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A beloved Bloomfield cafe is closing its doors after nearly a decade in the community, leaving customers and neighbors disappointed and raising concerns about the future of the neighborhood.
23 Skiddoo Cafe and Gelato unexpectedly shut down Wednesday morning. For many residents, the business was more than a place to grab coffee or a sweet treat — it was a place to connect with neighbors and build relationships.
"Everyone in the neighborhood is devastated that it's closing," said resident Jennifer Brown.
The closure follows the town’s Planning Board approving a proposal last week to subdivide the property next door to the cafe and build two single-family homes.
During the meeting, cafe owner Hodge Halili raised concerns about how construction and previous flooding in the area had affected his business.
Halili said heavy construction equipment damaged water mains on three separate occasions, forcing him to temporarily shut down each time.
Resident Dave Alfano said the prospect of another year or two of construction may have contributed to the owner’s decision to close.
"All we're asking right now is make this situation right commercially. This entire property, no demolition. And until those two things are met, we are not going to stop. I mean, we will not stop," said Alfano.
Even days after the cafe shut its doors, customers still showed up, hoping it might be open.
Some residents say they had been reaching out to town officials for weeks, hoping the subdivision plan would not move forward. They believe more could have been done to address their concerns and protect the neighborhood’s small businesses.
Residents say they want the area to remain commercial and hope another small business, such as a deli or pizza shop, could eventually take the cafe’s place.
They say they plan to still advocate for the property’s commercial use.
In a statement to News 12, Mayor Jenny Mundell said:
"Like many other residents, I was saddened to hear that 23 Skiddoo Cafe is closing. While I cannot speak to the owner’s reasons for closing or the timing of that decision, it is important to understand that the Planning Board’s role is to independently review applications like the one for the private property next door, which was recently purchased by a small business owner and Bloomfield resident. The Mayor and Council do not have jurisdiction over these decisions, and the Township’s ability to intervene in private property matters is limited by law. We remain committed to supporting the small businesses that make Bloomfield special."
23 Skiddoo Cafe is planning a farewell celebration on Oct. 24 and 25 in partnership with the Bloomfield 5K Run, allowing the community to say goodbye to a business that has been part of the neighborhood for nearly a decade.
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