What's the problem with greasy burgers? If you don't like their food, don' go there. I guess you live in the High Class Neighborhood along rt 35?

there are no sonics on staten island, but there's plenty in NJ.

Don't take offense. Good for you. I think you know the type I was probing for. I just wanted to have a good handle on the person who was posting.

I don't eat Sonic, but I may grab an ocean water to bring home this summer; I've always wondered what they'd taste like on a hot day with a little rum in 'em.

There was no need for this to be built. Middletown is slowly losing what drew many people here that were not born in Middletown. We will be Paramus if we already aren't.

Yea, I could care less about drawing anyone else here. But then again, it's already too late for Middletown.

Where should they have put the Sonic? Sonic needs room for a drive thru for car stalls. Is Sonic a bigger eyesore then the old Pathmark. Which has been empty for almost 2 years now. I think not

Nothing like a strawman argument, eh Paul?

What franchises have come to Middletown in the last 3 or 4 years. Bonefish Grill and now Sonic. So don't really see the comparison to paramus here. Thats a MAJOR exaggeration in my opinion.

@Paul...an exaggeration? Have you see the traffic lately and all the strip malls that we have or aren't you looking beyond your next hamburger?

What makes you think more franchisers is a good thing? Congestion is what makes it like Paramus.

Even if you eliminated every business in Middletown, there will still be the same if not more traffic because the population is still the same and everyone is still going to travel out of town using the highway to get to a store.And i might add that we would lose the tax rateables in the mean time. Unless we put up a road block.

@ Skrut. Do you realize that you dont answer any questions. Have you been to parmus lately. You can't compare the two. I never said more franchises was a good thing. I asked you. What new businesses have come into middletown. To spark your outrage here about the congestion.

Using your logic. They should get rid of the train station. There is a ton of traffic in the morning and at night on Kings Highway at night. So Kings highway at 630 at night is just like Paramus. Since there is a ton of congestion.

@Paul...As a matter of fact I often am in Paramus and you just proved my point by saying how crowded King's Hwy is. Naturally you can't remove a train station but you can prevent adding businesses that aren't necessary.

I think you missed the point. It's already congested so why add more unneeded businesses?

Let me ask you this...what is it that you absolutely need in your everyday life that you can't get in Middletown? Other than a large mall, what is it that you want to add to Middletown?

If it's something new and different then sure. Sonic is hardly new or different.

I guess no one cares about quality of life anymore.

RIFFAXE, I disagree with what you said about eliminating business and traffic. Having grown up here, we had what we needed and if we wanted more we could go to Red Bank or one of the local malls. Traffic was never an issue here until after 1990ish. The traffic came from the influx of New Yorkers and Northern Jersey folks coming here, and with them came all of these extra business and restaurants.

Skut. So should things go back to the way they were 30 or 40 years ago then. One supermarket. One diner etc.

I take the train to work. So I notice the traffic getting onto kings highway every night. So I used that as an example.

As for your question. Many businesses have left middletown. Just look at the Applebees strip mall. Pathmark is gone. Tru Value is gone. The Tanning place and Sun Ray moved to a smaller location. So is middletown really adding new businesses and congestion. Since larger stores have left.

And who deems a store necessary? You? me? Joe down the block. That opens up a major can of worms here.

Troll much or do you have something useful to add?

Let me guess, you're one of the town's political hacks. Ever hear of overdevelpment, hack?

There's a new 7/11 in Belford?
OT - I think TOMSA should have a say if there's a White Castle here or not. Just sayin.

White Castle is no better than Sonic. In fact, Sonic is better. Go try it, you'll see.

That 7/11 isnt new. It just took over the old quickie mart that was a jersy mikes or something back when jarhead is reminiscing about and jay and silent bob worked there and jarhead was smoking dope and drinking meister brau at chanceville park.

Paul, I'll wait five minutes and check back. Maybe you can formulate two coherent sentences by then.?.?

Dang. And I gave you an extra couple of minutes too. I knew it was probably a long shot, but I had high hopes for you young lady.

Sonic is not very good. A little better than wendys and the fries are gross. You cannot even compare it to the culinary deligth that is white castle. In the summer will they have cute girls in sexy outfits on roller skates bringing out the food?

Why Paul, you looking for summer employment?

I'd prefer something other than fast food for that spot, myself. Doesn't have to be a chain either. A good steakhouse would be nice.

