A longtime family business at Park and Seventh is leaving Plainfield in part because of conditions there.
Resident Bob Darden broke the news at the April 17 Town Meeting that Williams Surgical was closing its doors as of June 1 and relocating out of the city. Owner Barry Williams confirmed it with Plaintalker last week and also mentioned the state of the Park & Seventh business district as one of the reasons.
The business was founded in 1947 by Thomas E. Williams and continues to be operated by two younger generations, with a new emphasis on stair lifts. See more here. Barry Williams said the family is making stair lift sales and repair the core business and will no longer need the showroom for surgical supplies.
Williams expressed frustration with what customers have to contend with when visiting the current location.
Despite frequent police attention, the 600 block of Park Avenue often has individuals and groups, including students, engaged in disruptive behavior.
"Rudy Giuliani cleaned up New York by going after the little things," Williams said, naming squeegee men, homeless and panhandlers as targets of the mayor's efforts.
Here, he said, "They need to start with people throwing garbage."
Last year, the city removed a bench that was across the street from the store. A badly vandalized bus shelter was also removed from the same corner. Both had become hangouts for people who cursed, fought, drank and otherwise misbehaved in ways that offended customers and residents passing by.
Although he is relocating, Williams called for help to keep the business district viable.
"This is the life blood of the town," he said.
The district includes a plaza with a supermarket, dollar store, laundromat and two restaurants, as well as a newsstand, professional offices, computer store, florist, bakery, hardware store and several restaurants across the street.
--Bernice
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ReplyDeleteHey... Bill Reid..a business owner took your advice... He didn't like it so he's moving.
WAY TO GO BILL REID ! Leadership at it's finest.
You finally got one Bill Reid...even a broken clock is right 2 times a day.
Plainfield's Economic Development Plan:
ReplyDelete- Allow filthy, trash filled streets on the weekend (aparently not covered by "shared services")
- Encourage disturbed individuals to harass others
- Allow unlicensed sidewalk peddlers of all kind of wares -- loosies, alchohol, BBQ
- Encourage every store with a mattress to put 5-10 out on the sidewalk
- Allow gangmembers to openly have meetings and practice their trade
City policy:
- Send two officers to walk the "beat" -- but it's okay if every so often those officers lean against a building, have a nice chat and smoke for 15 minutes.
- No city ordinance or code enforcement downtown, but of course the strictest of enforcement for "certain" neighborhoods.
I cannot believe anyone would continue to want this mayor in office.
ReplyDeletecant blame Williams for leaving plainfield.that block is full of panhandlers . sometimes I am afraid to walk 2 any of the stores.a few weeks ago I got harassed by a group of about 10 teenagers.calling me every name under the sun.and by the time you call the police,they are gone.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad and complaints have been made but our mayor and her lacky, Hellwig, seem to not care. I live on the corner of Crescent and Park and don't even like to look in that direction. I walk on the other side of the street to avoid pan handlers, roudy kids, and drunks. I'm a big man and I can imagine how smaller people feel. I agree, how could anyone vote for this do nothing, worthless mayor. Good riddence, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteActually the students/teens act EXACTLY as the Mayor wants them to. She tolerates rude behavior, fowl language and loud obnixious music at her events all the time. On her behalf though, she is not alone in allowing this to continue. Try to walk around the high school anytime for a treat of bad vibes.
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