee Bread Store, and a luncheonette run by two sisters whose names escape us today.
Discount Foods occupied one stand-alone building on the property while another stand alone was an auto repair center that also burned in the ’80s and was eventually demolished. New homes were still being built in the immediate surrounding area. The property was viable and active. The landlord, Nick SanFillipo, took good care of the property and respected the tenants. The strip mall was a true shopping and goods and services destination then.
During those 17 years, we raised two daughters who actually grew up in that strip mall. We influenced many students to pursue careers in dance, choreography, acting, modeling, teaching and studio ownership. We made so many wonderful friends, some for life and some for just a fleeting moment. And we often think about all who have come in our doors as well as our former business neighbors.
Sometime around 1994/1995, Mr. SanFillipo sold the center. We were told then that a Walgreens would be eventually built on the property.
We were also told that a new strip mall would be built on the property while the old strip mall would be torn down, and we would have the first choice of storefronts. That never happened.
The strip mall was not maintained after Mr. SanFillipo sold it. It was never brought up to code. It became an eyesore as early as 1996 when we decided to leave and move our business to Holmdel, as potential customers would not even stop to come in and meet us due to its unsightliness. Even our then-current students’ parents told us they did not like bringing their children to that location. That finally motivated us to move. At that point in time, we were the oldest tenant there. Dad’s Deli had just moved in.
But just as you never forget your "first love," we certainly never forgot Poole Avenue. In fact, our cars automatically went in that direction instead of toward Holmdel Plaza where we currently conduct our classes.
This past weekend, we drove by and pulled onto the lot to look. We sat there for quite a while. All the memories and sounds came rushing back. We cried as a significant part of our lives remain in those ruins and ashes, too!
Lynn and Sandy Scheps
Holmdel