Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Post Taken Down

I had a post based on the premise that Norman E. Ortega and John Campbell were running as a slate, but a commenter said they are not, so never mind.

--Bernice
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22 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 28, 2015 at 12:00 PM

    What happen to your post titled '50,000 Shoppers and No Options?'

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  2. BerniceOctober 28, 2015 at 12:57 PM

    As I stated above, it was based on the premise that Ortega and Campbell are a slate and apparently they are not, so never mind. Do you have information to the contrary?

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  3. AnonymousOctober 28, 2015 at 1:07 PM

    One thing they have in common, along with the Campbell school board slate, is their 29 and 11-day pre-election filings have yet to show up on the NJ Elec website.

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  4. AnonymousOctober 28, 2015 at 2:20 PM

    Ortega referred to Campbell as his "running mate" a couple of times.

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  5. AnonymousOctober 28, 2015 at 5:29 PM

    Bernice, I thought your post titled ‘ 50,000 shoppers’ was about retailers in Plainfield, I didn’t think it was about Ortega and Campbell being a slate, and personally I don’t believe they are. However, at the LWV debate Ortega did say that Campbell was his running mate and since Campbell didn’t deny it, I can see why one would get that impression. Without doing any statistical research, I would speculate that 95% of the stores in Plainfield are owned, operated and cater to people of Latino descent. When you compare that with the number of Latinos living in Plainfield, I would bet that shop owners are not hurting for business, and there are plenty of options for this demographic to chose from when shopping. As for the rest of us, I agree shopping in Plainfield leaves a lot to be desire. With that being said, we need to focus on turning that around. I think we can all agree that businesses come and open up shop to cater to the demographics. On the other hand, how do you get the type of demographics here that would entice a mainstream retailer to invest in Plainfield when we have very little to offer? The South Ave project would have been a start. It’s the perfect location, even if the tenants shopped in Fanwood, Westfield etc. Hopefully an investor would see the demographics changing in Plainfield and decide to bring a mainstream retail business here. Unfortunately, we can’t dictate what retailers chose to do business here but hopefully we can come up with some sound plans and development projects that will entice some mainstream retailers to Plainfield. Could it be that until we have the demographics with spending power, what we have now may be all we’re going to get?

    Robin B

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    1. AnonymousOctober 28, 2015 at 6:49 PM

      "From your mouth to Gods ears", and to the idiots on the council!!

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    2. UnknownOctober 28, 2015 at 11:54 PM

      Robin, good for you, love the post!

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    3. UnknownOctober 28, 2015 at 11:55 PM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

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    4. Jim SpearOctober 29, 2015 at 9:05 AM

      You're right on Robin. The South Avenue project would have been a great start. We needed something big to happen along South Avenue to spur retail and further development. Another problem we face as it relates to attracting development (besides our politics) is crime - and the perception of crime. Team Mapp gets this!

      CRIME: the administration has been touting a 19% percent reduction. But recently I saw a figure based on State Police statistics showing a 33% reduction in the first three quarters of this year compared to last year. That’s huge. Even taking into account that the Police report the Police figures, (that’s for the pundits). And now after waiting for 8 years during the previous administration, the highly anticipated installation of cameras in the downtown and at the Netherwood train station is becoming a reality under Team Mapp.

      PERCEPTION OF CRIME: we need to get the word out that crime is down in Plainfield. Last year as part of his budget the Mayor called for reinstating the Public Relations position. We need someone full time advocating and promoting Plainfield. Hell, we need a huge marketing campaign to do this. Such a position would pay for itself just with a boost in home values that would help stop the onslaught of tax appeals. The Jerry Green backed Council voted it out of the budget sighting cost savings – don’t be fooled they don’t care about saving you money - this was all about making sure Team Mapp doesn’t look good. And Plainfield suffers again.

      We cannot elect anymore anti-Mapp city council members. Because Plainfield suffers.

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  6. AnonymousOctober 29, 2015 at 8:27 AM

    Be careful what you wish for. Remember Muhlenberg.

