Coastal EvergreenTree Farms has been located at the Brunswick Square Mall for decades
EAST BRUNSWICK -- When Bill and Diane Kohlhepp received a letter last month saying they could no longer sell Christmas trees at the Brunswick Square Mall, where they have been operating for nearly 40 years, the couple was devastated.
But after an outpouring of support in the form of telephone calls and letters, the Washington Prime Group has reversed its decision and has decided to let the couple continue to operate the business, Coastal Evergreen Tree Farms, which is the largest Christmas tree vendor in the county.
"We got a call saying they changed their mind after all the calls and letters and responses from all our customers through the years," Bill Kohlhepp said.
Bill and Diane Kohlhepp said East Brunswick Mayor Kevin T. McEvoy also showed a great deal of support in maintaining a long-standing community tradition.
He and his wife were relieved. Selling Christmas trees is their full-time business and their passion.
"And apparently it put enough pressure on the mall," he said.
But there is one snag -- the agreement is only for one year. After that, he does not know what will happen.
The new owners of the mall, Ohio-based reality firm, WP Glimcher -- now under the title, Washington Prime Group -- said that they did not allow leasing of outside space, which, according to Bill Kohlhepp, was due to plans to build two new restaurants near where Coastal Evergreen has operated. He said questions were raised about whether his business would prevent people from seeing the new restaurants.
"I had a meeting with the mall manager, and I was hoping to get a longer-term solution other than a one-year renewal," he said. "They said there was a clause in the lease that if (the restaurants) happened to raise a question regarding their visibility, we may be back to a similar situation."
Bill Kohlhepp maintains that his business would not block any restaurant.
"But apparently someone raised the issue, and it was enough to say that we wouldn't be welcomed back," he said.
But for now, Bill and Diane Kohlhepp have some breathing room, and they will cross that bridge when it comes.
Washington Prime Group and the Brunswick Square Mall could not be reached for comment on Tuesday.
In the meantime, the loyal customers of Coastal Evergreen -- many of whom Bill Kohlhepp says are second- and third-generation customers -- can rest assured that Bill and Diane Kohlhepp will be open for business this Christmas.
"We have people drive 50 or 60 miles every year," Bill Kohlhepp said. "It's a family tradition. They get a bite to eat, and once these new restaurants realize that we are bringing them business ... (hopefully) we'll be welcomed back."
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.