Plaintalker II

Musings on Plainfield Politics

2012-01-30T03:34:00.000-05:00

While I have been somewhat hors de combat due to illness this past week, I was intrigued by the push for the City Council to move school board elections to November. Both Dan Damon and Jerry Green want it to happen, Dan saying the governing body could beat the board to the punch and Green claiming on Thursday that the board "is not moving on this issue."

Reviewing the sequence of events, it appears that first all concerned had to get guidelines from the state. Dan says he got "notice" of the guidelines Wednesday afternoon; the guidelines appeared Thursday on the DOE web site, the same day when by 12:19 p.m., Green determined the board was "not moving" on the issue. Green said "therefore" he had spoken to some council members because they "have the ability to move on the issue."

The council has an agenda-fixing session Feb. 6 and a regular meeting Feb. 13. Dan carps about the school board scheduling a special meeting Jan. 24 after he raised the question of changing the election date, but then they took no action. Well, did they have the guidelines at that time? The board calendar calls for a special meeting on Feb. 1, a Policy/Work & Study meeting on Feb. 7 and a business meeting on Feb. 21. The Feb. 1 agenda is not posted as of this time (2 a.m. Jan. 30), so for all we know the board may yet beat the council to the punch.

Why all this rigamarole anyway about one public entity beating another to the punch in taking action on a matter of (one hopes) general community interest? Could there be a political angle to all this? Think back to 2008. Annie McWilliams and Adrian Mapp, with the support of "kingmaker" John Campbell, beat Green's Democratic Party line candidates in the June primary, thus winning the Democratic line on the November ballot. But up until late last year, Mapp staunchly retained his "New Democrat" identity. The sight of Regular Democrats and New Democrats (including Dan) together on Election Night 2011 startled more than a few observers and gave rise to speculation that Mapp would receive the party line in a 2012 re-election bid.

The April 2 filing date for the June primary is still months away, but chatter about possible candidates is rife. Feb. 27 would have been the filing date for the school board, but with moving the election apparently now inevitable, the primary could be the first opportunity for the public to assess political shifts that may affect future contests.

Beyond all that, some of the nuances of the school board election change still need to be spelled out regarding Plainfield. For example, the state in its attempt to re-balance the 80-20 funding ratio for Plainfield has mandated increased local tax levies. That was why, in 2010, the City Council took no action on the $21.8 million local school tax levy, because it was mandated by the state. In contrast to suburban districts where most of the school costs are borne by local property owners, the great majority of Plainfield's funding came from the state. Year by year, the levy was to be increased until the proportion of local to state funding was to reach about one-third, as I recall.

Currently the budget is set in April for the following school year. Under the new guidelines, the budget must be under a 2 percent cap or voters will decide by referendum on an amount over-riding the cap and possibly on a capital spending proposal. Being too literal-minded for my own good, I can't envision how this change will work for the district and its charter schools after the school year has begun. I guess it will take a year or so to see how it plays out in real life.

But of course the technicalities of this change are not as much fun to think about as the possible political power plays that may emerge. Kingmaker John Campbell's SLAM team, including his wife, swept the last two elections. Four seats will be up this year. Jerry Green, profiled as "King of the Queen City" four years ago, claims to stay away from the Board of Education, but as chairman of the Regular Democratic Organization, he must meet any municipal challenges from the Campbell camp head-on. In 2008, he complained that Campbell was "dividing the black vote here in Plainfield." Will the kingmaker take on the king again in some fashion this year? We'll see on April 2.

--Bernice

PMUA, PARSA Reorgs Looming

2012-01-29T02:46:00.002-05:00

Three separate authorities are involved in dealing with Plainfield's sewage: Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority, Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority and the Middlesex County Utilities Authority. As the annual reorganization date for authorities looms, questions may resurface regarding who represents the city on PARSA.

For many years, Assistant Executive Director David Ervin of PMUA has held the post. Each of the eight municipalities served by the regional authority have representatives to PARSA, but even before Ervin retired from PMUA and a controversy arose over settlements sought by Ervin and former PMUA Executive Director Eric Watson, there were questions about whether he should serve on PARSA.

It came out last fall that Ervin actually had an unexpired term on PARSA which he intended to fulfill, regardless of the city's wishes. Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson told the City Council that it was up to Ervin to resign.

Click here to read a Plaintalker post on the issue.

PARSA's annual reorganization takes place on Feb. 2 and PMUA's reorganization is coming up soon as well. Plaintalker recently gave an overview of the PMUA board of commissioners in regard to the naming of a chairman for 2012. The split vote on the settlement appears to portend more clashes over important decisions the board must soon make and possibly supports Ervin's refusal to step down from PARSA.

New PMUA Commissioner Malcolm Dunn, while a member of the City Council, frequently invoked the Frederick Douglass saying, "Power concedes nothing without a demand." Who will emerge with the power in February and what demands may be made?

--Bernice

Ghostly No More

2012-01-27T18:10:00.000-05:00

Way at the top of this building is an old Courier News sign, faded to the point where it is considered a "ghost sign."

Ghostly no more, it has been painted over. The logo with a hyphen predates the current one, that has no hyphen. A story, perhaps apocryphal, is that the name wouldn't fit on a sign at a local ballpark, so the hyphen was dropped.

The building housed Thomas Furniture for many years. Today the marquee was being removed.

Perhaps the most fascinating sight of all was this marquee, which reads "Frost Building A.D. 1909" and places the building in the heyday of downtown commerce.

If anything should be preserved, surely this hidden but very historic element deserves it. Preservation of the ghost sign was part of the plan for the building, but who knew about this marquee?

I was downtown on an errand to the bank despite being sick with a bad cold and so could not zip over to the Plainfield Room in the Plainfield Public Library to look up this building in a city directory from the era.

Oh well. I will pass on my photos at some point and will also try to learn what I can about the Frost Building.

--Bernice

Warm Now, Roasting Later?

2012-01-27T03:03:00.000-05:00

Mau's cooling center, July 2011

Today (Friday, Jan.27) the temperature may rise to 61 degrees.

In the old days, we might call it the "January thaw," but there hasn't been much to thaw in 2012.

In the third week of April, I recall a break in the weather where my family would plan a trip to Bowman's Hill to see the wildflowers. But the temperature was in the 70s, not the 90s.

New Jersey State Climatologist Dave Robinson was busy last year documenting record highs in the Spring and the Summer. Click here to read his July 2011 report.

In light of the tendency toward warmer winters and hotter summers, I would like to propose that energy companies rethink their assistance to seniors and disabled people and provide a discount for cooling in summer. It could be a floating benefit, usable for heat or air conditioning, but I bet seniors would rather put on extra sweaters or a down vest in winter rather than suffer excessive heat in summer.

Local senior housing has air conditioners, but the cost must be borne by the tenant, I'm told. Seniors end up trying to tough out a heat wave without running up the electric bill, but 100-degree heat has many punishing effects on the body, especially for those who are old and frail.

As much as I love getting around so easily now on foot and on public transportation, I am very aware of how this trend is going to play out in July. I actually did have to contrive a "cooling center" for the cat last July. My personal weapon of choice against the heat was a spray bottle for frequent spritzing.

We certainly have had extreme winter weather in recent years, but the ratio of record lows to record highs is shifting.I am suggesting that public health advocates and energy suppliers take a look at how to cope with those 90- to 105-degree days that are becoming more common.

--Bernice

Commentary on North Avenue

2012-01-26T01:12:00.000-05:00

I have been sidelined by a nasty cold and so have not been down to North Avenue since Tuesday afternoon. If Dan is to be believed, late that afternoon a citizen took action to board up the building and get the street opened up. So ends a chapter of the story about this building, a tale that began with a disastrous fire on Dec. 17 and now seems headed for a possibly happy ending as part of a long-awaited push for development on North Avenue.

From the Park Avenue side, this building appears very substantial and, if plans to keep the facade are true, perhaps new construction can take place behind it.

It might be tricky, however, as direct access to the rear of the building appears to be blocked by other structures.

The back of the building was a big mess on Jan. 24.

Over the years, Plaintalker has taken an interest in the state's landlord-tenant law. One aspect of the law, as described in the "Truth in Renting" booklet that every tenant is supposed to receive from the landlord, is that the identity of the landlord and emergency contact numbers are required to be posted in rental property and to be kept on file with the city. Apparently this was not the case here, because the landlord's address was listed as the same as the North Avenue building when according to merchants and former tenants, he lives in California.

Technically, the issue of the landlord's true identity and other requirements of the state law only kicks in every five years, when multi-family inspections take place. Click here to see the law. However, Plaintalker can attest to the fact that it may not happen even then.

One way to remind landlords of this obligation might be for Inspections to check on it at the time of other visits to the premises, whether for certificates of compliance, area inspections or specific complaints. A form with all the required information is supposed to be posted in the building and filed with the City Clerk.

The North Avenue saga seems destined for more twists and turns as Landmark acquires various buildings on the block and those who don't want to sell exercise whatever rights they have. Stay tuned.

Progress at last on North Avenue development could give the mayor something to brag about, just as The Monarch did in her second election bid. The North Avenue Historic District is referenced on the Landmark web site. (Click on Development.) Maybe 2012 will be the year for action.

--Bernice

Happy Chinese New Year

2012-01-24T08:25:00.004-05:00

Happy Year of the Dragon
to all our friends and neighbors who are celebrating the occasion.

Click here for some nice images.

--Bernice

Take a New Look at Development

2012-01-23T00:50:00.000-05:00

A frequent commenter had harsh words over the weekend for the Park-Madison complex and blamed his issues on the current mayor. The fact is, the project was largely completed during the McWilliams administration. However, some problems described in this 2006 Plaintalker post remain unresolved, notably the disposition of the street clock.

Plaintalker began reporting on development and other city topics in June 2005 and the archive is still online. Readers may search by keywords such as Landmark, Cretella, Capodagli, Marino's, UCIA, Netherwood, etc. or just browse by year and month to see what was happening in the recent past. Plaintalker II began in May 2010, but there has been little to report on development projects except for the seven Cretella proposals.

The City Council has agreed to hire an economic growth consultant and to form an economic growth committee. Perhaps 2012 will hold some promise for movement on development, if only to focus on the possibilities in this changed and changing economic climate. Councilman Cory Storch began his third four-year term this month and is chairman of the governing body's Economic & Community Development Committee. We look forward to his reports as residents and business owners join in the "Plainfield 2021" planning process.

--Bernice

A "Ghost" Tale

2012-01-22T08:24:00.000-05:00

A Dec. 17 fire brought attention to this building on North Avenue and to this old "ghost sign" dating back to the early 20th century.

As of Thursday, half the building had been demolished in a new twist in the saga - first the building had been declared in danger of collapse, then officials said the owner planned to save it, then the city issued a demolition permit.

Inclement weather has prevented me from venturing downtown for an update on the building. I hope to offer one soon.

Meanwhile, nearby on Park Avenue the former Courier News building received an upgrade in windows on its facade, which includes a ghost sign at the top. I'm told the plans for the building call for preservation of the ghost sign. Here's a picture from Jan. 14.

After the Courier News, Thomas Furniture and later Atkol occupied the building. The large Thomas Furniture sign that once hung from the facade had to be removed after it started to come loose.

The many-paned glass panels were taken out as part of the rehabilitation of the building for residential use on the upper floors.

The change is complete in this photo. Plaintalker is hoping that the ground-level facade will soon get cleaned up, as it is very unsightly.

Over on Watchung Avenue, there is a building with an interesting painted sign dating back to the 1970s. Even though I remember some of those days as if they were yesterday, the decades are marching on and soon it will be a half-century since those heady days.

Click on the image above to enlarge it. The Equity Press dates back to 1902, according to the sign, which proclaims "over 75 years" of business. Interstate Printing boasts a founding date of 1926.

This building across from police headquarters has an odd shape that must have been related to its beginnings as a print shop. The message harks back to the days when Plainfield had a solid industrial base, while now its main ratable base is housing stock. These signs are valuable to historians and should be preserved, if only in photos. If you know of any in your own neighborhood, consider documenting them for posterity.

--Bernice

Vandals Target Plane Tree

2012-01-20T03:15:00.002-05:00

Last summer, I was rather appalled to see this damage on a tree by Kennedy Fried Chicken. It was gouged by a saw or machete.

