Town Meeting Features Awards, Staff Updates

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp honored four city residents, one from each ward, at his Town Hall meeting Thursday that also featured presentations by key figures in his administration.

The First Ward honoree was former City Clerk Laddie Wyatt, who retired in 2010 after 23 years' service.

Second Ward resident Dorothy Henry was honored for her 30 years of service in the Plainfield schools.

Dottie Gutenkauf, a union organizer and Plainfield activist for many causes, received the Third Ward honors.

Former Councilman Elliott Simmons, a local business owner and coach, received the Fourth Ward plaque.

A large crowd turned out for the meeting at the Senior Center. Speakers included Public Safety Director Carl Riley, Public Works Director Eric Watson and Public Works Superintendent John Louise, Recreation Superintendent Veronica Taylor, Inspections Division Director Phil Izzo, Planning Director William Nierstedt, Finance Director Ron West and Deputy City Administrator for Economic Development Carlos Sanchez.

Over nearly two hours, the mayor and his staff detailed accomplishments of his administration and future plans.

Riley said the long-awaited closed circuit cameras will be ready in June. Thirty will be installed on poles with permission from Verizon and PSE&G. Much of the information had already been given at budget hearings. Louise said brine was used successfully to keep streets free of ice through the winter's many storms and also could be applied in advance of storms, sparing the city overtime costs.

Taylor came to the microphone blowing a whistle and gave a lively review of summer plans, starting with one pool opening on Memorial Day and two others due to open on June 27.

 The crowd erupted in delight at the sight of "Phin," "Fin,"the swimming mascot.

Nierstedt described the development process, including approvals by land use boards, and said a downtown parking deck is proposed.

West spoke about fiscal challenges, such as the city's dependence primarily on its housing stock for tax revenues in the absence of major industry or retailers. There are 200 abandoned and 700 foreclosed homes that need to be restored to the tax rolls. Bright spots are the recent Moody's rating upgrade for the city and savings of $600,000 through refinancing of city debt.

Sanchez told how he is "selling Plainfield" to potential investors and traced increased interest from a current $5.2 million in completed projects to $9 million more under construction and $17 million in the approval stage. He said one thing developers want from Plainfield is a speedier approval process and he is working with all other city departments to make it happen.

Among questions from the audience, one resident asked when flood maps will be updated, another expressed concern about the effect of increased development on the city's aged sewer system and a resident asked what could be done about heavy truck traffic on Randolph Road.

Senior Center star singer Gloria Spence took the microphone to render a rousing gospel song that set the mayor to dancing.

In all, the evening was both informative and enjoyable, judging by the frequent applause. It was recorded, so check local cable channels 96 and 34 for viewing at home.

--Bernice