Energy Research Company will store less than two ounces each of 14 explosives including TNT, dynamite and nitroglygerin in a secure lab that will take up about a quarter of the building behind a produce market. Company founder and president Robert De Saro said he looked at numerous buildings before deciding the South Avenue site was a “goldilocks” setting with just the right size, price and location for his firm, which must move from its present base on Staten Island.
DeSaro calmly fielded questions from the board members on why he did not pick a more industrial location and how the explosives would be used.
“Do you personally think there is some danger?” board member Christopher Awobue asked De Saro, who said he did not and added, “What we are doing is needed.”
The company contracts with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to devise tests for minute amounts of explosives as part of an effort to protect citizens here and abroad. De Saro described elaborate safety features the company uses that are approved by the New York Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agency and the New York Fire Department and that will be replicated here with all necessary city and state endorsements.
The arrangements will include sprinklers, locks and a “daybox” that is bullet-proof, impact-proof and fireproof, safety expert Robert J. Davidson of South Carolina testified.
The board grilled the applicant and witnesses on 19 items including fencing and parking before agreeing to grant waivers.
The only member of the public who commented was Sal Carrano, who said the application did not fit in with the city’s master plan and would clash with South Avenue’s “restaurant alley.”
“It’s not meant to be placed there,” he said.
But in comments before the vote, board members said the company posed no more of a danger than a gas station and would be filling a vacant building. Chairman Alex Ruiz described himself as a “proponent of blue collar, green collar and white collar business” in Plainfield before the board gave its approval.
--Bernice
“It’s not meant to be placed there,” he said.
But in comments before the vote, board members said the company posed no more of a danger than a gas station and would be filling a vacant building. Chairman Alex Ruiz described himself as a “proponent of blue collar, green collar and white collar business” in Plainfield before the board gave its approval.
--Bernice
This is complete proof that people here don't know what they're doing! Why would the zoning board grant a waiver to this type of company, allowing them to locate in the middle of the business district that will hopefully move in the direction of a transit oriented development area.
ReplyDeleteI believe the same Board denied an applicant who wanted to open up a "hookah bar" some months back. Please, explain. Decisions, decisions . . . explosives that will bring down the house, everyone in it and those within spitting distance OR people smoking some flavored inhalants? (not that I was a fan of the hookah bar idea)
Why all the time and money on studies and surveys, etc. and all the other nonsense that goes along with it? Most of the people on these boards don't bother looking at the big picture for Plainfield.
Who cares that the New York Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agency and the New York Fire Department approved their "elaborate safety features" and that the company contracts with Homeland Security -- those buzz words shouldn't impress anyone -- anyone ever here of good business and political connections?
Why are they moving from Staten Island and their current location? Why are they coming to NJ? Why did they choose Plainfield? Perhaps they approached neighboring communities and were turned down by the likes of Cranford, Garwood, South Plainfield, Fanwood and Scotch Plains (all of which have new nicely developed transit/retail areas), and as usual, Plainfield's biggest and brightest stars thought this was too good of an opportunity to pass and swapped it up! Afterall NY Tobacco and Firearms says they're "o.k." and they do work for Homeland Security, so they must be the ideal business for good 'ol Plainfield.
THIS COMPANY IS NOT A FIT FOR THE SOUTH AVENUE AREA -- adjacent to residential neighborhoods, restaurants, schools and daycare centers.
Since this company thought Plainfield was such a fit for them, I'd be curious to know if anyone from the Zoning Board or Administration encouraged them to possibly move into one of the vacant properties located in the "light industrial" zone??
If there is still a chance, I hope the Council turns it down!
Did anyone inquire why this company had to leave Staten Island? Which produce market are they desiring to locate behind? If it's the one near Burger King, there are residences to the rear of that bldg.
ReplyDeleteThis is the type of operation that should be located in an industrial zone!
Is the word out that Plainfield is a "dumping ground?"
I think we need to concentrate on real jobs in Plainfield and not the part-time, minimum wage crap we've gotten from Sharon and her bunch. Anyone who thinks South Ave. will be Plainfield's mini Westfield may be dreaming. I wish we could get more good jobs in Plainfield. This company coming here had nothing to do with those in the administration who are supposed to be looking for good companies to move here. Let's be real and let's work for the good of all, not a pipe dream.
ReplyDeleteThe company president said the Staten Island building is being sold.
ReplyDeleteAren't there schools located close to this "dynamite" zone? Has anyone thought about that.
ReplyDeleteTo Bob @ 1:14 PM: with all due respect -- I think I understand where you're coming from, however if you think it can't be done, then it won't be done. What you refer to as a pipe dream can be a reality and beneficial for all Plainfield residents.
ReplyDeleteIf those of us who truly care about Plainfield don't make it known "en masse" to our so-called leaders and if we keep on settling for 10th best and don't set higher standards for this City, then the administration will just keep doing what they do best, nothing.
I agree, let's be realistic, but keeping things positive is a much better way get to where we want to be.
I think the CEO of the company should move to Plainfield. We have a beautiful housing stock, and that would make me feel better.
ReplyDeleteSince i was the only resident at the meeting in question, i must say i was shocked on many levels. The 10 day rule to notify home owners, Burger King, KFC, High School, Day Care Centers, Times Market and many more businesses were horrified when i past around a flier... While i believe the safety issue should be enough to say no, let me add to it as well! What ever happened to the very expensive long hours-months-years to create master plan ? Clearly there was a vision for South avenue, a vision to serve "ÄLL" not just a few or one..... When the word gets out to all the parents of all the children and they get a ear full from me about the "New" business moving in that section, not to mention if the home owners or business insurance rates increase. i wonder if the few people who agree with this will still think it was worth it...
ReplyDelete