The vandal had the nerve to autograph his work!

So Thursday I was going by and saw these big holes in the same tree. Why anybody would do this is beyond me. I couldn't tell what caused the holes. A drive-by? Target practice? This block has been the scene of a lot of violence, even homicides. Looks like even a tree isn't safe from harm on that block.

--Bernice

Times Are Changing on North Avenue

2012-01-20T02:21:00.000-05:00

Checking on North Avenue Thursday, I could see a lot of daylight through the back of the fire-damaged building. Turns out it was being demolished from the rear.

The site is still blocked off and has a police guard, the same situation as a month ago after the Dec. 17 fire.

At first, I couldn't figure out what was going on, but then I saw this machinery moving behind the facades.

Looking down the alley off East Second Street, I could see a Dumpster being filled up with debris.

The extent of the demolition at that point could be measured by the fact that only the "Bull" part of the Bull Durham ghost sign remained.

By chance, I met the owner of the boarded-up building on the train track side of the block, who told me he has sold his building to Landmark. Then I encountered the owner of the bar on the block, who said an adjacent building had also been sold, but that he was holding out against selling his building and his liquor license. Meanwhile, small businesses next to the fire-damaged building have been shuttered for a month and some people on the block think the goal is to shut them down permanently.

These new developments point to more change coming in the North Avenue Historic District. Could more demolition be in the offing? The original plan in 2006 was for developer Frank Cretella to acquire historic buildings and restore their facades, then build high-rise structures behind them. But meeting resistance from owners, Cretella refocused on the PNC Bank, where he has three projects including one with 148 residential units proposed.

If the dam of opposition has indeed broken among owners on the North Avenue blocks, things could change rapidly. Let's hope the Historic Preservation Commission and the public at large will be given the favor of an update soon.

--Bernice

Who Will Be PMUA Chairman?

2012-01-18T15:04:00.002-05:00

In about two weeks, the board of commissioners of the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority will hold its annual reorganization. The current chairman, Commissioner Harold Mitchell is a holdover whose term expired in February 2011. The terms of Commissioners Carol Brokaw and Alex Toliver expire on Feb. 1, but under authority law they can remain as holdovers. Commissioner Malcolm Dunn was named to a vacant term in November and only began attending meetings in December. Cecil Sanders was erroneously given a five-year term in November when he succeeded an alternate - his term that began in November technically is up Feb. 1. Perhaps that is why the mayor wanted to offer his name again this month, to give him a proper new term from Feb. 1, 2012 to Feb. 1, 2014. According to city records, Rev. Tracey Brown has a term to Feb. 1, 2015 and her former term as alternate is vacant.

So how did the very significant vote on the Watson-Ervin settlement break down?

Dunn, Toliver and Sanders voted "yes," while Mitchell and Brokaw voted "no." Brown was absent. As an alternate, Sanders only got to vote because only four of five commissioners were present. If present for the vote on the chairman, given the alliances over the Watson-Ervin vote, Brown holds the deciding vote.

Political pundits will point out that Brown is the mayor's pastor and good friend and that the mayor plans to run for a third term. This could color the vote, depending on who is supporting the mayor. Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Green, the mayor's mentor during her first term, has stated he is not endorsing anyone at this time.

Dunn is coming to the board with lots of ideas and a track record of entrepreneurial fervor. There may even be a few more reasons why he would feel the mantle of power belongs to him. The City Council did nothing with the mayor's "intention" to name new people to the board, so for the immediate future the players will remain the same.

Meanwhile, Watson's successor as executive director, Duane Young, is attempting to get the PMUA off on a new footing of transparency and responsiveness to the ratepayers. At the same time, DumpPMUA founder Philip Charles is uncovering more settlements and questioning the authority's need for existence even more vigorously than when he began three years ago. Who wants to step into this whirling maelstrom of conflicting directions? More importantly, who has the votes? We'll soon see.

--Bernice

City Council Reprimands Mayor

2012-01-18T02:07:00.000-05:00

The mayor in happier days.

Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs “willfully” broke statepurchasing laws and directed her staff “to violate the law” in paying $20,000to radio station WBLS, the City Council said in voting unanimously Tuesday to reprimand herand assess a $200 fine. Results of the council’s investigation will now beforwarded to state and county law enforcement officials and to the Departmentof Community Affairs.

At issue was funding for an Aug. 1, 2010 event featuring TheRev. Al Sharpton, for which radio station WBLS received $20,000 taken from anaccount marked “hardware and software maintenance.” Questions arose immediatelyafter the event, but a year passed without answers from the mayor, promptingthe council to invoke its subpoena powers under the city’s special charter. Theresulting investigation determined the mayor did not tell the truth about therevenue source nor did she prove an emergency warranted the payment, as she testified in thecouncil investigation (see post here).

The mayor used a $15,000 donation from Investors Saving Bankto offset the cost, even though it was earmarked for the annual July 4^thcelebration, and insisted the amount in question was therefore only $5,000. But testimony by former City Administrator Bibi Taylor painted a picture of franticscrambling for a $20,000 check on the Friday before the event, with the mayorpressuring Taylor and others to sidestep fiscal procedures.

Robinson-Briggs said nothing Tuesday night, but herattorney, Richard Angowski, objected to the resolution, which was read into therecord as the meeting was being taped for viewing on local cable channels.

Council Chairman Adrian Mapp said the investigation was “nota trial” and never was, and the mayor was not accused of criminal acts.

“The time for closure has arrived,” Mapp said, adding it was“time to pass the baton” to outside agencies. “As far as the governing body isconcerned, this brings closure to the investigation.”

But defenders of the mayor, including Councilman WilliamReid, quickly began rehashing her stance that an emergency existed due to gangviolence and that only $5,000 was at stake. Reid expressed a wish that themayor would not “try to take it further” and said regarding gangs, “Tell thoseboys not to cause a problem again.”

Resident Roland Muhammad questioned how much was spent onthe investigation and assailed Mapp, whose term as Third Ward representativeends this year.

“We’re going to vote a change this year,” Muhammad toldMapp, and said to the mayor, “You didn’t do anything wrong – we love you.”

Resident Xavier Jesus Delvi also defended the mayor,invoking the Bible verse about the stoning of a “prostitute caught in the actof adultery” which advises those without sin to cast the first stone.

Saying the investigation was a waste of money and time, hesaid of the mayor, “You got a hero right there, my sister.”

Robinson-Briggs is in the third year of her second four-yearterm and is said to be planning to run for a third term.

--Bernice

Park Avenue Trees Are Failing

2012-01-16T22:07:00.002-05:00

As pedestrians will, I often stop in my tracks and look around at interesting sights. Recently I saw a tree that was dotted with shelf-like fungi, some white and some brown or dark red. I was guessing that a tree hosting so much fungus was way past its prime, and so it was no surprise to see that the top split off.

But I had noticed several others in the same state and fretted over the thought that they might fall into the street. Loose bark (as above) is one clue to a dead or dying tree.

This tree is far from healthy.

This Park Avenue tree has a deep cavity, probably from insect infestation.

This tree is just plain dead and is falling apart. Now that we have new apartments being created on Park Avenue, maybe it is time to revive street scape plans that have been in abeyance for some time. The street is also the main north-south route through the city and needs to look a little nicer than it does right now.

A walk from Second Street to Seventh would quickly reveal the problem trees. Whenever they can be removed or replaced, the street will be safer as well as more aesthetically pleasing.

--Bernice

Philip Charles Comments on PMUA

2012-01-16T01:40:00.000-05:00

Plaintalker asked DumpPMUA founder Philip Charles to comment on the latest move by the PMUA board of commissioners, i.e., the agreement made Jan. 10. Here is his response:

In order for Plainfield residents to fully understand the audacity of the recent Resolution passed by 3 members of the PMUA board, it is important to understand what has happened regarding Mr. Watson & Mr. Ervin before their resignations were announced in March 2011. All contracts for both men historically were yearly contracts. In 2009 DumpPMUA.com was founded and began to expose the practices of the PMUA and the wasteful spending which revealed that some board members and some employees of the PMUA were using the ratepayers as their personal piggy banks. After referrals to other outside agencies, the PMUA executives and board began to feel the pressures of that public scrutiny when questions were being asked by people outside of our city.

At the end of October 2010, an OPRA request was made to the PMUA for the contracts of Mr. Watson & Mr. Ervin. The response to the OPRA request was that there were no contracts other than the 2009 contracts previously provided to us. Again, employment contracts through that period were yearly contracts. The PMUA would have the public believe that four year contracts were given to Mr. Watson & Mr. Ervin between November 2010 and March 2011.

Just five months later, a press conference is held to announce that Mr. Watson & Mr. Ervin will be separating from the PMUA. Despite the last day of employment being June 30, 2011 both remained on the payroll until October 2011 (Watson) and November 2011 (Ervin). The reason provided for this is that they were being paid for unused vacation and sick time. It is important to note that the language of the contract permitted each a set number of vacation and sick time "or any greater amount as approved by the board". In June 2011 the PMUA enters into an agreement to pay Mr. Watson $151,000 and Mr. Ervin $124,000 "for employee compensation claims under their contracts", but leaves room for both to seek more compensation in the future. On January 10, 2012 3 members of the PMUA board (including the two newly appointed commissioners) passed a resolution approving additional payments $450,000 to Mr. Watson and $275,000 to Mr. Ervin. The total cash compensation to them totals $1 million. That total does not include the costs of attorney's fees, arbitrator fees, payment of sick and vacation time or the millions of dollars wasted by the PMUA under their watch.

Our suspicions are that the contracts of Mr. Ervin and Mr. Watson were purposely written at the end of 2010 to give them a term longer than any other in anticipation of the separation. The PMUA board then rather than looking out for the residents and ratepayers looked out for their own and set them up with an initial settlement with room for more. There is no other explanation for entering into a settlement like the one entered into in June.

Ultimately, we will never get that money back or change the mentality of both Mr. Watson or Mr. Ervin that they deserve a handout. They cited their contributions to the PMUA as a reason they deserve this compensation. We cannot and never will be able to force people to have a moral compass, but we can seek outside assistance from the state to take a look at this issue. We encourage you to call, fax, and write to the Governor's Office, State Comptroller, attorney General, Union County Prosecutor, and any other agency you would like. We also encourage you to sign the petition that is being circulated.

The actions of the PMUA and the board are getting so egregious that the council and mayor cannot deny it much longer. The committee created by the council is looking closely and any hopes they may have had of reform are probably dashed now. Until we rid our city of the PMUA, they will continue to do what they want with our money.

We may not be the only community where a quasi governmental agency like the PMUA is abusing its powers, but we can be the first community to come together to stop it. We can also be the first community that impacts the way other agencies conduct business.

Philip Charles
DumpPMUA.com

We will have a special section on DumpPMUA.com which includes all of the public records that illustrate these egregious acts. Sample letters and addresses will also be provided.
www.dumppmua.com

------
Office of the Governor
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone: 609-292-6000
Fax: 609-292-3454

Lame Duck Rules Up for Vote Tuesday

2012-01-14T23:40:00.001-05:00

Among items up for votes at Tuesday's regular City Council meeting is an ordinance that would prevent "lame duck" municipal officials from spending public money on events, ceremonies, seminars and the like.

Municipal officials usually attend the annual League of Municipalities convention and some have taken part in the annual "Walk to Washington" train ride, the Black Issues Conference, National Forum for Black Administrators and other events. The council has a budget line from which members may be compensated for attending such events.

The new ordinance would disallow spending of public money on such events for any official who loses a general election or for any official who submits a notice in writing that he or she is not seeking re-election.The measure would have to pass on two readings and would take effect 20 days after final passage, barring a successful veto by the mayor, who is also currently eligible for compensation for attending such events.

For the general election in 2012, incumbents Annie McWilliams and Adrian Mapp would be affected. McWilliams is completing her four-year term in the citywide at-large seat and Mapp is doing the same in the Third Ward seat. The 2012 election schedule calls for candidates to declare their intention to run by April 2 for the June 5 primary. If either declares and wins the primary but fails to win the Nov. 6 general election, any public expense for events from then on would be disallowed, but individuals could attend events at their own expense.

