Visions for Vacancies: Bank of America

We know Maplewood Patch readers have strong opinions about what businesses should move into town.

So here's your chance.

In an occasional column, we present a vacant space and ask you to tell us what you think would be the best use. Let's call this a digital spin on community planning -- Patch's version of a charette, a digital drawing board where all ideas are on the table.

The Bank of America on the corner of Springfield Avenue and Prospect Street has been vacant since February of 2011, when the company decided it no longer needed a third branch in Maplewood. (The other branches are at Springfield and Jacoby street, near the Irvington border, and at 161 Maplewood Ave. in the heart of Maplewood Village.)

The township has tried to recruit new tenants to the space, but so far to no avail. Mayor Vic DeLuca recently told Patch the lack of dedicated parking is a drawback to the location.

So this is where you come in, Maplewood. What would you like to see in that four acre space? Another bank? A cool restaurant? Offices? An indoor farmers' market?

Or how about what one young resident (and son of former Kari's Cafe owner Kari Capone) suggested back when the closing was announced: a toystore?

Forget any zoning rules and regulations, for now. If you had your way, what would you like to see there? What would be the best use for the community?

Let us know in comments.