When will the new Barnes & Noble store open in Wayne?

Barnes & Noble plans to open its 22,000-square-foot Wayne location in 2026. This will be the chain's third store located within Passaic County as part of their expansion efforts.

What is happening with the car explosion investigation?

The FBI is investigating a car explosion that injured a man in a gated Wayne neighborhood after officials found a highly volatile accelerant in the vehicle trunk. No further details on the suspect or motive have been released.

Who was Susan Enderly and what did she do?

Susan Enderly was a Wayne resident who served two terms as a Republican State Committeewoman from Passaic County. She passed away at the age of 63 after being recognized as a GOP stalwart.

Wayne Township sees new business openings and a fatal car explosion

Major retailers plan expansions in Wayne while residents mourn a local political figure and investigate a violent incident involving an accelerant.

By The Eleventh staff · August 22, 2026 · AI-assisted, grounded in the cited sources below

A significant commercial expansion is underway for the town of Wayne as two major chains announce plans to open new locations within Passaic County. Barnes & Noble has confirmed it will construct a third store in the county, with this specific location set to rise in Wayne by 2026.

The upcoming bookstore is planned to cover 22,000 square feet of retail space as part of the national chain's broader growth strategy across New Jersey. This development marks a notable addition to the local shopping landscape for residents who currently rely on existing locations elsewhere in the district.

Simultaneously, Tony Boys Sandwich House is preparing to launch its first Passaic County location later this fall within Wayne Township boundaries. The sandwich franchise has been expanding throughout the state and views this new site as a key step in reaching more customers in northern New Jersey communities.

Community Losses And Local Tributes

The town also faces a somber note with the passing of Susan Enderly, a longtime Republican State Committeewoman from Passaic County who resided in Wayne. Enderly served two terms in her political role and was described as a stalwart figure within the local GOP organization before her death at age 63.

Her service to the party spanned multiple years of active engagement, making her loss felt by colleagues across the district's Republican network. The announcement of her passing highlights the changing landscape of local leadership in Morris, Essex, and Passaic counties during this period.

Safety Concerns And Federal Investigation

A violent incident recently shook a gated neighborhood in Wayne when a car explosion injured one man inside the community. Officials reported finding a highly volatile accelerant hidden within the trunk of the vehicle that detonated on the scene, prompting an immediate emergency response.

The FBI has joined local authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blast and determine how such dangerous materials were introduced into the residential area. This federal involvement suggests the potential for broader security implications beyond a simple accidental fire or mechanical failure.

Residents in the affected gated community are likely facing heightened anxiety as investigators work through the scene without releasing specific details about the victim's identity or motive behind the event. The presence of an accelerant indicates premeditation, which is a serious concern for anyone living near similar properties.

Daily Life And Local Observations

Amidst these major news events, daily life in Wayne continues with small observations that bring joy to commuters traveling through the area. A recent online post highlighted a giant wildflower field located off the parkway at the Wayne exit that has been noticed by workers driving past.

The observer noted that while they did not see the flowers during their first two shifts, traffic congestion around 9 am last week allowed them to stop and appreciate the display. This natural feature has since provided a daily smile for this commuter as part of their routine drive into work.

Other residents are navigating logistical challenges related to moving out of state while trying to care for pets during transition periods. One individual seeking advice mentioned needing to board nine cats for 26 days due to contingency clauses in the sale of their home, creating a gap between properties.

The search for pet boarding facilities has extended across Northern Jersey with specific interest in areas including Wayne, Ringwood, Wanaque, and West Milford. This reflects the practical difficulties families face when relocating from the district while ensuring proper care for multiple animals during uncertain timelines.