You know it could be that maybe there is a demand for these places. Just because you have something against burger joints doe's not mean that everyone else is like you. Back in the 50's, 60's and 70's, burger places were celebrated and fun places. It was not until the ill informed Liberal Anti-American culture came into play that anyone even thought this way.

Jar - I kind of think a business would be better off in the Steak and Ale location. Steak and Ale sold their liquor license to Bonefish. So it might be difficult for a steakhouse to go in that location. Plus the location kind of stinks for a restaurant.

Paul, I don't know, but I'll tell ya, S&A was packed for years after is first opened.

Ill take your word on that one Jar. I moved to the area right before outback opened. By then Steak and Ale was going down.

I also remember people in town complaining about the Outback opening years ago. Some things never change I guess.

It's called congestion and overdevelopment and if I have to explain either to you then you're nothing more than another whiney "businessman" that obviously has plenty of time on his hands to post as much as you do.

Your simpleton argument that it's zoned that way so everyone should shut up says what kind of businessman you are.

.

"For that matter we don't need Sears, shop rite, stop&shop,"

In case you haven't noticed we only have one of each of those. How many burger joints?

"should open a good steak restaurant," uh huh. And who, may I ask, will patronize such? The unemployment rate in the area has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, so has tuition. So this unemployed mom with a college age kid is glad to drown my sorrows in a "Vanilla Dish" at Sonic for the princely sum of $1. Welcome to town Sonic.

You know no one knew about the methadone clinic until people like you made a big deal about it. What do you think that someone is going to go into the clinic, then when they get out they will say to themselves, oh there's Skrut's house, lets go mess with him? Get real! I live as close to any of these bad places as anyone. You forgot to mention that there,s a pizza joint and chinese place in every plaza as well. Any problem with those?

I just love when you disagree with a person on here. They mock you and don't give any facts to back up their statement. Enjoy Sonic or one of the other many burger joints in middletown today. lol

Fit? Physically but it's seems the mental capacity is lacking. Now who avoided replying when asked if he wanted the methadone clinic next to his house...afterall "it's zoned for it".

You considered yourself an expert when your answer to everything is, "it's zoned for it"?

No one is mocking you Paul just make a case as to why we need to overdevelop Middletown with businesses that we already have.

"...out there that know what is best for everyone else but do not actually contribute to the local economy"

What do you call people who spend locally? They support your seasonal business.

Riffaxe, it's the middle of the day. I'm not taking any sides in this argument, but if you were here when Channel was there, then you know how much more traffic we have now, than then.
Heck, I was away in the service for 4 years and was amazed how many more traffic lights we had when I got back.

You're an idiot. Why? Because I couldn't be more Conservative if I tried so you're talking through your ass. The only thing you keep repeating is that "it's zoned for it".

To you that's all that matters. Oh and acting like a buffoon telling us how you ate at Sonics. Who gives a crap. You're proud of that? And you own a business...? Do tell us which so we can avoid it but you're likley too much of a coward to do that.

Go sell your ice cream. You probably own that crap hole Rita's. LOL

NJarhead. Are you denying that the population is rising? And what is the answer for that? All i'm saying is that the traffic in that spot has not changed very much as far as being able to get where your going without a problem.When Channel was there, there was just as much traffic there but in a different way. Also you may be young so you may not remember when Channel was a thriving business in the 70's and 80's. And 4 years from now there will be more traffic lights. my main point about any of this is that we can't go back now, and the property where these businesses are have been in existence for many years.
And thank you for serving our country!

Haha. I worked at Channel during HS (very briefly). But yes, I'd like to think I'm young. My earliest memories include Lily Tulip, Two Guys and The Talking Pumpkin.

I'm not only not denying an increase in population, I'm making that very point that we are much more populated now and that is why (IMHO) we have more franchises, traffic, etc.
Personally, I hate what Middletown has become. It's over crowded. I wish we would have left some lands, woods and open spaces and ceased allowing developments being built yeeeeaaaaaars ago. Again, my opinion.

I agree,NJarhead.Middletown is nothing like it was when we were growing up.It's way too crowded.I,too remember 2 Guys and Lilly Tulip,but no the Talking Pumpkin. I do like some of the chains,like Bonefish Grill.After Doris and Ed's closed,I'm still looking for a great seafood place

I've only lived here for 7 years (yes, an invader from staten island) and the traffic has become much worse at particular intersections. Harmony Road and rte 35 had become worse before they built a sonic, the intersection (uturn) at laurel and 35 is awful. Just wait until the new housing development off of the turn around for cherry tree farm lane is built.

