Welcome to New Monarch Neighbors

Image: Pouring the foundation, October 2007

Having followed just about all the steps leading up to occupancy of The Monarch, I recently decided to reach out to those whose names appeared as new owners in the city tax book.

I sent out 12 letters with a few questions and so far have two responses. (If I wanted to use a little statistical trickery, I could quote a 17 percent response, far above the 2 percent that is considered a good direct mail return. But that wasn't my goal.)

I was curious about these urban pioneers' experience. What is it like to be an owner in the city's first new condo in many years?

Of the two households responding, one was from a gentleman who is new to Plainfield. He reported "mixed" impressions of his new neighborhood, but in answer to an open-ended query about the city, he responded, "Because of its location and history, Plainfield has a potential to be a good place to live."

He commutes by train, but a couple who responded said they travel by car and sometimes by bus.

This couple lived in Plainfield before purchasing a Monarch condo. Their verdict?

"The condo unit is great - well laid out i.e. a good design, spacious bathrooms. Everyone seems to like their unit. We are comfortable."

The couple cited the need for alertness in the urban environment, but have had no problems.

"One can walk to the banks, post office, shopping etc.," the respondent said. "There is a lot that can be done to develop some parts of the area in the future, especially on 2nd street."

Both householders said they would like to know more about local cultural attractions. The gentleman householder said he would like to learn more about city government.

Both households rely on newspapers for news about Plainfield, but having included online links, Plaintalker is hoping there will be more online readership.

So far, there is not enough of a critical mass (only about a dozen sales for 63 units) to mobilize a condo association, which both households acknowledged. But both looked forward to the establishment of an association.

In general comments, the couple said, "Overall, we have had a positive experience."

Acknowledging the the adjustments of settling in a new condo building, the couple envisions a good resolution and concluded by saying, " Plainfield is a very beautiful town. We should strive to make it even more beautiful."

--Bernice Paglia