Image: Icons outside PNC (formerly United) Bank BuildingOne of the recent issues with development proposals by Frank Cretella has been his liberal interpretation of the “retail” designation for portions of his multiple Plainfield projects. Some aspects have turned out to be restaurants or other uses not foreseen by the general understanding of the term.
In the legal notice for a new application Oct. 6 before the Plainfield Zoning Board of Adjustment for use of the PNC Bank building, attorneys for Cretella frame the issue thus:
“The applicant proposes to convert an existing building from a bank and office use to any permitted non-residential use (simply called "retail" on the plans and in the balance of this notice (18,276 square feet) and facilities for the service of food and drink (including alcoholic beverages) with or without live entertainment/nightclub/banquet hall/catering/themed event/entertainment (all called simply "nightclub" use on the plans and in the balance of this notice)”
The notice indicates the first floor (13,210 square feet) will be “retail” use; the second floor will have 5,066 square feet for nightclub use; the third floor will have 4,831 square feet for nightclub use; the fourth floor will have 5,074 square feet of nightclub use; and there will be a new fifth floor addition of 5,473 square feet for nightclub use.
The applicant, The Bank on Park LLC, needs several variances, but to this writer, the big question is how this project will fit in with other Cretella projects in various states of approval for the PNC Bank block. They include the 148-unit West Second Street Commons residential project that also includes retail uses, the Certified Green property One LLC project at 212-16 Park Avenue that includes four apartments and the Next Step to Collins Avenue LLC project at 226-32 Park Avenue that includes 12 apartments.
At the last Planning Board meeting on Sept. 16, no formal traffic report was offered for the massive West Second Commons project. Nor was any correlation offered for all the other projects on the block, maybe because the Planning Board and other land use boards only deal with one application at a time.
Maybe it is time for a sit-down on the whole picture (as the law allows) to deal with these multiple projects. In all, Cretella’s Landmark subsidiaries have eight projects proposed for downtown Plainfield. The effects of all on the existing infrastructure must be assessed objectively if officials are to understand their roles in this decision-making. It could be transforming if well thought out, or just a mish-mosh of intent if not.
--Bernice Paglia
I have a problem with all the floors for night club use. First, of course, is the fact that Plainfield already has too many bars and "night clubs". The second is, who wants to rent that close to a noisy night club. I also want to know why it needs so many floors. Even NYC night clubs are that big. Will there also be a noisy club near a proposed residential area? I hope the zoning board and the City Council really take notice and make sure this developer isn't given the keys to the city. We need results for Plainfield and not another give away, like Monarch, that gives the city little return to help us grow.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bob. Four floors of "night club" are hardly what Plainfield needs. The thought of that large of a crowd makes me shudder - especially in an historic building!! I would genuinely be concerned that it would only be an opportunity for additonal violence. While any establishment serving alchohol can lead to fights, etc. it is the size that concerns me. Too much opportunity for different groups to wind up in the same place and then fight about it.
ReplyDeleteI also don't like the thought of the addition to the roof. I wouldn't be surprised if it winds up being visible from the street. With three other floors dedicated to the club, the roof shouldn't be needed. And drunk people like to drop things off roofs...
Don't get me wrong. I like clubs and I like to drink. It just doesn't seem like a good fit with where Plainfield needs to go.
Funny how every time someone comes up with a proposal for Plainfield, they have to think it is something negative. Try doing some research into what Landmark has proposed and done in other areas. It says nightclub because that is what the zoning calls it. Nightclub does not just mean strip club or bar for the illegals. Look at the Landmark web site and see the class of his other ventures. I would live next door to any of those establishments in a heartbeat compared to the late night music blasting I have now. If he is proposing something for there, Im sure the majority of the Plainfield residents people are always complaining about wont be going there because of the cost. It will be upscale and bring in people to the downtown. It might even attract the Sleepy Hollow people that dont venture into the downtown??
ReplyDeleteBernice,
ReplyDeleteIn the 50's and 60's they gave us houseing projects.
In the 70 and 80 they gave us section 8 housing and large low-income housing projects.
I would like them to try and put this type of a proposal in Westfield. Or Watchung. Or Scotch Plains. Go ahead - give it a try!
On top of that we are giving away a tax abatement - OK it is a PILOT. Same thing - they get a tax break and I do not!!!
I have a problem with that.
Finally the club will cause the need for more Police for traffic control, drugs and all else that will go on and come along with this.
This is really bad for Plainfield. There is something fishy here Bernice. Everyone is so quite on this. Why......?