If either declines to file for re-election in April and advises the city clerk in writing of intention not to seek re-election, the time period from then until Dec. 31 would be subject to the new rules.

Next year, the mayor and Fourth Ward Councilwoman Bridget Rivers are up for re-election, followed in 2014 by First Ward Councilman William Reid and Second and Third Wards at-large Councilwoman Rebecca Williams. In 2015, Second Ward Councilman Cory Storch and First and Fourth Wards at-large Councilwoman Vera Greaves would be affected.

--Bernice

Facade Work on Park Avenue

2012-01-14T22:32:00.002-05:00

This building, once the home of the Courier News and later Thomas Furniture and Atkol, is being transformed into apartments on the upper floors, with retail space on the ground floor. On Saturday, workers were removing the multi-paned windows.

As with all of developer Frank Cretella's projects, it has a unique name: Next Step to Collins Avenue LLC.

The building to the right has been renovated and is leasing four apartments over medical offices at ground level. This one is known as Certified Green Property One LLC.

Click on image to enlarge and see the ghost "Courier News" sign.
In all, Cretella has seven projects in various stages of development. There are two more on this block, which is anchored by the PNC Bank. The largest is called West Second Street Commons Urban Renewal LLC and includes 148 residential units on what is currently a large parking lot next to the Raritan Valley Line train tracks. The bank itself is up for redevelopment as a nightclub and retail space, where Cretella once hinted at Trader Joe's as a tenant. That project is called The Bank on Park LLC.

There has been no action recently at the former Mirons warehouse on East Second Street and Gavett Place, the former "luxury condos" Cretella has dubbed Gavett Place Properties LLC. Twelve apartments are to be part of that project.

Still to come are 20 more apartments on East Second Street in construction above the former Romonds Jeep site, now called Art Lofts I LLC. An office project, Front Street Offices Urban Renewal LLC, would occupy the former Appliance Arama warehouse, but work has yet to begin.

--Bernice

Waiting for Action on North Avenue

2012-01-13T16:15:00.000-05:00

On my walk home from the PMUA building, I stopped by North Avenue to see what was happening. In early afternoon, this big thing was sitting unattended in front of the building damaged in the Dec. 17 fire. The street was still blocked off.

Strong wind gusts were tossing around the barriers.

These businesses - two restaurants and a hair salon - have been closed since Dec. 17. One wonders what the owners will find when they get back inside. Our sympathies on the loss of business.

Once the fire-damaged building is boarded up and secured, the street may finally be reopened and the 24-hour police guard may cease. If owners can get to Tuesday's council meeting, expect some angry comments about this month-long wait for action.

--Bernice

Reprimand for Mayor?

2012-01-13T15:34:00.003-05:00

This item appears on the agenda for Tuesday's City Council meeting:

COUNCILMANIC RESOLUTION REPRIMANDING MAYOR SHARON M. ROBINSON-BRIGGS
AND REFERRING RESULTS OF THE WBLS EXPENDITURE INVESTIGATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE UNION COUNTY PROSECUTOR. (RESOLUTION FORTHCOMING)

The meeting is 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.

--Bernice

PMUA Settles With Watson, Ervin

2012-01-13T14:54:00.000-05:00

In a split vote, the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority's board of commissioners has agreed to settle with two former top executives for $725,000, down from the $1.2 million they initially sought in compensation claims.

The settlement was approved late Tuesday night. Plaintalker obtained a copy of the resolution, which is to be signed in “mid-January,” according to a notation on the OPRA receipt. Payment hinges on certification of available funds by the authority’s chief finance officer, James Perry, but Chairman Harold Mitchell said Friday he voted "no" because the amount could not be certified. A call to Perry was not immediately returned Friday afternoon.

Former Executive Director Eric Watson had already received severance amounts of $151,000 and Assistant Executive Director David Ervin had received $124,000 after resigning in March 2011.After months of arbitration over additional claims, lawyers for the pair made a settlement demand in November of an additional $750,000 for Watson and $300,000 for Ervin, along with legal fees of $80,200 and arbitration costs of $15,500.

In making the demand, attorneys for the pair cited the continuing costs of arbitration and the uncertainty of the outcome of arbitration hearings, as well as the pair’s “significant contributions” to development and growth of the authority.

At Tuesday’s meeting, the PMUA’s board of commissioners voted to settle for an additional $450,000 for Watson and $275,000 for Ervin. Commissioners Alex Toliver and Malcolm Dunn and alternate Cecil H. Sanders Jr. voted “yes,” while Mitchell and Commissioner Carol Brokaw voted “no.” Commissioner Tracey Brown was absent.

Between the initial payments and the settlement, Mitchell said, "It's almost a million dollars. Carol and I didn't agree on the amount."

The agreement calls for equal payments annually for four years, pending certification of the availability of funds by the chief finance officer.

Watson and Ervin, who along with the late Lou Jones were founding executives of the authority, resigned after 15 years of service. All three had been administrators in the city’s Department of Public Works. The new authority took over solid waste services that had previously been furnished by private haulers contracting with property owners. It also took charge of sewer services that had been provided by the city’s sewer utility.

The authority grew to be the fifth largest employer in the city, but came under fire from a ratepayers’ group after steep increases in 2009. The group uncovered and made public extensive tabs for travel and business lunches incurred by PMUA executives and actively encouraged property owners to “opt out” of the PMUA for trash pickup. The group maintains a web site, DumpPMUA, that continues to monitor authority costs.Besides its troubles with ratepayers, the authority has been at loggerheads with the City Council over its operations and the governing body last year formed a PMUA Task Force to examine the authority’s workings and make recommendations.

Meanwhile, new Executive Director Duane Young has promised more transparency and cooperation with the City Council and ratepayers, adding much more public information to the web site and more convenience to customers. At a rate hearing in December, the authority announced there would be no rate increase for solid waste rates in 2012 and a 2.6 reduction in sewer rates.

--Bernice

A Zone for the Weary

2012-01-12T17:37:00.000-05:00

Getting off the train Tuesday, I spotted this ribbon across a section of North Avenue.

I have seen plenty of yellow police tape, but never any like this. Having been rushing around all day, I thought it would be the very thing to festoon my bed when I crashed. Any overworked mother or harried homemaker might feel the same.

The odd thing was that this tape stretched across the street at the east end of the barricaded section, while the building thought to be on the verge of collapse on Dec. 17 was at the west end. The rest was marked off with standard yellow tape. In my many visits to the block since Dec. 17, I never noticed this tape before.

As it turned out, the building did not collapse and now the owner intends to reconstruct it. The street may finally be opened up in a few days. Hmm ... wonder if I can be there at the right time to get a piece of that tape?

Mau demonstrates a state of collapse caused by enduring a dark, rainy day.

--Bernice

Note to Readers

2012-01-12T16:20:00.002-05:00

If you are reading this blog on Internet Explorer and can't make comments, it is due to an innovation by Blogger that needs a little more work. Blogger is aware of the problem.

I use Google Chrome mainly and have had no problem. I don't know how other browsers are working during this change by Blogger.

If you want to comment and get a frozen screen on IE, try switching to another browser.

Thanks for your interest and support!

--Bernice

JG's School Board Law Criticized

2012-01-12T14:27:00.000-05:00

The Star-Ledger is reporting that 186 school board members must step down immediately for failure to submit to a background check as required under new legislation championed by Assemblyman Jerry Green. The newspaper also has taken an editorial stand against the ouster.

In Plainfield, board member Rasheed Abdul-Haqq has already been forced out by the legislation due to a long-ago drug offense and the board is seeking an appointee to serve until the April 17 school board election. However, there is some confusion over who must approve the appointment, the board or state officials.

The 186 board members are those remaining after numerous reminders to register for the required background check. All their boards will now be in the position of seeking an nterim appointee. Anyone wishing to run in the April 17 school board election must file by Feb. 27.

The measure has both fans and detractors. Locally, even though Abdul-Haqq has spent .most of his adult life as a community activist and education advocate, some see his resignation as the price to be paid for his past actions, while others call it harsh in his case.

All new school board members will be subject to the background check and may have to bear the cost, unless the school board decides to pay. Charter school trustees must also comply with the new law.

--Bernice

HAP Seeks Shared Services Program

2012-01-11T22:28:00.001-05:00

A proposal for a shared services partnership with the Housing Authority of Plainfield lacked details, City Council members said Monday as they asked Executive Director Randall Wood to return in February with exact parameters of the plan.

Councilman Cory Storch called the plan “very vague” and said he couldn’t tell what was being proposed. Councilman William Reid agreed that it was not clear what the city and HAP were each doing and questioned the $60,000 cost.

Wood introduced Eric Graham as coordinator of the program and said, “He is doing a phenomenal job doing outreach.”

Wood mentioned a coat drive and other assistance that was being given not just to HAP residents, but to any city resident.

“I would like to share my guy with the city of Plainfield,” Wood said, although he conceded that the information provided in the council packet was very vague

“Basically, it was a PowerPoint presentation,” Wood said.

Wood added that HAP had received 14 national awards for its work.

The council asked City Administrator Eric Berry for information and Berry called on Finance Director Al Restaino to explain.

“We recognize the current economic climate,” Restaino said, noting the program would have office space in City Hall Annex.

When Councilwoman Annie McWilliams asked how officials arrived at the $60,000 figure, Restaino said it represented “our share” and in-kind use of the office space.Wood further explained it would go toward Graham’s salary. When McWilliams asked how much the whole salary was, Wood said it was about $69,000 for the salary and benefits, but if it was done through shared services, there would be a new title and it would also include an assistant, he said.

Wood said he hd received 10 letters in support of the plan “from stakeholders” and there would be no duplication of services with city programs already in place.

Storch said the documentation did not explain the services, but Graham said they would include employability and senior needs, among other things.

“We want to take on the youth,” he said.

Reid said he wanted to see the shared services agreement “reduced to writing.”Councilwoman Rebecca Williams said she had the same questions and was “not sure what it was.” She questioned a component labeled “spirituality” and said the city’s Senior Center does senior services.

“We need something concrete,” she said.

Storch asked for examples of what the proposed program would do differently from existing services and suggested that Wood and Graham return in February with eligibility criteria and other details. McWilliams asked them to identify gaps in service that the program would fill.

Although shared services have been named as a priority for 2012, council members in the past two years have sought a reduction in city-based social services. A longtime substance abuse prevention program was successfully handed off to an agency with experience in operating such programs and the Bilingual Day Care Center was also scrutinized for change. The city also has a program that assists the needy and those experiencing emergencies. .

--Bernice

Problem Fixed on North Avenue

2012-01-11T21:04:00.002-05:00

The fence is secure, the holes are filled in - it's a happy ending (we hope) to a problem that Plaintalker began ranting about in October 2010 after the site of the March 2010 demolition on North Avenue showed signs of severe settling. See that blog post here.

As of November 2011, nothing had been done.

Plaintalker's concern was that the holes were a potential liability for the city. The site was open to traffic from the rear and was flush in front with the busy sidewalk across from the train station. A little kid or even an impaired adult could easily have slipped into one of those holes and ended up under the sidewalk in one of those deep vaults.

The new fill looks pretty solid and makes the site much more secure. It should still be monitored for settling after the winter weather.

Meanwhile, it's a good job and may save the city from a lawsuit by removing a hazardous condition.

--Bernice

PMUA Meets Tonight

2012-01-10T15:57:00.000-05:00

The Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority meets tonight at 6 p.m. at headquarters, 127Roosevelt Ave., for a rate hearing followed by the regular meeting for January.

A few days ago I got off the No. 59 bus at Richmond Street and walked over to Cottage Place to get a closer look at the shiny new trucks in the PMUA lot. I had been seeing them from the bus window and tried to get a photo without success. Although I had counted as many as five at times, on this day only two were in the lot.

The authority has taken different tacks for solid waste pickup since its inception, first contracting with an outside hauler, then (if memory serves) purchasing its own fleet and then leasing as a better option. Whether these shiny new trucks represent a purchase or lease, I can't say, but they look like state-of-the-art vehicles for solid waste and recycling pickup.

The handout at the December meeting included a notation of $100,000 for capital outlay and I wrote down a comment that the authority was starting to acquire equipment. These vehicles look like they must cost that amount each. It would be interesting to know the full capital outlay for this equipment and what budget year it belongs with.

