Ground Broken for New, Five-Story Building

Frank Cretella

Plainfield's most ambitious developer says his enthusiasm for the Queen City is starting to be shared by an important faction - lenders.

"Two years ago, you could not get a construction loan," he said as officials gathered on Gavett Place to break ground for his five-story Art Lofts project.

Receiving financing for new, ground-up construction "says a lot," Cretella said.

The building will have 20 apartments on three upper floors and retail space below, with a courtyard and amphitheater for outdoor events, just across the street from the main train station.

Cretella's company, Jersey City-based Landmark Developers, has nearly a dozen Plainfield projects in its pipeline, some of which were pictured at the groundbreaking. The largest envisions 148 apartments on West Front Street and will also be new construction.

Meanwhile, Cretella has rehabilitated several downtown properties on North Avenue and Park Avenue, garnering approvals not only from Planning and Zoning boards but also from the Historic Preservation Commission, as several are in the city's original downtown, the North Avenue Historic District.

Deputy City Administrator Carlos Sanchez, who is now in charge of economic development in the city, recognized several land use board members who attended and praised their work.

"Board members are the key to getting projects moved," he said.

Sanchez also had kind words for Cretella's tenacity through past years. Besides the economic ups and downs, Plainfield had developed a reputation as a tough town to get things done. Having known Cretella in those days and hearing of his interest in the city, he recalled asking Cretella, "Are you sure?"

The answer was clear.

Carlos Sanchez, Frank Cretella

"He came here and he made a commitment not only to invest, " but to stay, Sanchez said. "He's here for us for the long haul."

Mayor Adrian Mapp, who took office on Jan. 1, said of the groundbreaking, "This is what we have been working for. This is what Plainfield needs."

Mapp envisioned people getting off the train and stopping to eat at one of Cretella's proposed restaurants with outdoor seating, and maybe shopping as well..

"We want to encourage people in our downtown," Mapp said.

He also acknowledged developer Mario Camino, who purchased the nearby former First Atlantic Bank and is renovating it to be headquarters for his company, Arkad Group.

 A banner that could be seen from the groundbreaking site promotes Plainfield and Camino's enthusiastic web site.

Mapp also hailed the expansion of Union County College to the former Thul site as another good omen.

Councilwoman Vera Greaves, Planning Board Chairman Ron Scott-Bey, Council President Bridget Rivers, Mayor Mapp, Frank Cretella, Planning Director William Nierstedt.

Officials including Mapp, Planning Director William Nierstedt and others lined up for the obligatory photo op with ceremonial shovels in dirt.

Cretella's company has developed its own promotional blog, named plai-do.com for "Plainfield Downtown." Besides information on the company, the blog has features on local eateries, personalities, cultural highlights and Plainfield history. Take a look!

(Click on any image above to enlarge and see a slide show)

--Bernice