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| Major New Jersey Hotel Abruptly Closing After 40 Years, Prompting Scramble for Proms and Events |
It's a bittersweet moment for many in Bergen County, New Jersey, as the longstanding Hilton Woodcliff Lake hotel prepares to close its doors after more than four decades of service. The hotel, a prominent fixture in the community since its opening in 1980, has been a cherished venue for countless special events, from proms to weddings.
News of the impending closure came as a shock to both employees and patrons alike. State Sen. Holly Schepisi, who has fond memories of attending events at the hotel since her teenage years, expressed sadness at the news. "It is sad to see it go," she remarked. "I personally have been going there since I was a teenager. I'm 52 and I had my Sweet 16 there. We had proms there, so it really has been a staple of the community for decades."
The closure, set for February 21, has left many scrambling to reschedule planned events at the venue's event space. With less than 100 employees affected, efforts are being made to offer them positions at other Hilton properties. However, the loss of the hotel will undoubtedly leave a void in the community, both socially and economically.
The hotel's sale at auction to a development group owned by Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf signals a significant change for the 21-acre property. While specifics about the future of the site remain unclear, Mayor Carlos Rendo anticipates a transformation in line with Wilf's residential development background. "They're a residential developer so I can only imagine what they have planned," he commented.
Despite the inevitable changes, the closure of the Hilton Woodcliff Lake marks the end of an era for many residents. As the community prepares to bid farewell to this beloved landmark, there's a sense of nostalgia mingled with uncertainty about what the future holds.