--Bernice

Ready for Anything!

2012-01-10T15:31:00.001-05:00

My Eton radio arrived Monday. It has a solar panel and a hand crank for power, a bright LED flashlight and good sound on WBAI and WNYC. It will even charge a cell phone. If winter storms strike, I will be ready!

--Bernice

Getting Personal

2012-01-10T12:47:00.000-05:00

Between a slice and a pie, there is a new middle ground at Ferraro's - the personal pizza.

More than a munchie, maybe a meal, the personal pizza inhabits that part of the gastronomic universe that belongs solely to you. You pick the toppings, no need to negotiate over pepperoni vs. mushroom, You are the decider!

Ferarro's has already broken ground in the fast food nation at Park & Seventh with exotic flavors that your Nonna never imagined. Now it's the personal pizza, a perfect palette for foodie self-expression - and you get to eat your mini-masterpiece!

Nor will your special pie be on view at the counter. Like all improvisation, it is created in the moment and lives on only in fond memory (unless you are the Charlie Parker of pizza and then somebody may document your works for posterity).

So go on and feed your inner artist, your innovative spirit, your creative genius and yourself all at once! Off to Ferraro's for a personal pizza!

--Bernice

Owner Wants To Save Burned Building

2012-01-10T00:38:00.002-05:00

The owner of the North Avenue building that was severely damaged in a Dec. 17 has advised the city that he wants to save it, Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig told the City Council Monday.

The building was first thought to be in danger of collapse and the city was considering an emergency demolition, but Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson said owner Dexter Humphrey has agreed to assume responsibility for the building and has submitted a structural engineer's report in support of his plan to save it. However, Hellwig said there have been some "false starts" in taking action.

Councilman Cory Storch asked when the street will be open to traffic, as merchants on the north side of the streets have been unable to do business since Dec. 17. Hellwig said vehicles will be permitted once the building is "structurally secured."

Williamson said officials had a "very straightforward conversation" with the owner about businesses losing money and the city spending money. The site has been under 24-hour police guard since Dec. 17. Hellwig said he has been keeping a running tab of city costs and they will be passed along to the owner.

If the owner does not act within a day or two, Williamson said, officials have talked about taking over the project.

--Bernice

Elected Officials' Benefits Targeted

2012-01-09T23:50:00.000-05:00

Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs and two of seven City Council members could lose their health benefits if an ordinance proposed Monday achieves passage.

A new state law prohibits benefits for future elected officials, but the proposed ordinance would also affect current elected officials in the city.

Five of the council members already forego the benefits, which can add up to as much as $9,000 for a single person and $18,000 for a family, Finance Director Al Restaino said.The mayor was not present for the agenda-fixing session where the matter was discussed.

If approved on first reading on Jan. 17, the ordinance would be up for second reading and final passage on Feb. 13. The mayor would then have 10 days to approve or veto the measure.

The mayor and council are all part-time officials. The mayor receives $35,000 annually and council members are entitled to $10,000 by law, but took a voluntary cut to $9,000.

Although Councilman William Reid called the benefits “an incentive to serve,” Councilwoman Rebecca Williams said, “That’s not the kind of service I want representing me.”

The council split on whether to put the ordinance up for a vote next week, with Reid, Bridget Rivers and Vera Greaves saying they did not support it and Williams, Cory Storch, Annie McWilliams and Adrian Mapp agreeing to move it to the Jan. 17 agenda.

--Bernice

Council Meeting Tonight

2012-01-09T09:40:00.002-05:00

The City Council will hold its first agenda-fixing session at 7:30 p.m. tonight in City Hall Library. The regular meeting will be 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.17 in Municipal Court.

For those who want to plug the dates into their 2012 calendars, subsequent agenda-fixing sessions will be held on Feb. 6, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 12 (Tuesday), July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 4 (Tuesday), Oct. 1, Nov. 13 and Dec. 3. Regular meetings will be held Feb. 13, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 10, Oct. 9 (Tuesday), Nov. 19 and Dec. 10.

The agenda-fixing session for the 2013 reorganization meeting will be Dec. 17.

--Bernice

Fire Aftermath Drags On

2012-01-08T18:15:00.001-05:00

"Buenaventura," my Spanish-English dictionary says, means "fortune" or "good luck."

But the owner of this North Avenue restaurant has been out of luck since a suspicious fire on Dec. 17 closed the business and several others. Customers looking for food or a haircut on the block instead found barricades and a 24-hour police watch.

A gathering of officials and contractors on Dec. 19 pointed to possible early demolition of the building. In March 2010 another North Avenue building, deemed in danger of collapse, was taken down in one day after the declaration. Officials made similar estimations of the building that was gutted in the Dec. 17 fire, causing the police watch with the Mobile Command Center and a battery of high-intensity lights at night.

Businesses across the street were slowed down by the street closing, but not shut. As the days wore on without action, barbers posted their phone numbers in the window of a popular hair salon in an effort to keep contact with customers. (Click on any image to enlarge.)

Now three weeks have passed. A chain-link barrier surrounds the front of the building, where broken glass and debris are still strewn. The Mobile Command Center is gone. The power cord for the massive emergency lights is unplugged. But the block between Park Avenue and Gavett Place is still blocked off and businesses next to the fire scene are still closed.

Plaintalker learned on Friday that city officials are taking the position that the owner, Dexter Humphrey, is responsible for the demolition. Humphrey's address in the tax book is the same as the fire-damaged building, which except for one restaurant on the ground floor was vacant and boarded up by the city for many months. Just days before the fire, Plaintalker was tracing the route that occupants of new Park Avenue apartments would walk to the train station and recorded this evidence of someone breaking in to the building.

The entire North Avenue Historic District between Park and Watchung avenues - the city's original commercial base across from the train station - was supposed to be consolidated for redevelopment in 2006 by acquisition and stabilization of its historic buildings. But then the focus shifted to the PNC Bank block. Some owners on North Avenue said they recently received offers again to sell their properties, but they declined. Now they wonder what's next.

Meanwhile, the tally for loss of business and cost of the 24-hour police guard is not known. City officials said in March 2010 they had been unable to find the owner, Slongu Enterprises, and so ordered the emergency demolition. There has been no public explanation of why things are still dragging on in the current situation three weeks after the fire or what the arson investigation revealed. Could this literally be a trial by fire for new City Administrator Eric Berry? A lot of people are hoping for answers soon.

--Bernice

NJ Turning Tropical?

2012-01-08T08:17:00.003-05:00

This year is starting off with some very warm weather for January. Some people are still going around in shorts and T-shirts. I put up a new outdoor thermometer and it registered 59 degrees yesterday.

To learn more, I visited one of my favorites sites, that of the New Jersey Climatologist David Robinson.

This graphic tells all about the warming trend in 2011.

What will 2012 bring?

--Bernice

Mayor Wants Four PMUA Nominees

2012-01-07T23:16:00.000-05:00

Although Monday's agenda-fixing session includes a mayoral intention to name four PMUA commissioners, the packet included no corresponding resolutions. The "communication" from the mayor was lacking some details, such as terms and successions, which need to be spelled out in resolutions.

Of the four, one can guess that current Chairman Harold Mitchell, a holdover since his term expired last February, is being nominated to succeed himself. If so, he would be in line for the balance of a five-year term to Feb. 1, 2016.

Cecil Sanders was just confirmed in November for an unexpired term as Alternate No. 2, succeeding Eugene Dudley for five years to Feb. 1, 2014. However, the city's own records state that Dudley's term as an alternate was only two years ending Feb. 1, 2012. So perhaps this nomination is to properly give Sanders a two-year term from Feb. 1, 2012 to Feb. 1, 2014.

The terms of incumbent commissioners Carol Ann Brokaw and Alex Toliver expire on Feb. 1, 2012, so perhaps Darcella Sessomes and Wilbert O. Gill are meant to receive five-year terms succeeding them. Until it is spelled out, one can't say. Gill previously served as an alternate from 2004 to 2006. Sessomes never served previously but apparently had some links to the authority's re-entry program in her role as head of the Department of Corrections' Office of Transitional Services.

After six years of making appointments to boards and commissions, the mayor and her staff should know the need for details. In addition, the names of both Mitchell and Sanders were spelled wrong. Mitchell was a councilman and a mayor before becoming a PMUA commissioner. Surely he deserves better than a typo or misspelling by now. Sanders is also very well-known in Plainfield and was just recently the subject of a resolution in which his name was spelled correctly. How hard could it be to check?

Maybe the mayor "indicated her intention" to submit the names in order to allow time for interviews. But these nominees themselves need to know what they are committing to, such as how long their terms will be and when they start. The PMUA reorganizes in February and it would be good to have these seats properly filled now that the authority is attempting to get off on a new footing.

--Bernice

Redemption:Two Sides of the Coin

2012-01-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

Assemblyman Jerry Green takes credit for the legislation that resulted in Rasheed Abdul-Haqq's departure from the school board and talked on a news program about "dark secrets" that must be brought to light.

On the other hand, in this 2009 blog post, Green expresses great concern for the plight of parolees trying to find their place in the community.

The post popped up when Plaintalker did a search on the name of Darcella Sessomes. She is described in the blog post as being a state Corrections official at the time. Now someone by that name is being nominated to be a PMUA commissioner. Readers may know that the PMUA hires parolees, giving them one of the few job opportunities readily available to individuals trying to re-enter the community.

So on the one hand Green wants to punish the likes of Rasheed Abdul-Haqq for a decades-old transgression for which he paid in jail time and in several decades of voluntary service to the community, but on the other hand he endorses giving people fresh out of prison whatever it takes to help them find a place in society. Apparently their "dark secrets" will remain their own business as they try to get on with their lives.

Ironically, Green's legislation has inadvertently created a new class of lawbreakers in that all board members and charter school trustees who failed to meet a deadline for registering to get criminal background checks are now facing removal from office. Even if their crime is only procrastination, they are now liable to be charged with a fourth-degree offense.

--Bernice.

PMUA Sets Up Fund for Injured Worker

2012-01-06T02:21:00.001-05:00

The Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority has set up a fund to benefit employee Robert Morris, who was severely injured on Dec. 26 while working downtown.

Morris was pinned between a PMUA truck and a vehicle that struck him on Watchung Avenue. He suffered an amputation of one leg and injuries to the other that will require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. He is still in Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital undergoing a series of surgeries.

Due to an outpouring of sympathy for Morris and his family, the authority has set up a special bank account and is accepting monetary gifts marked for "The Bobby Morris Fund." Donations may be sent to the PMUA, 127 Roosevelt Ave., Plainfield NJ 07060, Attention: Bonnie Mills, Office of the Executive Director.

--Bernice

Green, Abdul-Haqq on NBC Thursday

2012-01-05T23:20:00.000-05:00

After a Star-Ledger article noted that 350 school board members and charter school trustees will have to step down for failure to get background checks, NBC reporter Pat Battle visited the Queen City Thursday to interview Assemblyman Jerry Green and Rasheed Abdul-Haqq. View here.

Green sponsored A-444, the legislation that established the requirement for background checks and disqualification of those who had criminal histories. Locally, some saw it as arising out of a vendetta by Green against Abdul-Haqq for the latter's outspoken commentaries on the legislator, while Green pointed out the vast support the bill garnered in the Legislature.

Abdul-Haqq resigned last month and a vacancy now exists on the board. Although the Plainfield board initially proposed a possible direct appointment as was made in the case of a vacancy earlier last year, this week the vacancy was advertised with an open invitation for anyone to apply. However, Plaintalker learned today that because the vacancy was caused by a lack of qualifications under the new law, the selection process is in question, according to spokesman Michael Yaple of the New Jersey School Boards Association..

"We are waiting for the NJDOE’s legal interpretation concerning which entity has the authority to make appointments to fill these vacancies. Our interpretation of state law is that, since these are vacancies were created by lack of qualifications, the NJDOE’s executive county superintendents have the responsibility to make the appointment. The NJDOE, however, is the regulatory authority and its interpretation of the law would determine if the executive county superintendents or the local school board would make the appointment to fill the vacancy," Yaple said Thursday.

Whoever fills the vacancy will only serve until the annual school board election in April. The winner will then fulfill the unexpired balance of the three-year term Abdul-Haqq won in 2010. The filing date for candidates this year is Monday, Feb. 27 and the school board election is Tuesday, April 17.

