The Carlmont Village Shopping Center will see even more change this summer, as the Verizon store is set to open in the site previously occupied by the .
Carlmont Shopping Center Operations manager Ivano Pellegrini said on Thursday that Verizon will open its doors within the next few days. He also revealed a chiropractor will fill the site previously occupied by the pet store, .
There have been several vacancies in the shopping center recently, as it has now been confirmed that will take the place of Jamba Juice, still leaving two vacancies on the lot.
Pellegrini, who has been at his post for 18 years, commented that turnovers are commonplace and that the recent string of vacancies deals mainly with the poor state of the economy.
“We have turnovers,” said Pellegrini. “We have 32 stores here. You’re bound to have some vacancies, although we have not had a lot of vacancies in prior years. But the economy isn’t good.”
The rumor I've heard for years is that the rents at Carlmont Shopping Center are the highest of any similar type center on the Peninsula, which would of course end up in a higher than normal turnover among tenants, let alone when the economy slows down.
How many cell phones does the average person need? Not sure how long you've lived in Belmont, but places like Knutsen's bakery did perfectly fine here for 20+ years. So did Dean's toy store. These are the stores of my childhood and I would like to have similar stores in which to shop which/for my children. It's a shame that I have to go to San Carlos - because I would like to keep the tax $ here in Belmont. I guess I can always get a jump on the inevitable and buy my 2 yr old a cell phone from the Verizon store.
Thanks for your response. I agree that Belmont missed out on some key business opportunities - and these opportunities were snapped up by our neighboring communities. We desperately need an "economic developer" at City Hall - someone whose sole purpose is to bring new businesses to Belmont and cut through red tape. In my opinion, that would be a key first step. But, there are some ways in which Belmont has improved since 1984. Ralston Ave. is far more beautiful than it was when I was a child. The houses have improved and the trees/rocks down the center divider are gorgeous. We have 3 very good Italian restaurants. Our schools (especially Carlmont) are much, much better than when I went to them. We have a new bike bridge connects Oracle/Audi to Stering Downs - making it possible for folks to commute by bike. But I agree that it's not enough. And I agree that there have been some illogical, and not always consistent barriers to economic development. If you have an idea for a particular business to come to Belmont, I implore you to write to the City Council. Contrary to popular belief, all 5 members do read your mail and do listen. But, they can't hear you unless you speak up. :) Take care, Becket (resident off and on since 1974)