Saved from outsourcing, the Planning Division is now being called on to explain all development projects, the master plan and other aspects of its work.
As previously reported, a layoff plan affecting Planning Director William Nierstedt and three others was withdrawn Tuesday at the request of Mayor Adrian O.Mapp, to the relief of a large number of residents who did not want to see the Planning Division outsourced.
In remarks after City Administrator Rick Smiley read Mapp's statement, Councilwoman Gloria Taylor said she was going to request that the Planning Division provide reports on all development, the master plan and more.
"I am going to be looking for more information," she said. "Too many of us are in the dark."
Actually, the Planning Division recently posted maps on the city's website showing all development projects, their scope and stage of progress. The council approved new zoning around the main train station and the Netherwood station reflecting goals of transit-oriented development, such as increased residential density around the stations. Links to the maps are on the Planning Division section of the city website, along with historic district maps, information on the four land use boards served by the division and a full explanation of the division's work and mission.
Taylor said she had not been in favor of outsourcing the division and would have voted against it.
Mapp's statement said responses to a request for proposals."left more questions than answers" and he was making a recommendation to challenge the planning director to improve service.
Councilwoman Tracey Brown spoke to that point after Smiley read the statement, citing her experience in getting approval for handicapped access at the church where she is pastor. She said many people had been hurt by the Planning Board and some had even moved out of the city. (The Planning Board members are nominated by the mayor and approved by the council, but as director, Nierstedt advises the board on requirements for applications.)
Taylor, a retired school principal, said as an administrator she would advise that if there is a problem with customer service, Nierstedt should "talk with other people" regarding "racial issues they perceive."
"We will not forget that," Taylor said.
At a Planning Board meeting Thursday, Nierstedt mentioned the request for a "town hall on development," but said no date has been set.
The public may attend any Planning Board meetings, which are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month in City Hall Library. The meeting schedules of Planning and Zoning board as well as the Historic Preservation and Shade Tree Commissions are all posted on the Planning Division link above.
--Bernice
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"Customer service" is to "it's all about the children" as "ignore the regulations" is to "why can't I get a job in recreation?". Actually, the City Council should learn a thing or two about customer service, so that when you ask your representatives a question in an email or through voicemail like "why is the mayor suing the City Council?" you get a response.
ReplyDelete"Too many of us are in the dark." Truer words have never been spoken.
ReplyDelete"Racial issue they perceive". Unfortunately, perception is reality. If you perceive a racial issue, there is one to you. But the question needs to be asked, is it a racial issue or an excuse?
ReplyDeleteThe only people "in the dark" are there to try to make the administration look bad and don't look on the web, city website and don't know how to use Google. Taylor is a joke and isn't clueless, she's playing a game and many people in the third ward want to know when she's up for re-election. I'm in the Second Ward, but have had emails and in-person questions about this. It appears some people in the Third Ward don't feel that they are being well represented. Is Taylor clueless or just playing a game. Look these things up yourself and you'll wonder why she is the game mistress. Let's stop playing the "race" issue. It's a game that most of us are tired of.
ReplyDeleteBob, I sometimes agree with your comments but this time I have to agree and disagree, I agree that Gloria Taylor is the biggest joke I have run across in a long time, she is definitely clueless and arrogant. I am one of those 3rd ward folks that never voted for her but will vote one thousand times if I could for her to be booted off. I do not agree on the race card, I think it is appropriate in this case, I have had and seen first hand Bill's nastiness and indifference to people of color. I never agreed that the Planning Division should be outsourced but I will be one hundred percent in favor of Bill and Scott receiving some type of training on treating all Plainfield taxpayers fairly and with respect, after all we do pay their salary.
DeleteGive us more things to read and we won't read them either--just like with the packets of information given to all council members before council meetings. What nonsense!
ReplyDeleteIt is not unreasonable for Councilwoman Taylor to request an update on Planning activities. Is it possible that the City’s website does not contain the most updated information pertaining to planning activities? It is possible there are transactions that are being contemplated that are not on the website. It is also not very productive for us to engage in character assassination whenever someone with whom we had a previous disagreement introduces a new item for discussion. Is it possible that her request is reasonable and maybe it is a request that is not seeking to embarrass the administration?
ReplyDeleteOn the city staff, there is a rumor finger print ids are required to sign in and out of city hall.
ReplyDeleteThe city is now using a biometric system.
Deletehttp://ptalker2.blogspot.com/2014/10/mapp-biometrics-on-payroll-horizon.html