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    1. AnonymousOctober 29, 2015 at 9:02 AM

      Please know, Muhlenberg was front and center on my mind when I wrote my post (believe that!). However, South Ave and the Muhlenberg tract are totally different cases, we all know that. A 600, 400, 200 or even a 100 unit apartment rental in that neighborhood which is low density residential is absolutely not suitable or ideal, there is just no reason or need for it. We undeniable need a full service medical center on the Muhlenberg tract. I said it before and I will continue to say it, all new development in Plainfield cannot and should not be apartments. I do agree that the South Ave development does make sense. It’s the perfect location and has the potential to bring in a new (only if built and marketed correctly) demographics. Let’s be clear, I still say NO to apartments on the Muhlenberg site and will continue to SAY NO.

      Robin B

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  7. AnonymousOctober 29, 2015 at 9:47 AM

    I have a problem with some of the commentary that suggests we need to bring "other" demographics to attract mainstream retailers. What it boils down to is "the residents currently here aren't good enough, they need to be replaced". The Latinos are the ones fixing up the properties around town. They are the ones investing in the residential properties and our current store fronts not the "other" demographics. If they decide to invest their money in fixing up properties and shop at discount stores to help offset their expenses that's their decision (and in my opinion have a net positive effect for Plainfield as our residential areas are looking better). The lack of appreciation for the Latino community and other Plainfield residents who currently live here is sad. Instead of trying to attract outsiders simply for their money, our city officials should be working with the residents already here and celebrating residents who are making the city better. For me, I will not vote for any official whose rhetoric implies that they look down on Plainfield residents who don't' make sufficient money in their eyes and would prioritize "other" demographics simply because they are in a higher tax bracket.

    Richard Stewart

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    1. AnonymousOctober 29, 2015 at 10:29 AM

      Such is life.

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    2. Alan GoldsteinOctober 29, 2015 at 11:20 AM

      There is a significant portion of residents that want more retail alternatives and the availability of higher-end choices. I don't see anything wrong with that, nor would I conflate it with a lack of appreciation for the Latino community. All of us have a vested interest in improving opportunities for Plainfield at-large. Raising income levels is a good thing, while higher per-capita income is what will attract some of these stores and businesses. Right now I don't see new development displacing anyone. Gentrification seems miles away. If anything, I sense a concerted effort to fight the demographic change Plainfield has undergone in recent decades. A perfect example is a school board that opted for a husband and wife team rather than empowering a sole representative from the demographic that makes up the majority of the student population. There are pockets of our local political establishment that are desperate to maintain authority. They may pay positive lip-service to changes in the population, but putting their money where their mouths are, or raising income levels through business growth or influx, is just not in their political interest.

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    3. AnonymousOctober 29, 2015 at 11:36 AM

      Why is it that whenever it is suggested that Plainfield grow, progress, and move beyond where it is today the assumption is that there is a demographic that is trying to be replaced.

      If that demographic includes people not caring for their property, people committing crime in this city, and people not caring about their community, then yes, I say those residents are not good enough, and not wanted in Plainfield.

      But to assume that because people what a different type of grocery store, or different choices in where they shop means replacing a demographic is not only harsh, but unjustified.

      There is no argument that the Latinos are an asset to this city. What is being stated is that people in Plainfield want choices; not "instead of", but "in addition to".

      I know of no politician who looks down on anyone in Plainfield because they are in a higher tax bracket, but I can site several instances where people in a lower tax bracket look down on those making more money than they.

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    4. OscarOctober 29, 2015 at 12:34 PM

      Attracting a particular demographic does not mean disposing of the current one. That's a very limited scope of thinking and the type of attitude that will keep things just where they are; and from the rumblings of residents from all over this city, it seems that people have been tired of the status quo for a very long time. They want jobs, good schools, affordable housing, increased variety of retail stores, safer neighborhoods, cleaner streets, occupancy of abandoned homes and on and on.

      I think the intent is to build on the already existing foundation of great people who live here and make it better, rather than the doom and gloom of 'out with the old and in with the new' some would like for you to believe is the case.

      In order to keep the ball moving in the right direction, change is required and so is money, the type of money that comes along with residents who have the type of disposable income who will rent apartments with a slew of amenities, close to a train station, who do not rely on jobs within walking distance of their home, who will attract the type of retailers and developers who have the money power to build and create jobs, whether permanent or temporary. Money makes money. That's a fact and that's what needed in order to get Plainfield back on track.

