The City Council will be asked Monday to consider approving an application for $1,135,160 in Urban Enterprise Zone funds to improve three blocks on East Second Street.The East Second Street Neighborhood Commercial District is bounded by Johnston and Leland avenues, according to the application, and is a mix of small businesses and homes. It was targeted for a redevelopment study in 2005, but little has been said about its prospects since.
The proposal includes sidewalk reconstruction, curbs, lighting, landscaping and street benches. Jacques Howard, assistant director of Economic Development, notes in a memo to City Administrator Bibi Taylor that merchants and property owners in the district have been organizing to create an association to support and maintain the streetscape improvements.
Saying the district has recently experienced some private investment, Howard adds, "This project will encourage additional investment and events programming to create a destination point for area residents."
Although there will be no direct costs to the city, Howard said, the city will seek Community Development Block Grant funding "to leverage state dollars."
Urban Enterprise Zone funds come from sales tax collected by certified retailers in the zone. The Urban Enterprise Zone Authority reviews applications for funding and grants approval for projects.
Another project application up for council consideration is $60,000 for Rutgers University to perform a "comprehensive economic development and growth analysis" for the city. As described by Professor Roland V. Anglin of the Edward J. Bloustein School for Planning and Public Policy, the goal is to find ways to "bolster the economic base" of the city. Case studies of other municipalities with similar profiles and the same goal will be compiled into a casebook, with a set of recommendations for Plainfield. There will also be a presentation to the mayor, council and "an economic development commission" composed of key stakeholders, which the Edward J. Bloustein School will staff and manage.
In addition, the city will receive a market study based on interviews with stakeholders, business owners and others "who can provide strategic direction on economic development." Combined with the case studies, they will form a "strategy report" to the city.
Earlier this year, the city applied for UEZ funding for two other projects. Click here to read about them. So far, neither has been approved by the UEZA.
--Bernice Paglia
It is more likely a million $ to consultants and then some dirt and bushes planted. Millions, yes millions of $$$ have flowed to the big [out of town] design and planning groups politically connected. Atleast take down the signs [400 block of South Ave] once all the $$ is gone and nothing gets built.
ReplyDeleteI can't speak for the cost of streetscaping (I take it as a given that most every contract will be well-padded), but it is a good strategy to revitalize neighborhoods by improving their commercial hubs. In the past I've spoken of this very stretch at a Council meeting, which was suffering from that typical run-down and burnt-out look that reflects so badly on the city. If the project is to succeed though, get rid of those billboards at 2nd and Netherwood too. They're unsightly and don't belong there, certainly not if we are looking to improve the area.
ReplyDeleteIt will make it more inviting to the individuals that congregate in that area . . . and instead of the occassional pop pop of gunfire, we will be treated to what sounds more like 4th of July fireworks!
ReplyDeleteBut there will be some winners . . . the politicians and lawyers inviolved in the scheme!
The economic base of the city will not be bolstered. Here's the result of the study..and it's for free.
ReplyDelete- Attract businesses
- Use existing businesses to attract more diverse businesses
- Put up signs to attract businesses
- Utilize city website to attract businesses
The "study" will be at best generic and wishy-washy. And I know NO ONE wants to hear it...but what business that could truly enhance the tax base of this city would invest their hard earned money into a hole ??? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me which corporation has on their website..looking for city to locate our fast paced dynamic business in..must have zero code enforcement, high crime, garbage strewn streets, abandoned buildings in central business area, urban blight and too many social ills to begin to list.
Which business/corporation do you think is looking for this ?
CLEAN PLAINFIELD UP. Quality of life issues, crime, zoning, and code enforcement. THEN try to get new businesses here.
Oh that's right..I forgot, Times Square in NYC did it the way Plainfield is trying do it didn't they?? Fingers crossed and hoping??
Go ahead..waste the money on the study..in 2years the same issues will exist and the city will be standing there wondering once again,
"Gee..if only we could attract more businesses to our city"
Are you kidding me? they ask the unions for consessions then want to use a mill to plant bushes?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone think before before they speak?
another murder this weekend we should be circling the wagons.not worried about street scaping. UEZ money can and should be used for public safety.
Oh wait .... I just reread it and they are going to be talking to "Stakeholders" in the community. That is an entirely different story. Stupid people do not have any say because we would tell them to make if SAFE to walk at night and not worry about getting out of the way of high school students as they walk down the middle of the street challenging you.
ReplyDeleteI think the city should implement a closing curfew. No business should be allowed to be opened passed midnight. Exceptions can be bars that stay open until 2am - maybe. But if there is no reason to be on the streets, wouldn't it be easier to ask why someone is on the street after midnight if there is no reason?
ReplyDeleteIf we have to keep spending grant money on studies of what to do, then we do not have the right people working in town hall. Any idiot with half a brain can see we need trash bins and lighting and safe parking. We need property owners to maintain their buildings. Code enforcement to enforce the rules. When was the last time a restaurant had a health inspection other than at opening? Eat at some of these places and you will know why I ask. Plant street trees where there are none. Fill in the pot holes. Fix the meters and have meter maids that actually enforce the meters. Too many people who are "friends" get to park in the street all day for free. The maids walk right past some vehicles and ticket others. The previous posters all all accurate in their venting. Enough is enough.
ReplyDelete