Jeff has one huge point that does need to be pointed out...Has anyone gone to this company's website ( such as both Jeff and I have apparently ). Honestly, the first thing I said to myself upon seeing the types of businesses being run by this individuals company was...Why would someone who runs such high end classy ( read Westfield, Chatham, Short Hills ) want to build anything here in Plainfield ???
ReplyDeleteI too get my panties in a bunch when I see the word nightclub ( but it is a zoning classification only )with the name Plainfield, but his business are a far cry from the music thumping, drunks on the street, shoot em up cause you dissed my girl establishments.
This is an actual business entity that has thrived on providing quality high end businesses....not another Dollar Store. I say give him a chance.
Gee, it's nice to see "Rob" and "Bob" disagreeing for a change. "Rob" is right this time (for once) about Landmark--it's a reputable outfit with a good record, and their proposal is the kind of development/rehab Plainfield needs. I'm concerned, too, about the "nightclub" issue but I hope the Planning and Zoning Boards (and the Council) will make sure the right things are done.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the eventual use of this building, my point was that I hope land use officials will take a look at the cumulative effect of four proposals on this one block and surrounding streets.
ReplyDeleteTo anon at 6:38.
ReplyDeleteWestfield and Watchung both have projects like this, much more upscale of course. Their market supports it. Go up to 800 Somerset Street and look to your left before the police station. Very beautiful condo building built over parking. Look at The Savanah in Westfield. More luxurious than you can imagine. $500K to 2 million for a condo, and they are selling, even in todays market. Your it cant happen here mentality is the reason it does not. Landmark is not going to spend this kind of money if they dont believe in it. Are you satisfied with dollar stores, liquor stores and nail salons on every corner?? Im not! And its loooooong past time we get better. Again, when you open your pockets and spend close to $20+ million to make it happen, then you can cry tax break all you want. Until that time, quit your wining and do something about it! The only thing "fishy" is your lack of info to what you are talking about. Ive done my homework and been to the meetings, have you?
You can look at www.landmarkhospitality.com for the type of "nightclubs" they are proposing. Again, build it next to me any day. Also, www.landmarkdevelopers.com for the building portion.
Jeff wrote,
ReplyDeleteAre you satisfied with dollar stores, liquor stores and nail salons on every corner?? Im not! And its loooooong past time we get better.
Jeff, No one suggest that we are satisfied at all but the fact these other projects look to be successful in Westfield and elsewhere tells us little more than those towns have excellent zoning and planning boards. The thing people don't understand about Plainfielders is that we want and expect high quality construction with amenities to match. This is a must if you're talking about attracting people from 'outside' of Plainfield. Do you think the developer went into Westfield asking for the variances requested in Plainfield? No. How about the absolute need for a PILOT? No. Now maybe you are willing for your taxes to go up to give this guy a fighting chance to make millions but not everybody feels that way.
Tell me how do you feel about the quality of education in Plainfield? Have you considered all the new children that will be added to our already overburdened school system? I know you are aware that not one red cent of the PILOT goes to fund our school district. Is this not a concern to you? Why Storch is not pointing out how it hurts Plainfields children is surprising considering he used to be on the Board. I like Storch but he's never saw a Tax Abatement he couldn't find a way to vote for while homeowners get a tax increase of 7.5%. Please Annie don't vote for this! The other stiffs you know what their going to do.
You talk to ANON 6:38 like all of the previous developers that came through Plainfield over the years actually did what they said they were going to do. I think this requires a thorough examination of the impact these multiple projects would have on the quality of life of prospective buyers the project hopes to attract and Plainfield in general. You're not the only one that goes to these meetings!
For those who want more information on PILOTS go to YouTube and search for this title. Councilman Mapp gives a great explanation.
Plainfield, NJ Town Meeting on Tax Abatements 2009 Ep. 1
Please, Plainfield, don't forget the tax deal Adrian Mapp got for the Tepper's renovation which was originally supposed to be senior condos and is now basically low-income housing. There was a photo back then in the Courier of a bunch of people with shovels at the "historic" groundbreaking of our "first" downtown improvement, but look at it now.
ReplyDeleteTO ANON 11:47am
ReplyDeleteYour point regarding our planning and zoning boards is extremely important. I've been to many planning and zoning board meetings. It's unbelievable the pace at which they grant variances. Truly unbelievable.
The dirty little secret which isn't so well kept is that both of these boards are filled by the administration and controlled by the administration. Most of the dirtiest deeds take place around midnight while most of us are asleep.
In my opinion two things need to be done. First, all planning and zoning board members need to be appointed by the council. The interview or some portion of it needs to be subject to public viewing. This should improve board autonomy and increase the competency and credibility of individual members.
Second, Broadcast all planning and zoning board meeting should be taped and broadcasted via PCTV. This will ensure transparency. It should make a big difference.