The New Jersey State Bicycle Championships
Race route starts and ends at City Hall
Police Captain Kevin O'Brien said the parking lot at police headquarters on Watchung Avenue and many other lots will be made available on Sunday, June 26 starting at 8 a.m. Train riders are advised to plan ahead, as they may have to walk to parking locations. Anywhere from 500 to 1,000 spectators may be visiting, O'Brien said.The complete list of parking locations and other information is posted on the city website.
In public comment, resident Cheryl Bullock was first up to raise numerous concerns about the event and its effect on residents. Although the City Council approved street and sidewalk encroachments on May 9, sidewalks will be open, O'Brien said. Bullock and others questioned why the Special Improvement District association was not notified earlier, as most events using city streets are approved months in advance. David Biagini of FirsTEAManagement held up a "Positively Plainfield" SID publication that was just mailed to every household, but did not include the bicycle race due to lack of advance notice.
Maritza Martinez, SID vice president and owner of a downtown business, said all merchants in her area were happy with the plans, and confusing information on fliers passed out to business owners had been straightened out.
Stacey Welsh, owner of LiVay Sweet Shop, thanked the council for approving the race, as it gives people an opportunity to get to know more about the city.
"It's time that we do things in Plainfield that bring other people in," she said.
Welsh said on Sundays she is competing with many outside attractions, so she told the council, "I'm here tonight to say thank you."
See Plaintalker's prior post on the bicycle championship here.
--Bernice
I just have to say that these concerned citizens who freak out over the slightest thing are really goofy. An event is coming to Plainfield, that should be something to celebrate and speak positively about. So there is an inconvenience for a period of time - get over it. Appearing before the council to vent over the planning process is just silly.
ReplyDeleteTo 9:52am - I totally agree. I am not sure if they are just chronic complainers who would grouse about paying taxes after winning 10 million dollars, or set in their ways, and see life as a burden.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that Plainfield is getting such positive exposure, and businesses will reap a revenue benefit.
We need more of these types of events here.
And to Ms. Bullock - just how does this affect you? Does this mean you won't be able to take a stroll through our beautiful town as you normally do on Sunday?