Jersey Shore Mall Trying Hard To Allow Bowling And Roller Skating

The next time you visit the Freehold Raceway Mall, it may look a little different.  New zoning laws may open the door for a whole new line of thinking for stores and entertainment.  It is already the largest mall at the Jersey Shore, what could they possibly want to add?  We’re talking about a potential bowling alley and/or arcade games.

You’re probably thinking, okay I’ll give you the bowling alley, but arcade games in a mall?  I was introduced to Ms. Pac-Man at the local mall.  Keep reading you’ll see what the full proposal involves.

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A public hearing and a vote are on the docket with the Freehold Township Committee on Tuesday, June 29, 2021.  The hope is to allow Round1 Bowling and Amusement to take over space once occupied by Sears and Roebuck.  At one time Sears was one of the so-called “anchor” stores that drew the most people to the mall.  As more and more shopping is being done “online”, the local mall is looking for other businesses to draw shoppers to their bricks and mortar.

Freehold Township Mayor Thomas L. Cook, who has been assisting the mall with its challenges said, "It has been a successful mall for as long as it has been built,…we came up with things collaboratively on what would work best in their mind to make them successful."

If the vote goes in their favor the changes would include a bowling alley, indoor roller rink, arcade games, health care facilities, and breweries.

Well, it’s not Ms. Pac-Man, but that might get me back to the Freehold Raceway Mall!