Although 354 individuals are facing removal for failing to register for background checks as required by the new law, Yaple said the number stood much higher before the NJSBA mounted a campaign for compliance.

"According to the New Jersey Department of Education, the number of board members who have not registered for background checks is 189. There are also 165 charter school trustees who have not submitted for background checks. That’s a substantial change over the past several weeks; As of Nov. 17, roughly 1,600 board members and charter school trustees still had not complied, according to the state Department of Education (NJDOE), which is the state agency that operates the criminal background checks for school employees and, now, school board members.

"One reason for greater compliance was clear communication from the NJDOE last month, including establishment of a firm deadline of Dec. 31 to complete the process. Before December, there had been a communications gap, with no clear deadline. NJSBA’s role has been to provide service to school board members through news and information. For instance, NJSBA issued automated telephone calls and e-mail blasts to its members this fall about the need to comply with the new law. We’ve written numerous stories about the law in our newsletter, which is sent to all school board members and superintendents," Yaple said.

Every year, three school board seats are up for election in Plainfield. The incumbents this year are Lisa Logan Leach, Brenda Gilbert and Keisha Edwards, who was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by Patricia Barksdale's resignation last year. Additionally, voters will choose someone in April to serve the unexpired term of Abdul-Haqq. Applicants should be aware that they will be subject to criminal background checks should they win board seats.

--Bernice.

Frigid Weather Inspires Invaders

2012-01-04T21:48:00.000-05:00

Not only was a squirrel trying to gnaw its way into my apartment today, a big creepy bug actually came out of nowhere and crawled around near the kitchen.

The creepy-crawly was a Leaf-legged Bug, so named for leaf-like appendages on its rear legs. It was moving really slowly on one of the hinges left from when the kitchen had doors and was a closet in the Yates mansion.

I accidentally knocked it out of place, setting off a hunt for its whereabouts. This went on for some time until I saw it crawling up the back of my jeans leg. It was dispatched forthwith to the traditional burial at sea (flushed) that we also employed for two stinkbugs in the past week or so.

I still had shivers from hearing the squirrel chewing his way into the building. Squirrels have gotten in to the large enclosed porch several times in the past and wreaked destruction trying to get back out. We haven't had one since Mau the feral cat came to live indoors. But picturing a battle between Mau and a squirrel was not reassuring.

Mau fancies himself a Cat of Leisure, not a warrior.

It must be the cold weather that is inspiring this critter interest in being inside. I like very much to be inside in cold weather myself, but I don't like to share the premises with strangers of other species.

One year a band of squirrels began practicing their version of polyamory in the dropped ceiling and crashed down into my space. I think that's when I must have had the heart attack that showed up as part of my cardiac history recently. The thought of another invasion is giving me palpitations already. I'm sorry to say I wouldn't mind if the outside feral cats decided to step up their squirrel consumption before one of the fuzzy-tailed rodents drops in on me again.

--Bernice

Read Adrian's Speech

2012-01-04T16:02:00.001-05:00

Council President Adrian Mapp has published his "agenda for 2012" on his blog. He makes a number of very good points and proposes some significant initiatives.

Of course, even the council president is just one of seven people who represent the citizens of Plainfield. Their unanimous approval of Adrian to serve as president is a good omen for the kind of cooperation that the governing body must come up with in 2012 if the city is to move forward with economic development and improved quality of life for all. I'm sure Adrian will welcome various points of view on how best to accomplish his goals, but as Annie McWilliams did rather deftly in 2010 and 2011, I believe he will deflect the negativity of those who prefer battle over collegiality and progress.

May "Team 2012" truly be one in the months ahead.

--Bernice

Mapp Leads Council for 2012

2012-01-04T00:47:00.000-05:00

Judge Joan Robinson Gross administers the oath of office to Council President Adrian Mapp.

In a unanimous vote Tuesday, City Council members chose Adrian Mapp to serve as their president for 2012.

Mapp pledged to seek cooperation between the governing body and the administration and named goals including shared services among all major city entities, greater transparency in government and a push to make sure that the Plainfield portion of Route 28 reverts to state control.

Councilman William Reid won his colleagues' unanimous support to serve as chairman of the whole for 2012.

Ceremonies included swearing-in of Councilman Cory Storch for a third term representing the Second Ward and Councilwoman Vera Greaves for her first full four-year term in the First and Fourth Wards at-large seat.

Greaves' family filled an entire row in Municipal Court. Well-wishers and council regulars braved bitter cold to attend the meeting, which also featured a State of the City address by Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs. The mayor read what she called "snippets" from 37 pages of a booklet detailing goals and objectives of numerous city divisions. The booklet was passed out to the crowd and will also be published on the city web site as well as on the two local cable channels. She also called for prayers on behalf PMUA employee Robert Morris, who lost a leg early on Dec. 26 when he was pinned between a car and a sanitation truck on Watchung Avenue.

The council will launch its 2012 schedule with an agenda-fixing session at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9 in City Hall Library, 515 Watchung Ave.and a regular meeting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17 in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.

--Bernice

Take Charge!

2012-01-03T02:14:00.000-05:00

Many of us in 2011 felt we were at the mercy of circumstance.

In 2012, it's time to take charge - start anywhere!

Apply for BOE Vacancy

2012-01-02T09:01:00.002-05:00

This notice was in today's Courier News:

PLAINFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION
VACANCY ON THE PLAINFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION
There is a vacancy on the Plainfield Board of Education, and the Board invites any interested resident who wants to apply for this position to submit the required documents no later than January 13, 2012
Candidates must comply with the following requirements:
Complete a Plainfield Board of Education nominating petition.
Provide the Plainfield Board of Education with a one (1) page letter of explanation why he/she wishes to be a member of the board; and
Be available for an interview with the Board the evening of Tuesday, January 17, 2012.
Requests for petitions as well as the completed packet should be sent to:Gary L. Ottmann, School Business Administrator/Board SecretaryPublic Schools of Plainfield
1200 Myrtle Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07063
Tel: 908-731-4344

Welcome to 2012

2012-01-02T08:13:00.000-05:00

Cedar Brook Park, New Year's Day 2012

The City Council will hold its annual reorganization tomorrow, 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, at which time Cory Storch and Vera Greaves will be sworn in for four-year terms, the governing body will choose a chairman for 2012 and Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs will give her State of the City address.

To see the full agenda, click here

Among things that may unfold in the New Year, the council expects to review and possibly take action on the WBLS report, the ShotSpotter lease program may take effect, a new approach to economic development could emerge and in this mostly Democratic city voters will be urged to support an Obama re-election campaign.

The local blogosphere thinned out considerably in 2011, with only a handful of the 30 bloggers on Dan's roster actually posting on a regular basis. Newspaper coverage has also dropped off, and media observers are predicting a shift to social media for news. Where will you look in 2012 for Plainfield news?

The Star-Ledger reports an increase in homicides from two in 2009 to 11 in 2011, a 450 percent increase. But a gang truce appears to be working, according to Police Director Martin Hellwig. Crime reduction will probably remain an ongoing concern.

As a Plainfielder, what are your hopes for the Queen City in 2012? Plaintalker is hoping for common sense to prevail in government and for residents to find enjoyment and pride in living here.

--Bernice

2011, A Year for Renters?

2012-01-01T09:29:00.000-05:00

About half of Plainfield's residents are renters, a group often tagged as transitory and not really engaged in the life of the city, compared to property owners. A goal of the last comprehensive strategic plan to uplift Plainfield was to reduce the number of renters by 10 percent. Yet in 2011, the city's largest recent development, The Monarch, converted from condos to rentals; the company that owns most of the downtown rehabilitated two buildings for tenant occupancy; and the developer with seven projects on the books completed one with four apartments.

The Monarch grabbed headlines while it was planned for a brand-new senior center with 63 condos on three upper floors. When sales stagnated, the building at 400 East Front Street quietly began filling up with "lease-to-buy" occupants. The situation upset not only those who actually bought condos, but also the terms on which the initial deal was based. Opening a veterans' center in the building hinged on completion of sales of all units. While talks continue between the city and the developer on the new situation, the veterans' center appears to be in limbo.

Over on Park Avenue, Paramount converted the upper floors of two commercial buildings to apartments. The facades, including some interesting stonework, were stuccoed over for a uniform look. Approvals for the project included the provision of parking in a nearby municipal lot - wonder how that is working out.

Developer Frank Cretella, with his various fancifully-named companies, is also contributing to the increase of rental units. One opened in 2011 next to PNC Bank and more are planned on the bank block, including 100 new apartments and 48 condos for which Cretella received approval for a "payment in lieu of taxes" agreement to facilitate financing. The new apartments are in a building Cretella dubbed "Certified Green Property One" at 212-216 Park Avenue, in the North Avenue Historic District.

These changes prompted Plaintalker to publicize that state booklet that details rights of tenants and landlords, "Truth in Renting." Not only do new tenants in 2012 need to know their rights, all 7,000-plus renters in Plainfield should review their rights and responsibilities, as should their landlords. Tenants of the city's former largest landlord, Connolly Properties, found themselves dealing with rent receivership companies in 2011 as the properties went on the market following legal action against Connolly. Many longtime tenants are now dealing with new landlords and need to establish a new footing based on their rights. If you "occupy" an apartment, be ready to protest in 2012 if necessary!

--Bernice

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:18:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

All the best in 2012

Traditionally, New Year's wishes include hopes for peace and prosperity, but after 2011's hard times, any increase in either will be welcome. War abroad, gang violence at home and harsh economic conditions all around (except for the 1 percent) will make us grateful in 2012 for improvements. Plaintalker wishes you the strength and courage to make 2012 a happier time.

--Bernice

2011 Top Story: Governance

2011-12-31T01:10:00.003-05:00

In 2011, day-to-day operations of the city passed through the hands of five people, for stints ranging from seven months to two weeks.

The year began with Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson, the head of the city's in-house legal department and the highest-paid member of the cabinet, being named acting city administrator. Under the city's code, Williamson could serve 90 days in acting capacity. In turn, an outside attorney was named acting corporation counsel.

When his time elapsed, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs named herself acting city administrator, an unusual move but permissible by the city charter.

In May, through a contract with Jersey Professional Management, David Kochel became acting city administrator. A seasoned and well-credentialed municipal administrator, Kochel was soon recognized as too valuable an asset to be shown the door after 90 days. The City Council approved an ordinance that allowed Kochel to stay on until November, and then he was hired to serve as a consultant until Dec. 21.

The search for a permanent city administrator concluded with the hiring of Eric Berry, formerly the business administrator in Trenton, effective Nov. 28. Meanwhile, Al Restaino, director of the Department of Administration, Finance, Health and Social Services, was named acting city administrator for two weeks.

There is no way to know how many elements of government drifted during these shifts. The city was already making do with a chief finance officer who was only available for 28 hours per week. The Department of Public Works & Urban Development, one of three departments mandated by the city's special charter, also had an acting director for 90 days and then an unspoken vacancy until September 26, when Eric Jackson became director.

This all happened in a year when the city was reverting from a fiscal year beginning July 1 to a calendar year, necessitating a six-month "transitional year" budget to bridge the shift. Another situation was the ongoing inquiry into use of city funds for an Aug. 1, 2010 radio broadcast, which escalated in mid-year to a formal investigation by the City Council. In hearings, officials disputed the mayor's claim that an "emergency" required issuance of a $20,000 check to radio station WBLS. A report released in December found improprieties that the council will address in January.

So 2011 was marred not only by instability among its appointed administrators, but eventually by an erosion in trust that the administration and governing body could work together in the city's best interest.

Berry and Jackson, along with Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig and Restaino, are now "permanent" cabinet members, meaning their terms end along with the mayor's on Dec. 31, 2013. It may take all of that time to re-establish what was lost in 2011, namely a sense of continuity and confidence that a solid team was delivering the best governance possible during increasingly trying times.

--Bernice

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Monday's Accident

2011-12-30T03:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I decided to try gathering information for a news story on the accident Monday that severely injured a PMUA worker. I did get responses from Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig and PMUA Executive Director Duane Young, but by the time I got the official press release, Mark Spivey already had a comprehensive news story online.

