Covid-19: A showroom without Toyotas, need a mask to go home, outdoor dining

A CAR-LESS SHOWROOM: After I dropped off our 2010 Toyota Prius for service this morning, I walked through an empty showroom at Hackensack Toyota on River Street normally filled with the latest models. This dealer also has suspended a free shuttle service during the pandemic.

A short walk in Hackensack

shows changes from pandemic

THE CURRENT ON RIVER: A luxury apartment building across the street from the Toyota dealer is being marketed as The Current. Rents range from $1,950 for a studio to $3,500 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

MASKED TENANTS: This sign near the front door of The Current apparently means you need to wear a mask when you return home. The apartments were built on the former site of the Oritani Field Club and its tennis courts, and retain the club's 18 E. Camden St. address.

TWO-WAY WORK: Main Street in front of the Johnson Public Library was blocked for major infrastructure work as the city prepares to convert more of the street to 2-way traffic.

PHO ON MAIN: Pho Saigon, a Vietnamese restaurant that occupies the space long occupied by Wondee's, is open for takeout and delivery.

WE STAND TOGETHER: The Main Street Business Alliance -- the force behind redevelopment of downtown Hackensack -- has posted signs rejecting racism. This one is in the window of Pho Saigon.

DELIVERY AND TAKEOUT: I glanced inside Pho Saigon before the restaurant opened for business, and saw the table where delivery and takeout orders are placed for pickup.

SHUTTERED BUSINESSES: The Riviera Lounge, above, where one customer praised the "beautiful ladies," and AMA Family Martial Arts Center, below, are just two of the shuttered business along Main Street.

PANDEMIC TO BLAME: Both businesses likely succumbed to restrictions put into place during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NEW BUSINESS: Halal Boyz is one of the new businesses on Main Street. The fare includes falafel and fried fish, available for takeout or delivery.

EATING OUT, LITERALLY: Outdoor dining is available at Noches de Colombia on Main Street.

REDEVELOPMENT: Work has resumed on two of the apartment buildings along Main Street, above and below.

NAIL GUN OR REAL GUN? The construction worker at the top of the boom was using a nail gun, which can be mistaken for the sound of a real gun.

GOING OUT OF BUSINESS: Sears, a Main Street landmark for many decades, is "likely closing," NorthJersey.com reported on July 1. The store opened in 1932. (See more in the comments section below.)

-- VICTOR E. SASSON