Another noticeable thing was the number of vacant stores with Paramount "for rent" signs. Several years ago I was freelancing for the Courier News after retiring, and covered Paramount's acquisition of about 45 storefronts. There was quite a turnover when Paramount raised rents, Some rents were tripled. A couple years later, Paramount filed successful tax appeals resulting in a $1.3 million reduction in property values. Tax appeals are legitimate, but lower the very important figure representing the total value of all property, which has been declining for many years.
I did notice what appeared to be more adherence to a local law against excessive signage in store windows. One new bakery had hardly any signage, letting the view of its scrumptious treats do the work of drawing in customers.
Yesterday after going to the PNC Bank, I kept walking around the block, stopping at Dollar General just for a look. I went up and down every aisle and found some things I really wanted to buy.
Circling back to Park Avenue, I visited a new store, Obscure Arts Co., and found some interesting items, including frankincense and myrhh incense and charcoal on which to burn it. A lovely fragrance!
The mild weather was so agreeable for walking that for the first time in weeks I got past the target of 10,000 steps, reaching more than 12,000 total at this hour. It was a great day for walkability and exploring the downtown before the days of ice and snow arrive.
--Bernice
Bernice, Do you have any idea why towns like Fanwood can be revitalized (it looks wonderful) and somehow Plainfield just cannot? I'm not pointing fingers, not accusing anyone, but so many towns come alive and we remain moribund....year after year. Do you have any inkling? Don't we deserve better? After 27 years here and piles of money thrown at taxes and restoring a house with love, I'm ready to just say "goodbye." The problem is the property values are so low for what we've invested. It is sad. I love my neighbors and my neighborhood and yet, I keep hoping for change...and have offered my assistance in any way I can, and nothing ever improves....that picture of the store says it all, "junk, just junk."
ReplyDeleteForget the junky store, your real right is making the schools better.
DeleteThat will only happen when children are taught to respect education and educators. In addition, the family has to be interested in encouraging their children, spending time with them and letting them know how important education is.
DeleteParamount does not seem good for Plainfield. They expect the same rents they can get in high end communities and I wonder if the city can do anything so Plainfield is not blighted by empty store fronts. I know of two businesses which moved to North Plainfield and Scotch Plains because of Paramount. I don't think they should be getting tax breaks if they are doing this to Plainfield, since it appears to be pure greed that motivates them.
ReplyDeleteBob, tax appeals are legal. Maybe Paramount had a vision for Plainfield that has not materialized. Maybe it will, some day.
DeleteIt is matter of curiosity as to whether maintaining modest rents and maintaining occupancy is is more advantageous than having empty stores as a consequence of escalating the rents?
ReplyDeleteCould it be that now that the tax decrease is obtained they will once again offer affordable rents?
The schools will not get better as long as no one is watching them and holding them accountable. In a district with almost 8,000 students and only 2-3 people attend the Board of Education meetings, nothing will change. I filed a complaint with the state in June as well as one last week. People think if they have no children in the schools they don't need to be involved. Remember, it's you tax dollars and who (that have children) will move into a city with a failing school system?
ReplyDeleteTerri Slaughter-Cabbell
Hello Ms.Bernice,This is Rev.Tracey.Not sure if you print this info., but for the last five years our church Ruth Fellowship Ministries in partnership with St.John's Baptist of Scotch Plains.Serve dinner and give out presents to those in need. Our vans will pick our guest up from the YMCA, and Park Hotel. It will be held at 601 west 7th street, Plfd, Christmas Day, from 12noon until 3:00PM. All ages and gifts for men, women, and children.Volunteers are welcome, and gifts for those in need are welcomed.
ReplyDelete