It just pointed up to me the reasons why I do not usually try to replicate what would normally be the work of the daily newspaper. My concern had been the lack of a news story several days after Dan wrote anecdotally about coming upon the scene Monday morning. It turned out that the investigation was not yet at the point of an official news release from the authorities until Thursday and the investigation is continuing.

While police continue to probe exactly what happened early Monday morning, Duane Young told Plaintalker the authority is rallying around Robert Morris, the employee who was pinned between the car and PMUA truck, resulting in severe damage to both legs and amputation of one. Young said Morris, 58, was an "old-timer" and a hard worker who didn't mind any assignment.

"That's why he was out there on Christmas. We respect that," Young said.

Young said he was with the Morris family at the 10-year PMUA veteran's bedside when he came out of surgery at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital.

"We're family here," Young said of the PMUA. "We try to support each other."

The authority will provide Morris with "the moral support and financial support he is entitled to," Young said, noting in addition PMUA has already taken up voluntary contributions from staff.

The early-morning pickup Monday was part of an effort to keep the downtown clean over the holiday. Morris was struck by a 1999 Mercury Cougar, from which the driver fled, leaving the vehicle at the scene, police said. Hellwig said a conflict in a passenger's account of what happened "is causing this to be a lengthy investigation."

The press release issued Thursday stated, "This investigation is actively being investigated by the Plainfield Police Department Traffic Unit. Anyone, who may have witnessed this crash incident, can contact Sgt. Wayne William at (908) 753-3044 or (908) 753-3360."

--Bernice
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A First for Representation

2011-12-29T12:44:00.003-05:00

As i have mentioned before, Democratic and Republican municipal committees allow for a male and female representative to be chosen in each of the city's 34 voting districts. As a registered Democrat, I have duly voted for committee persons on the ballot over my quarter-century in Plainfield.

What a surprise to receive a holiday greeting from my male representative this year, with complete contact information and a promise to look into any concerns I may have regarding my district.

This committee is supposed to be the most grassroots level of elected representation and I am glad to know my representative is taking his role seriously. The committee will have a great deal of hard work in 2012 for the party, but it is good to know that the personal concerns of residents will be heeded as well.

The Democratic Committee list is online here . Never mind the erroneous information at the top, the Ward and District information was correct the last time I checked. If you are a Democrat, I hope you will get to know your representative and vice versa in 2012.

--Bernice

Why the Delay on Demolition?

2011-12-29T04:30:00.001-05:00

In March 2010, a building on North Avenue was demolished within a day of an emergency being declared due to bricks falling from its facade. Now 10 days have elapsed since a devastating fire left another North Avenue building in danger of collapse, but demolition has yet to take place.

Meanwhile, the site has been under 24-hour police guard and merchants on the block have had their businesses shuttered. No official word has been given on the status of the demolition, although contractors met with city officials on the Monday after the fire.

On the map above, lot 2 on block 315 is seen extending from North Avenue to East Second Street. At some point, the building in question was separated off as lot 2.01. The owner is listed as Dexter Humphrey, with the same address as the building, 117-125 North Avenue. However, except for a bakery, the building was vacant and boarded up. According to people on the block, it was in decline for some time.

The property was purchased in March 1997 for $190,000 and is assessed at $152,400. It is likely that the cost of demolition and the 24-hour guard will add up to more than the property is worth. If the cost is applied as a lien on the property, recouping it is unlikely.

In March 2010, dealing with the emergency demolition fell to new Public Works Director David Brown II. Brown left the administrration in November 2010. The city now has another new director, Eric Jackson, as well as a new city administrator, Eric Berry. These two have arrived just as the city is embroiled in a controversy over another "emergency," the allocation of city funds for a radio broadcast on gang violence. An investigation has resulted in findings that the mayor and certain city staff may have acted improperly in that situation. Perhaps this is all leading to an excess of caution in the current North Avenue matter.

Without any official communication, the public can only speculate on reasons for the delay. Meanwhile, the street closing and inability of businesses to operate are taking a toll of unknown scope. We hope for the sake of the merchants that whatever has to be done to normalize the situation will take place soon.

--Bernice

PMUA Exec Session Inconclusive

2011-12-28T21:40:00.000-05:00

No news came out of Wednesday's special PMUA meeting. The matter of compensation to former executives Eric Watson and David Ervin is still the pile of "(alleged) poop" that Dan offered up last week.

Some people at the meeting had folders of documentation of events leading up to the present situation and some had very strong views based on close observance of the authority's past action or inaction. But none of it was enough to make the outcome happen any quicker than the legalities of the arbitration process will allow. Meanwhile, anybody who wants to comment is welcome to do so.

--Bernice

Historic Districts Need Advocates

2011-12-26T22:18:00.000-05:00

A longtime business owner on North Avenue confirmed what I suspected about the historic district where yet another key building is facing demolition: The assocation that formerly looked after the district's interests disbanded some time ago.

I used to work at a weekly newspaper, Plainfield Today, that had offices on North Avenue in the 1980s. The Hetfield family had offices in an imposing building at the corner of Park Avenue and the late Bill Hetfield was a frequent visitor to our newspaper office, sharing his views on local politicians and admonishing us to "keep their feet to the fire." Hetfield and my bosses, Jan and Henry Johnson, were the mainstays of the historic district association and kept a close eye on property maintenance and other quality of life issues in the district.

With changes over time, the association folded and the current population may not even be aware of the district's significance. For a while, Jayson Williams and a partner had an office in the district and Williams even floated a redevelopment plan, but it faded away.

Developer Frank Cretella was supposed to acquire, stabilize and preserve North Avenue historic buildings as part of another redevelopment plan in 2006 but that didn't work out either and Cretella refocused on the PNC Bank block and other locations.

Each of the city's historic districts is supposed to have a district association, but only a few have strong groups and most have none. Correction: Scott Bauman of the Plainfield Planning Division has provided Plaintalker with a list of contacts for all but one of the 10 historic districts. The active groups monitor their districts, seek enhancements, educate the public about their particular attractions and act as goodwill ambassadors by inviting visitors to house tours and special events. Proceeds of house tours are plowed back into improvements to the districts. Distinctive signage and web sites keep up the interest and pride of these districts.

Some districts suffer from a high degree of absentee owners, tenant mobility and lack of knowledge about the city's preservation movement. A couple of them may have been formed with enthusiasm, but relied heavily on the founding members and did not generate successors to carry the torch.

Preservation is often cited as a hallmark of the Queen City, but it needs nurturing and advocacy or you see results like the decay on North Avenue. The Historic Preservation Commission was not intended to do the day-in and day-out care that a well-functioning district association can provide.

Meanwhile, the three-story North Avenue building that was the site of a suspicious fire on Dec. 17 is up for demolition.

The building was not as highly ornamented as some others in the district.

This bit of terra cotta work is about all the decoration there is on the facade.

By contrast, the Chotola building across from the main train station deserves a good long look with binoculars to see all the fancy work. Click on the picture for an enlargement.

The North Avenue building that was demolished in March had a lot of detail, but it and others were painted in bright colors that the Chotola building escaped.

The fate of this district, once so promising, now remains to be seen. With a little help from their friends, other historic districts will survive well into the 21st century

--Bernice

The Curse of the Alto Part

2011-12-26T20:47:00.000-05:00

Way back in 1954, I was in the Girls' Glee Club II in East Orange High School. I was much more of a bookworm than a singer, but I got to learn the alto parts of many Christmas carols. Every year since then, I cannot hear certain carols at a sing-a-long or on the radio without recalling the alto part. It is a bit maddening to be subject to this stimulus-response effect from so long ago.

But it occurred to me this year that if I ever fall into a coma in my old age, the best thing to do would be to play "Joy to the World" and I will immediately sit up and sing the alto part!

--Bernice

Document Ghost Sign Before Demolition

2011-12-25T21:48:00.000-05:00

With demolition of this building imminent, photographers interested in old signs should hustle on over to North Avenue and take their best shots. Most likely this sign dates back to the early 20th century. The Bull Durham Smoking Tobacco slogan, "The Old Reliable," is still quite legible and the bull image can be seen in the lower left.

I didn't notice the bull until just now, when I saw some other old signs online and realized what it was. There is some interesting lore online, along with criticism of racist advertising the company used early on.

Tobacco advertising today must include warnings of all the hazards of its use, of course. Capturing the image of this ghost sign is all about preserving a bit of history, aside from the other issues.

In 2009, an Art Deco sign for Ford automobiles was covered over on Cleveland Avenue. See Plaintalker's post here. Photos will be the only records we have of 20th Century signs and even buildings in years to come. Click here for another example of decorative elements vanishing.

--Bernice

Season's Greetings

2011-12-24T16:49:00.001-05:00

Joyeux Noel!

True fact: In the Westfield Stop and Shop, I saw Yule Log cakes - Buches de Noel - by Entenmann's.

I didn't study them closely, as my diet won't allow such things, but they also tell how to make your own Yule Log on their web site.

Here is the French way, complete with meringue mushrooms.

--Bernice

Thoughts of Etta James

2011-12-24T14:34:00.000-05:00

The great singer Etta James is gravely ill as of this moment. Early this morning, Dred Scott Keyes played a commemoration of her life on WBAI. If you are a fan and want to listen while you are doing your last-minute gift-wrapping or perhaps putting together a bicycle, go to www.wbai.org and then click on Archives in the right-hand column. Scroll down to "Cutting Edge" at 4 a.m. Saturday and click on "play." You will have to scroll back down to the program and click on the black triangle. Etta James had an extraordinary life through the mid-20th century and only received her proper acknowledgement late in her career. I forgot how iconic her voice is until I heard it again this morning on WBAI.

--Bernice

Redistricting Moves Plainfield

2011-12-24T09:40:00.005-05:00

The results of redistricting place Plainfield in District 12. The new map shows Plainfield in yellow, as an appendage at the northernmost point of the district, which is represented by Congressman Rush Holt.

Plainfield had been in the northernmost portion of District 6, represented by Congressman Frank Pallone.

In the redistricting, Holt lost the Hunterdon County portion of his district.

There may be challenges to the redistricting decision, according to news reports quoting Jerome Harris of the New Jersey Black Issues Convention and New Jersey Congressional Redistricting Coalition. (Plaintalker recalls Harris as a former Plainfield city administrator and a very astute person on governmental issues. He also was former Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer's business administrator.)

--Bernice

Dec 19 Council Notes

2011-12-23T03:51:00.000-05:00

Monday’s City Council meeting had been expected to be short and perfunctory, as it was the agenda fixing session for the Jan. 3 reorganization, but some interesting sidelights came up.

Councilman Cory Storch said an economic development advisory committee will be formed in conjunction with a contract to the Anglin Group (for development of a “comprehensive economic development and growth strategy,” awarded in November). All residents and business owners will be eligible to serve. Storch, who heads the council’s Economic Development Committee, said there is a new proposal for business registration, this time with just a nominal fee of $5. The proposal will be referred to the Anglin Group for advice on “best practices” in carrying out a business registration program.

The idea of such a program dates way back to the days when Leslie Anderson was with the city in the 1980s. Anderson is now executive director of the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority. It was thought that registering city businesses would give the administration a better handle on what types of goods and services were being offered and would serve as the basis for business retention and recruitment efforts. But given the large number of sole proprietorships and mom-and-pop stores, the projected registration fees at the time were considered onerous and met with resistance.

It is still a good idea to have a comprehensive picture of the business community and to forge ties with City Hall. The closest the city may have come to such an effort was probably back in the day of the Plainfield Redevelopment Agency, when member Clyde Allen roamed the downtown to gather data and make contacts. That was about a quarter-century ago. The Special Improvement District currently has a lot of businesses enrolled, but may not have the database that a registry would yield.

On another topic, Councilman William Reid brought up a plan underway in Cleveland to demolish vacant buildings. He said he was concerned because of nine buildings where he lives on St. Marks Place, three have been vacant for some time. Councilman Adrian Mapp added that with banks walking away from foreclosed homes, it was felt best in Cleveland to demolish such homes to preserve the value of neighboring homes. He called it a “very interesting concept.”