No,it's not OK,but there's not anything we can do about it.When I was growing up there was few apartment houses.

Motor Vehicles (since you want to be a smart ass)

You can't reason with some. As RIFFAXE made clear it's all about zoning and hence money. I pointed out earlier that there isn't a business around that the residents of Middletown are "wanting for". We have just about every type we need. The ones that we don't have are a town or two away.

They criticise townhouses or developments but the same poster made the opposing argument against herself. When a business leaves it leaves behind an eyesore of an empty building/lot.

See to "business" people, as long as they don't live right next to the business, they are okay with anything.

Notice how RIFFAXE fliiped off the methadone clinic. He likely lives nowhere near it.
He probably isn't anywhere near where the town center would have been either.

P.S. You're also right about another point that was lost on RIFFAXE. I said Sonic wasn't needed. I didn't say never open another business on RT 35. I think it's safe to say he could find a burger if he wanted one.

And to say it's not congested on a weekday is disingenuous. You have a new Enterprise, the Shop-Rite..to make a long story short, Harmony Road is one of the most congested areas in Middletown.

You may be making my point Publius. Adult businesses fall into a whole different realm that what we are discussing here. But with that said if you allow businesses to not open up, that's when many of these less desirable businesses get to move in. And there are already adult businesses that are keeping a low profile. You can even go in to existing stores to get adult books. But i understand what your saying, i don't want adult book stores or strip clubs either. And my point is that if we have legitimate businesses doing commerce here, there will not be room for those other type of businesses. I also pick up litter that also includes food store bags, bank deposit slips,among other things. so don't just single out the fast food places.

That's a nice neighborhood Paul. Quiet too.
I didn't know about the methadone clinic either. Apparently it's on the south tip of the island near the Evil Clown.
Thought that was still a travel agency.

Good point Paul. I have spent a lot of time in real congested areas. I grew up here so at times it seems overly busy. But the reality is that it is still pretty good around here.

Across from Uras monuments on Apple tree farm road and 35.

No,NJarhead,it's on the right when you head south on 35,just before the overpass for the navy road.I googled it and found that it's only open from very early in the AM until about 11AM. I think the travel agency that used to be next to the liquor store with the Evil Clown has closed.

Again, don't take offense ot my opinion.
I never said there wasn't congestion on Harmony Road. But most of that can be contributed to the 4-way stop and a particular time of day.
My point is that 25-30 years ago, if you got stuck at a light on 35 or 36 you were one of 4 or 5 cars at the most. Now, depending on the day/time of day, it's not out of the realm of possiblitity to hit that same light twice. I can't remember the last time I was the first car at the light. There is ALWAYS a crowd.

Who said never? That's your problem, you know nothing about why people moved here. I moved here from J.C. over 35 years ago. Middletown's appeal was the big reason. Naturally those that did the same expected Middletown to grow. So I ask you at what point is enough building enough? Just because it's zoned seems to be your only reply.

I pay over $6000 for a townhouse and don't own one speck of land. Where's all the relief that adding businesses is supposed to bring? That's part of the argument. Drawing businesses to boost the tax base. How's that been working? Boarded up stores?

If I am in the monority then you would not have complained earlier about "people like me" as you put it.

Why should people have to buy up properties as you say? How about not putting anything there to begin with. Housing remains long after fly by night businesses flee and ruin the landscape.

Apple Farm Road and Rt 35.

My wife has cancer. Are you opposed to Sloan-Kettering moving into Middletown.

I'll pray for her complete recovery.
I'd be surprised if anyone had an issue with that. Although, there is always going to be that 10% and they're not worth getting aggravated about.

So sorry Riffaxe. I heard a sloan kettering was looking to go in Holmdel.

Top of Red Hill Road just south of the parkway if I'm not mistaken. I think that's the border.

I am opposed to sloan kittering. They make the old people live longer and that is why we are in this mess. When people died younger and we didnt waste billions on keeping them alive with no quality of life and the younger people could all move on up and out. It is like the urban people that currently refuse to get educated and leave the slums like the masses did before them. I am moving to either france or colts neck.

Ever been to France? I seriously doubt they'd let you stay.

I already have a place in paris they love me there. I am trying to open up some dunkin donuts franchises.

That's awesome! I'll help you pack!

It is middletown. Personally, I preferred Rickels.

http://middletown-nj.patch.com/articles/memorial-sloan-kettering-eyes-middletown-property-near-exit-114

Interesting. I was just thinking how I really couldn't care less what you prefer.

