There are several new stores downtown and more under renovation by Paramount Assets. One window full of bling features a disco ball and some glitzy belt buckles and bracelets.
The foyer of the Senior Center features a blow-up snow globe, a reindeer and lots of very healthy green plants.
Pollo Campero was crowded for its grand opening. Did you read Mark Spivey's story about its interesting menu?
A holiday planter is accessorized with Grand Opening balloons. 
Pedestrians trying to get to Supremo supermarket have to watch their step on this broken, icy sidewalk.
Donkeys, angels, santos - a curious mix in this window.
I never saw the Virgen de Guadalupe portrayed this way before.There is a lot going on downtown right now. Some stores are gone and new ones are opening. I wonder whether folks at City Hall are assessing the net effect. For example, the store on the southeast corner of Watchung & Front has been completely renovated, but it now has metal gates over the entire facade - kind of a forbidding sight.
The owner of the building where Pollo Campero opened has some new tenants among his mix of restaurants, non-profits, commercial businesses and one church. No news on the 80 apartments he has permission to construct at the rear of his property.
There was talk this year of starting a business registry, an idea that crops up about every decade but never materializes. The good part would be that the city could get a grip on what exists downtown, the downside being the possible imposition of a registry fee on business owners who may not have a high profit margin.
The offerings downtown still tend to be low-end or urban-oriented, but they obviously have a clientele. More and more cater to specific Latino nationalities. Probably downtown marketing strategies used elsewhere, such as uniform or themed signage, will not work with so many small, diverse businesses. For the time being, it is what it is, as they say.
--Bernice
Business registry YES !!
ReplyDeleteVolunteer group to help merchants follow sign ordinances and enhance the way they are marketing their stores inside and out ( my idea ) YES...i would volunteer to help the businesses for sure. 15+yrs of successful retail marketing offering my services to the businesses in Plainfield's downtown! Anyone know a business owner in downtown Plainfield who would accept the free offer of help? And, how do I find the ordinances for signage/window coverage in Plainfield as we know the city doesn't enforce it.
Rob, the sign ordinance can be found in the Municipal Code online at www.rashidburney.com and I did write about why it is not enforced on this blog post: http://ptalker2.blogspot.com/search?q=sparkly+signs
ReplyDeleteRob,
ReplyDeleteWhat ever you do, dont try to make the stores follow a uniform code where they have color coordinated signs. Hillsborough does that and it is horrible. Green centers and red centers oh my. They even force chains to match the color plan. The sign ordinance is prety easy to follow, though it is not enforced. Neon and flashing LED signs are a no no, but can be found on Park Ave.
If you are going to make a directory, what do you plan to do with it. Many times they are made and not used to their fullest. Will it be online? Mailed to the residents? Business owners? It makes a difference on its success and benefit.
Rob--
ReplyDeleteYou should contact the leadership of the Special Improvement District which covers downtown and South Avenue--they can help. Nimrod Webb of Netherwood Auto is the president.
Thank you Anonymous !
ReplyDeleteI will do that !