Reid mentioned his neighbors’ fear of fires in unoccupied homes that could spread to others.Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson said the city has an abandoned property ordinance and a list can be made of such homes. He said even if a home gets on the list, an owner could reclaim it. But if it comes under new ownership through “in rem” foreclosure, it would have to be rehabilitated.Rather than tackle the entire problem at once, he said, the city might “take smaller bites” at it, with Inspections Director Oscar Turk spearheading the effort.

In a related topic, Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig said the Dec. 17 fire in a vacant North Avenue building had been deemed suspicious and was under investigation by the Union County Arson Squad. As of this week, the building is under 24-hour police watch while awaiting demolition.

The council members also discussed possible alternatives to using official newspapers for legal notices, such as publishing the notices on the city web site. Resolutions naming the Courier News and the Star-Ledger as official newspapers for such notices will be up for a vote at the Jan. 3 reorganization. City Administrator Eric Berry said by law, the city must send notices to two newspapers. As for the possibility of online publication, Council President Annie McWilliams said some residents don’t go online. In public comment, Plaintalker said posting notices might add to the workload in the City Clerk’s office, as legal notices for outside entities such as applicants to land use boards would have to be accommodated.

There were some cryptic allusions to Chief Finance Officer Ron Zilinski, who is up for a one-year term as city treasurer. As CFO, he is serving a longer term, Williamson said. Zilinski was absent from the Dec. 19 meeting and also the Dec. 12 one, which he had expected to attend but was called away due to needs of his elderly parents. Zilinski was named CFO in November 2010, when both the mayor and council members were facing $25-a-day fines for not filling a three-year vacancy in the post, which is mandated by state statute. But he did not begin work until January, when the title of city treasurer kicked in, and his work schedule is 28 hours per week. In Zilinski’s absence, Finance Director Al Restaino had to field questions on fiscal matters at the two meetings.

The next meeting is the annual reorganization, 8 p.m. Jan. 3 in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.

--Bernice Paglia

Current Events in the Queen City

2011-12-22T08:49:00.000-05:00

Mark Spivey broke the news yesterday that the report of independent counsel Ramon Rivera on the WBLS investigation had been released. See his story here.

Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs held an afternoon press conference on the same issue. Click here to read her press release, which was posted on the city web site..

Dan Damon has posted the full report on a Facebook link, Plainfield Community Connect..

Plaintalker is just taking it all in for the moment. The next thing to happen should be council action, if any, on the report's recommendations. That is expected to take place at the City Council's first meeting in 2012 in mid-January (not at the Jan. 3 reorganization).

The last two posts on Plaintalker refer to the news story and press release.

--Bernice

Bloggers, Repent!

2011-12-22T07:35:00.000-05:00

Amidst all the gingerbread and peppermint scents of the season, we have this little whiff of the mephitic:

Unfortunately, you will hear or read in blogs or other media some erroneous comments from very opinionated individuals who are uninformed and only wish to be evil in their comments. To them I say, “God Bless you”, and offer my hope that in the new year, they will find a positive purpose for being on this earth.

Yikes!

"Erroneous Comments" Predicted

2011-12-21T21:19:00.000-05:00

Among the many aspects of the WBLS investigation, the name of the event should probably not be at the top of the list.

However, just to start somewhere, this blogger refers to the flier itself on the "Town Meeting."

Perhaps the correct name of the event is not really the "City of Plainfield Community Forum."

--Bernice

North Avenue District Needs a Well Check

2011-12-21T09:44:00.000-05:00

A large number of contractors met with city officials on North Avenue Monday to examine the fire-damaged building that is now in need of demolition. The City Council will have to authorize an emergency appropriation to fund the demolition. Engineer Wendell Bibbs of Remington & Vernick can be seen here addressing the group.

On Tuesday, workers began removing utility connections in preparation for the demolition.

North Avenue between Park and Watchung avenues is still closed to traffic.

This is not the newly damaged building, it is the old Mirons furniture warehouse on the same block that is in the process of being converted to residential units with a restaurant on the ground floor. This view is from the alley alongside the west wall of the building.

These buildings are part of the North Avenue Historic District, as was one that was demolished in March due to falling bricks that indicated imminent collapse. In all truth, the Mirons warehouse has missing bricks and looks none too sturdy close up. Bricks are missing at its skyline and the same is true of other buildings in the district.

It has been a long time now since the designation of this district by the main train station. In 2012, plans are expected to advance for transit-oriented development. Plaintalker suggests a realistic assessment of all the buildings in the district, both contributing and non-contributing, and a report on their status.

The back alley of the block where the fire broke out reveals this small building's wide-open rear facade, with gaping cellar doors and another open door behind the Dumpster. Squatters or metal scavengers have full access to the interior and may have already stripped it.

The fire that broke out early Saturday is deemed suspicious and is under investigation by the Union County Arson Squad, Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig told the City Council Monday. One look at this block's rotten core will confirm that lots of suspicious behavior has taken place back there. Why not evaluate the district as a whole for viability and take some proactive steps toward stabilization before the next "emergency" forces a costly response?

--Bernice

Winter Solstice 2011

2011-12-21T08:40:00.002-05:00

Celebrate the light!

This week marks the Winter Solstice, an occasion noted both by scientists and everyday people - you know, Druids, Pagans and people who like to see their indoor plants start to perk up in mid-winter as the light gradually increases.

That sprig of plastic mistletoe at holiday parties has Druidic origins that you can look up for yourselves. Winter solstice is also the reason for big bonfires in many countries and cities.

So if you are out taking a nature walk to work off your holiday feast this week, give a thought to the Wheel of the Seasons and the ancients who honored the Winter Solstice as the return of light after dark days.

--Bernice

Mixed Outlook for PMUA

2011-12-21T03:05:00.000-05:00

Philip Charles of DumpPMUA is urging all to attend a special PMUA meeting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 28 at 127 Roosevelt Avenue.The subject is "Settlement of Contract Dispute involving former Executive and Assistant Executive Directors."

The board of commissioners will go into executive session and reconvene in open session to take possible action. As Dan Damon wrote, this involves a possible settlement for Eric Watson and David Ervin, both of whom stepped down from the authority earlier this year.

David Ervin was mentioned at Monday's council meeting in a different context. It seems he is the city's representative on the Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority, which handles city sewage on its way to the Middlesex County Utilities Authority for treatment. Nearly half of the PMUA's sewer budget goes to PARSA payments. Now that Ervin has left PMUA, he is staying on at PARSA and apparently the city has to wait until he decides to vacate his seat in order to name a replacement. According to Plainfield Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson, the city has no say over Ervin's status until his term ends, as it is governed by state statute. His appointment cannot be rescinded and the city's only hope is to negotiate with Ervin to step down..

Councilman Adrian Mapp said Monday, "Our hands are tied."

So even though new Executive Director Duane Young has set a new tone of transparency and cooperation, these two ongoing issues - the settlements and Ervin's position on PARSA - still await resolution.

Meanwhile, there will be another meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 10 at PMUA headquarters, 127 Roosevelt Ave., for a rate hearing followed by the authority's regular meeting. The rate hearing will have two topics, one being "confirmation of Low Generator Solid Waste rate at $116.38" and the other being an increase in the senior discount from 10 percent to 15 percent. A call to the PMUA Tuesday to clarify what the term "Low Generator Solid Waste" means was not answered. The solid waste rates on the PMUA web site begin with $199.38 for a one-family household, so it would appear this is a new rate. Over the years, people who generate very small amounts of garbage have clamored for a reduced rate, so maybe this is a response to their situation.

All of the above reflects a mix of good news and not-so-good news in this transitional period for the PMUA. The City Council has attempted for many months to meet with PMUA executives and commissioners without success and recently named a task force to look into the PMUA's workings. Young's very positive September presentation to the council and the recent appointment of two new commissioners, coupled with rate stabilization announced this month, point to a new era for the PMUA, but until the outstanding issues of possible settlements for Watson and Ervin and Ervin's tenure on PARSA are resolved, the authority can't really turn the corner.

--Bernice

Happy Hanukkah

2011-12-20T16:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Hanukkah

to all our

friends and neighbors

of the Jewish faith!

Reorganization Plans on Council Agenda

2011-12-19T01:06:00.001-05:00

The City Council will hold an agenda-fixing session at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Monday, Dec. 19) in City Hall Library for the Jan. 3 annual reorganization.

The agenda includes numerous appointments, designations of newspapers, rules of order and other such formal preparations for 2012. So far, nothing on the agenda sounds like big news.

Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson has resolutions for appointments of legal counsel and judges, but the administration did not offer names for appointments to various boards and commissions. One hopes the governing body will be able to conduct any necessary interviews of candidates for boards and commissions in time for a smooth start to the year. Late or last-minute appointments have been an issue since 2006, when the late Ray Blanco was council president and became apoplectic over walk-on nominations.

The land use boards really need timely appointments in 2012, as they will have a lot of work to do on transit-oriented development and plans for economic development through the next decade.

--Bernice

More on Demolition

2011-12-19T00:45:00.000-05:00

North Avenue between Park Avenue and Gavett Place was blocked off Sunday with a police guard monitoring the site of Saturday's fire that destroyed this building. It is now slated for demolition, possibly as soon as early this coming week.

I tried to get a look at the rear of the building, but the alley to the interior of the block is closed off with police tape.

The building appears to be attached to one that fronts on East Second Street in this screen shot from Google maps.

Here is a rear view that shows the proximity of the other building.

A view down the alley Saturday shows that the former book store further down the block is open at the rear. These back alleys tell a tale that cannot be read from the facades out front. I first became aware of the sordid interiors of some downtown blocks when I was a reporter and went down an alley off Watchung Avenue to see the rear of a building where a young man had either jumped or fallen to his death. Behind the fancy buildings across from the main train station, trash was piled up and the true disrepair of the buildings was evident.

(That fatality several years ago resulted in an elaborate memorial shrine being set up in front of the building that was torn down in March. People gathered every night for weeks, setting up candles, beer and liquor bottles and personal mementoes along with gang insignia.Some may remember how it spread from the front of the building to half the block.)

Here's a shot from the back of the building that was demolished in March.

That building had underground vaults under the sidewalk on North Avenue. It's likely that there are the same kind of vaults in front of the building that burned on Saturday. If so, it will be interesting to see whether the vaults are sealed off before the lot is filled in. That did not happen in the March demolition and there is serious settling of the fill, with large holes at the sidewalk's edge.

The City Council will have to authorize an emergency appropriation for the cost of the demolition of the fire-damaged building. It will probably be charged against the new 2012 budget. The March demolition cost about $200,000.

--Bernice

Abdul-Haqq Resigns, Four Seats Up in 2012

2011-12-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

Embattled school board member Rasheed Abdul-Haqq said he is stepping down following a judge's decision against his challenge of a new law excluding individuals with criminal records from serving on school boards. According to the board's agenda for Tuesday, Dec. 20, a replacement may be named that night for his seat.

Abdul-Haqq's offense took place in 1968 and he has since become a community activist and advocate for education. He previously served on the board and his current term expires in 2013.

Local dailies have covered Abdul-Haqq's case extensively. For the moment, Plaintalker is looking at ramifications for the 2012 election. If a replacement is appointed directly by the board, it will be the second time for use of this option. After Patricia Barksdale resigned earlier this year, the board chose former member Keisha Edwards to serve until the 2012 school board election. In the past, the appointive process was opened up to the public.

The current board has a super-majority of "Grand S.L.A.M." members. In 2010, Renata Hernandez, Wilma Campbell and Abdul-Haqq won three-year terms and Keisha Edwards won a one-year unexpired term. Edwards did not seek a full three-year term in 2010, but was selected by the board in July to fill the vacancy created by Barksdale's resignation.

In 2011, Alex Edache, Jameel Surgeon and Dorian Hurtt ran as Grand S.L.A.M. candidates and won three-year terms. giving their team six of nine board seats. The appointment of Edwards made seven. More than likely, the count will stay at seven for the Grand S.L.A.M. team when the board names a replacement for Abdul-Haqq.

So what's the point? For 2012, there will be three three-year terms up for election plus an unexpired term. Given that the board has chosen to appoint people directly to unexpired terms, running in the April school board election is the only chance residents at large have to serve on the board. So ... if this is something you want to do, mark your new 2012 calendar now with the Feb. 27 filing deadline and spend the beginning of the New Year getting your campaign together for the April 17 election.