The lady doth protest too much.

No problem. That's what's missing in RIFFAXE's argument. He doesn't care because he doesn't live by Apple Farm Road. Then he tried to comapre a methadone clinic to Slaon Kettering.

Next he will advocate "homes for the mentally impaired" like they have in Keansburg.

Afterall, to him they are just another business.

You make it sound so simple. Can you afford to go around and buy out properties all over town?

Many of the large tracts of land are family owned or were purchased years ago, dirt cheap.

That would be my argument more than anything else.

Great point. And those townhouses are adding to the negative impact of the area more than anything. Now there will be more kids being added to the already crowded schools. And that is a net loss in revenue as well.

I wouldn't disagree. They stopped the Town Center and yet they are going to build housing back there anyway.

Sorry but to continually allow housing and stores to be built doesn't seem to be solving the revenue issue.

Skrut. I dont understand why they didnt try to put a modified Town Center in one of the eye sore plaza's. You could tear them down and then build in that location.

Skrut - stores are also leaving middletown. You have to take that into account too. Pathmark and Tru Value leave and Sonic comes into middletown. Sonic isnt going to equal that revenue.

No. I am just comparing a medical facility to a medical facility.I wish you would raise your standards for our discussion here. It seems that you have to make some personal attack with every comment. What medical facility do you use for your medication?

I have news for you, there are already halfway houses here and you don't even know it. So what problem has that caused you? And what has the clinic done to you? The one thing i can tell you is that if the state see's property not being developed. they will come in and mandate these things that you don't want. And they are already doing that.

It was a long time ago that you went off so don't put it on me.

I have news for you, there are already halfway houses here and you don't even know it. So what problem has that caused you? And what has the clinic done to you? The one thing i can tell you is that if the state see's property not being developed. they will come in and mandate these things that you don't want. And they are already doing that.

Amen. I can only remember back to when they installed the concrete island on 35 and 36. But my parents lived here when there was still horse and buggy and only dirt roads. When we see how things have progressed around here we may think it's not perfect and there's traffic, but when you go into some areas where there is really bad planning, you can only conclude that we are lucky.

What community are you referring to?? Lakewood is very nice. What are you talking about?

There have never been amish people in Middletown. Those people have some great TV shows though.

You win.You've lived here longer that I have,but only because you're older. I remmber all of the things you mention.Do you remember the people using boats to navigate parts of 36 in 1960,after Hurricane Donna?

Marylou, Regarding Donna I remember some of the fishing boats from the Belford fleet in the middle of the street about 1/4 mile the road.
The best part of Middletown was the cow pasture at the top of Kings Hwy. between Rt. 35 and the Navy road. The best place for snow sledding anywhere. People came from miles around. Serious speed. Lots of injuries. After the cows left the grass grew and then the forest came back.

That was not missed Laura. A few of us mentioned it and I think the majority are in agreement.

The Patch editor is indeed amused. By the way, there is another thread about Sonic on the Middletown-NJ Facebook page with more than 20 posts, mostly food critics giving their reviews...https://www.facebook.com/MiddletownNJPatch

Not too sharp are you, Gary? I said earlier that I couldn't be more Conservative. You guys are the ones soundfing like candyassed Libs/Progressives. Whhhhaaaa! Let me open my business because housing is bad. Here's breaking news...people stay, businesses take and then leave or go out of business leaving boarded up storefronts. How many developments are boarded up?

FYI Danielle - it's "their" not "there.". Sounds like you spent too much time in the high school cafeteria.

Ruby Tuesday is a good idea Jack. The problem is if you went to go try to open up such a place you would have to waist about $80K or so just fighting with Middletowns Anti-Business vigilante group!

The theater in middletown is now target and is much better. The theater in hazlet is a 1 mile away - would it have been better for you if they built it in union square? Still middletown but further away. Ruby Tuesdays has a great avocado turkey burger. Problem with walmart is the urban people.

@Skrut. Things you need to do:
1). Work on your reading comprehension
2). Stop throwing temper tantrums
3). Learn some class

I stated what I was for and against. Hence my recommendation for some reading comprehension on your part.

I hold a little resentment towards that facility as well. But if it's going to be used by the kids in Middletown then I'm willing to get over it.

You're already in trouble with some of these clowns since you used the word overdeveloped. Didn't you get the text. Just let building go unimpeded.

We need 5 of every business in a town of approx. 64,000.

Jack, the ice rink was built privately as Middletown sold the Swim & Tennis club.