Mayor Adrian Mapp, Council President Bridget Rivers
At Friday's groundbreaking for Landmark's Art Lofts project, City Council President Bridget Rivers was among the speakers.
Standing with Councilwomen Gloria Taylor and Vera Greaves, Rivers said, "We like the groundbreaking, but we are looking forward to the ribbon-cutting."
The project on the site where Romond's Garage formerly stood will bring 20 apartments, retail space and an outdoor dining and entertainment venue to Gavett Place and East Second Street, across from the main train station.
Rivers and others hailed the new construction as proof that the city is on the move with development.
"Plainfield can and will be a successful model," Rivers said.
Development in the city is "based on an economic plan that is feasible for all residents," she said.
The event was taped for later viewing on PCTV Channels 74 and 96. Other speakers included developer Frank Cretella, Mayor Adrian Mapp and Deputy City Administrator Carlos Sanchez.
Rivers said the governing body "will give strong consideration to every economic development project in the city of Plainfield."
While most approvals come through the various land use boards, the council is called on to show support when a developer is seeking certain forms of funding and also is involved when a project includes conveyance of city-owned land. A past example is The Monarch on East Front Street, where a senior center and veteran's center were constructed along with 63 condos on a city plot. At present, the council is involved in deciding on conveyance of two city-owned parcels to the Housing Authority for residential development.
--Bernice
The Ground Breaking Ceremony was an inspiration to those in attendance. It shows that Plainfield is moving in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteThe Administration and City Council working together with all entities, i.e. planning board, zoning board, developers, etc. is a positive approach.
When all the proposed projects are completed the residents of Plainfield can stand tall and be proud to call this place home.
Thanks to you Bernice and Azumi of PCTV for covering this spectacular event.
Dee Dameron
One can only hope and I mean that sincerely, but with a little less optimism that anything will be done to improve Plainfield. The apartments will end up as affordable housing, the retail space will end up as $ stores and hair salons and we will have done what we always do. No imagination and the status quo. I know, I know, I sound like such a pessimist, but I've been waiting for improvement for 25 years. And you know what happened? Nothing. I do sincerely hope.
ReplyDeleteThe developer and other speakers stressed that this will be market-rate rentals.
ReplyDeleteIf the council can stop bickering so developers can feel comfortable building here, we will have the Plainfield we should.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking good thoughts that it will happen.
I hope for the best in Plainfield, but doubt Rivers and her fellow nay-sayers on the City Council will work with the administration. We can only hope.
ReplyDeleteCouncil President Rivers advocates economic development. This comes as wonderful news.
ReplyDeleteBill Kruse
How about a ground breaking at Dunkin Donuts? This is another corporate presence in the west end - joins Verizon, PSE&G, Comcast, etc. Tax paying business entities and not a burden on our school system.
ReplyDelete