      There needs to be a stop to the Us vs. Them mentality which has overtaken so many of the folks in this city, instilled with the fear that if they welcome “others” into their community they will be displaced. Newcomers move into their homes with enthusiasm – enthusiasm to fix their homes, clean their properties, bond with their neighbors, belong to a community, participate in local organizations, open up businesses -- all of this is great news, with the undeniable potential to positively impact quality of life for all; it directly affects home values, changes perception and attitudes (from within and for those looking in) and most importantly, it builds a stronger and more viable community for everyone, not just a few.

      Let's work together.

      Let’s think positively.

      Let’s move forward.

      Let’s stop perpetuating negative and divisive attitudes.

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  8. AnonymousOctober 29, 2015 at 1:59 PM

    To Anon: Lets do a survey and see what the majority wants first then. Minority opinions should not be thrust upon the majority. The majority of current residences have already spoken with their wallets. If you are not happy with that, its not everyone else's responsibility to change the demographics of the city to make you feel better.

    Speaking of majorities, the majority of the people who spoke out about the Pilot were against it.

    Plainfield is only so big, this idea that stores you patronize has to be within city limits is getting old. There will be pockets of citizens who can not get the stores they want. I have to drive to Watchung for my Home Depot runs. It would be nice for HD to be in Plainfield but it is what it is.

    Alan: Thanks for the comments. The conflation occurs with the proposed Pilot program which was touted as attracting "walking wallets" "professional millennials" and "non-traditional families". All terms I have a problem with because they are exclusive instead of inclusive. If an apartment building is built it should want anyone who can pay the rent. We all know what a slippery slope preferential treatment can be when it comes to housing. Why did the developer target a certain demographic and why should the city residents have to support that?

    Officials were bending over backwards for the development at the expense of current residents.

    All: If you want a diversity of business in Plainfield I am all for it. But when it trickles down to the sole idea that the only way to accomplish that is providing incentives to attract other types of people then you loose me.

    Economics is all about supply and demand. If there is no current demand for a Starbucks or an A&P (which partially close due to the lack of business), why keep pretending there is one? And why make so many sacrifices to artificially create one?

    All of the 50K residents spend money, lets see what most spend their money on. Then bring those businesses into Plfd.

    I am not against an influx of any type of demographic but I would want it to happen organically. The Pilot was overreaching IMO.

    Richard

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  9. AnonymousOctober 29, 2015 at 2:40 PM

    All this talk about "new demographics" changing Plainfield is unrealistic. They will shop where most other people shop who live in Plainfield- at the malls. It was not the riots that changed Plainfield as much as the hard times that roiled the economy from 1970 to 1982, manufacturing relocation, and the emergence of malls outside Plainfield. Economic growth has been regionalized and located along highways and no highway goes through Plainfield.

    Think how much retail business was taken away from Plainfield by Blue Star first and then Watchung Mall alone. With it and the relocation of manufacturing went the small ancillary businesses. What could be viable, restaurants for instance, are not even supported by officials. Every event seems to be out of town at L'Affaire 22 or The Spanish Tavern. Much can be said for Plainfield being a good residential community like Maplewood or Montclair, but its days as a dynamic "hub" city are gone until businesses return.
    Richard Loosli

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    1. AnonymousOctober 29, 2015 at 3:50 PM

      I agree with your points, I do think Plainfield could shine as a residential community located around shopping hubs like Watchung Mall, Route 22 and South Ave commerce. A reinvestment and focus on the beautiful homes we have another town would make that possible.

      Richard S.

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    2. AnonymousOctober 29, 2015 at 7:10 PM

      Sure! But then the tax burden will continue to fall solely on the residents and we will continue to see our taxes rise percentages larger than surrounding communities. Thank god that the state pays 80 percent of our school budget. That equates to $143 million. Divide that by the number of homes in town and see how many people are displaced.

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    3. AnonymousOctober 29, 2015 at 9:20 PM

      Ask yourself why the school budget is more than the city budget and still a subpar education

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  10. AnonymousOctober 30, 2015 at 3:06 AM

    Bernice,
    You get more mileage out of NOT posting!

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