Incumbents whose terms expire in 2012 are Lisa Logan Leach and Brenda Gilbert and Edwards as Barksdale's replacement. A replacement for Abdul-Haqq would have to run for his unexpired term in April. Obviously, the Grand S.L.A.M. team can field another slate for the three seats and one unexpired term, and if successful, would then hold all nine seats. Ultimately it's up to the voters, but it would be nice to see a little competition on the ballot.

--Bernice

See Play Today

2011-12-18T11:07:00.004-05:00

Last chance to see this radio play! There is a 2 p.m. matinee today.

It's at First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, 724 Park Ave. Click here for more details.

--Bernice

Building, "Ghost Sign" Will Be Gone

2011-12-17T16:07:00.000-05:00

This "ghost sign" for Bull Durham tobacco dates back to the days when signs were painted directly on the sides of large buildings. Plainfield has quite a few, but this one's days are numbered. The building suffered a devastating fire early today and is now slated for demolition.

At three stories, the building dwarfs its neighbors on the North Avenue block between Park Avenue and Gavett Place. According to press reports, it is in danger of collapse.

In March 2010, the ornate 1886 building in the center of the streetscape between Gavett Place and Watchung Avenue was also demolished due to danger of imminent collapse after some bricks fell to the street.

This building on the track side of North Avenue's train station is also crumbling and could be the next to fall.

Here's how it looked in May 2008 before being boarded up.

The rear is not secured and has been open to the elements for years. This is how it looked from the train station in December 2007.

And here it is today.

Developers have made many promises about the North Avenue Historic District, but action is lacking. Meanwhile the district is fading bit by bit from being historic ... to just being history.

--Bernice

Firefighters Face Second Blaze

2011-12-17T12:58:00.001-05:00

An overnight fire in the North Avenue Historic District destroyed one storefront and was still smoldering by mid-morning. The building once housed the Rydberg family's well-known Plainfield Music Store, now relocated across the street under the ownership of Vicky Griswold.

Several years ago, a longtime employee of the store who lived in an apartment above the store was found murdered. The building was currently vacant except for one restaurant and had been boarded up by the city (note the plywood remaining over the white door at the right).. But last week, Plaintalker saw evidence of someone breaking into the store.

The glass in the window at left had been broken out and the door also had broken glass.

This photo from last May shows the "No Trespassing" order from the city, along with a makeshift covering taped to the broken store window.

On the same date in May, open windows above, one with a curtain fluttering out, suggest that someone was inside.Early word today is that no one was found inside the building after the fire.

In a fire on East Fourth Street barely a day ago, a homeless woman lost her life. UPDATE: She is on life support, officials said today. That tragedy plus the evidence of squatters in the North Avenue building makes us hope that homeless people will seek help and maybe social service agencies will meet them halfway with some kind of outreach as winter sets in.

As a pedestrian, I see many examples of vacant and boarded buildings that have people inside, including two on East Sixth Street, just off Park Avenue. A lawyer in our neighborhood found evidence of people sleeping on his office porch and the former dental office across from City Hall that had squatters again has blankets and quilts piled on the porch.

Squatters who are trying to stay warm inside vacant buildings are not only a danger to themselves, they can cause fires that result in property loss and danger to public safety responders. Before its collapse, another building on North Avenue was marked as a hazard unsafe for entry by firefighters.

The destroyed restaurant on East Fourth Street is now in the same dangerous condition.

While some of us are out shopping and getting ready for the holidays, there are desperate individuals among us who need the most basic kind of help. We hope they will get it.

--Bernice

Netherwood Luminary Display Dec. 24

2011-12-16T03:30:00.000-05:00

On Christmas Eve, winding roads in the Netherwood Heights Historic District will be decorated with hundreds of luminaries for the enjoyment of the community. The streets on the map above are featured.

The display begins at dusk. Netherwood Heights Neighbors Association is organizing the event.

--Bernice

On Reconfiguration of Grades

2011-12-15T09:53:00.003-05:00

Plaintalker has not attempted to cover the school district for the last couple of years, focusing instead mainly on municipal government. However, in light of the reopening of discussion on grade configuration, here is a Q&A with Dr. Gallon on the rationale for the change to the current configuration.

One hopes there will be the same type of analysis of student movement since then to add to the public's understanding of any proposed changes.

--Bernice

Downtown Cameras - How Long?

2011-12-14T13:22:00.000-05:00

Looking up some UEZ data just now in the Plaintalker archive, I was surprised to come across a post including an $800,000 proposal for surveillance cameras - from 2006.

That item was among a number of UEZ applications that were recently rescinded in favor of setting up an economic development and enterprise trust fund.

The discussion on cameras has included location (the Tepper's basement was deemed unsuitable), monitoring (police preferred to civilians) and coverage (downtown vs. expansion to hot spots).

So will the money now come directly out of the new, city-managed trust fund? Without the formal application and approval process through the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority, how will this pot of money be drawn from? This camera debate began many years ago and still there is nothing in place. How long will it take to get this project up and running?

--Bernice

Appointees, Check Meeting Dates

2011-12-14T11:49:00.001-05:00

One reason I went to the PMUA's two meetings Tuesday was to witness the sight of two new commissioners in place after many months of wrangling over filling vacancies on the authority's board.

Of the two, only Cecil Sanders was there, joining Chairman Harold Mitchell and commissioners Alex Toliver and Carol Brokaw. Late in the regular PMUA meeting that followed the rate hearing, it came out in the wash that newly-appointed Commissioner Malcolm Dunn had some sort of a conflict with the meeting date. The board was discussing the annual calendar for 2012 and was about to adopt one with committee meetings on Thursdays and regular monthly meetings on Tuesdays.

After someone alluded to the conflict, the board held off on setting the calendar, even though Executive Director Duane Young had just commented that Thursdays and Tuesdays had worked fine in the past.

My reaction was how could someone get so far into the process without knowing when the body normally meets? That was one of the points of the Civic Responsibility Act's provision to set forth details such as the meeting date for a given board or commission so that an applicant could decide whether to apply. It is true that the PMUA has in the past adopted an annual calendar and then seemingly every month put in a legal notice rescheduling it, but with its new emphasis on transparency, one hoped it would become less of a moving target.

This glitch left me thinking: Would the PMUA or any other board or commission really change its normal meeting day to accommodate a new appointee? The PMUA has five commissioners and two alternates, plus staff including an attorney, on its roster. Other boards have seven or more members, plus staff. And what about the public? People complained when the PMUA moved up its meeting time to 6 p.m., effectively shutting out a lot of commuters who might want to attend.

There is a precedent, however, for changing an important meeting schedule for the ostensible benefit of an individual. In early 2006, the City Council made its disastrous change from meeting on Mondays to a Monday-Wednesday staggered schedule that needed its own place on the refrigerator for citizens to remember when the governing body was meeting. (Details here.) It was all about a department head who was council president in another municipality and needed to be there on the second Monday of each month.

It is up to the PMUA board of commissioners to deal with their own calendar for 2012, but again it's too bad a significant conflict for one individual was not made clear up front. The January meeting date is already up on the PMUA web site and so far, it's a Tuesday - or will it be?

--Bernice

2011-12-13T22:29:00.000-05:00

PMUA Executive Director Duane Young

The Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority is gathering approvals toward its longtime goal of bringing in outside revenues, officials said Tuesday.

The authority has provided solid waste and sewer services to Plainfield for about 16 years through an interlocal services agreement, but its early promise of expanding its range with outside contracts has yet to happen. Now it has received DEP permission to increase its maximum daily tonnage at the Rock Avenue transfer station from 99 to 280 tons and has won approval to charge tariffs

The authority still needs to get written permission from the city to go outside its boundaries for contracts and is entering into an agreement with the Union County Utilities Authority to serve as a “materials recovery facility,” authority attorney Leslie London said.The stage is set for “serious, meaningful negotiations,” London said.

London’s report was part of a regular PMUA meeting in which new Executive Director Duane Young thanked the PMUA board of commissioners for “blessing” a restructuring that resulted in no 2012 rate increase for solid waste services to property owners and a decrease in sewer rates. The restructuring led to savings of from $900,000 to $1 million, he said.

Young said the authority’s web site has been improved with minutes and meeting notices for greater transparency, something he promised in a September visit to the City Council.

“It makes it easier for the public,” he said.

In addition, residents who bring debris or vegetative waste to the transfer station will be able to pay with credit or debit cards in 2012.The authority lowered its rate for roll-off containers to a flat $150 for all sizes in another move to become more competitive and eventually increase revenues.

“We want to get new business,” Young said, so that its revenue does not “just come out of Plainfield residents’ pocket.”

Young said the PMUA will also streamline its senior discount system by using city records rather than trying to sign up seniors individually, which he called "a tedious process.".

“We want to grow,” he said. “We want to make this a better PMUA.”

--Bernice

McWilliams Completes Council Presidency

2011-12-13T02:17:00.000-05:00

Annie McWilliams completed two terms as City Council President Monday night amid kudos for her leadership.

The daughter of the late Mayor Albert T. McWilliams won a seat on the governing body in the November 2008 election, after defeating the Democratic Party's choice, Harold Gibson, in the June 2008 primary. She took office on Jan. 1, 2009 and served as president in 2010 and 2011.

Among accomplishments during her tenure as president, McWilliams named passage of the F.A.I.R. legislation and creation of the city's first Technology Division. She also had to deal with several highly volatile issues, such as a controversy over youth baseball leagues that brought large crowds to council meetings, and an investigation into an Aug. 1, 2010 Town Meeting that was broadcast over radio station WBLS. The live radio show cost $20,000 and after a year of fruitless inquiries into the use of city funds for the show, McWilliams pushed for an investigation as allowed by the city's special charter.

A report on the investigation will be final soon.

In council comments Monday, Councilman Cory Storch praised McWilliams' ability to defuse hostility and anger that erupted publicly in the baseball controversy.

"Your leadership is impeccable," Councilwoman Bridget Rivers added. "I appreciate you."

Councilman Adrian Mapp said as a new person on the governing body, McWilliams "came up to speed rapidly" and praised her leadership.

But McWilliams said, "This has really been function of us all working together," and said she hoped the "positive attitude" will continue.

In public comment, Plainfield Public Library Director Joe Da Rold and blogger Dr. Harold Yood voiced more compliments on her leadership, with Yood saying her "two years of professionalism" will be hard for anyone to follow.

The council will choose a new president for 2012 at the Jan. 3 annual reorganization.

McWilliams and Mapp campaigned together in 2008 and will have to declare by April 2 whether they will seek re-election. McWilliams holds the citywide at-large council seat, representing all four wards, and Mapp holds the Third Ward seat.

--Bernice

Hate Winter? This Bud's for You

2011-12-13T01:19:00.002-05:00

Here it is, less than two weeks till Christmas, and the Flowering Quince outside City Hall Annex is trying to burst into bloom. The frost date used to fall around October 15, so those who don't like cold weather are definitely getting a break.

This bud is even closer to flowering. Normally, Flowering Quince blooms in April (see photo here).

--Bernice

Thanks to AJ for Innovations

2011-12-12T07:55:00.000-05:00

Tonight the City Council will hold its last regular meeting for 2011, a year marking many innovations toward greater transparency in government.

City Clerk Abubakar Jalloh is the official keeper of city records and secretary to the governing body. He is also the person reporters and bloggers pester for background information on resolutions and ordinances so we can better inform the public of especially important legislation. By moving his office significantly into the digital age, AJ has done everyone a great service.

Despite some occasional glitches, bloggers have been able to read background documents on Saturdays before meetings by accessing a packet at the Plainfield Public Library. The titles of legislation on the agenda do not tell the whole story, and it is up to interested persons to delve into the sometimes voluminous paperwork to see what it is all about. Obviously, any member of the public can read the packet, but bloggers can then let readers know when significant expenditures or changes are about to be made, in case they want to weigh in by contacting their elected representatives or by speaking at the public meeting at which such matters will be up for discussion or voting.

Tonight's meeting, 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, is the last regular one for 2011. Next Monday, the council will hold an agenda-fixing session for the 2012 reorganization on Jan. 3 (not the reorganization itself, as is erroneously stated on the city web site). As a blogger, I look forward to continued innovation by the clerk's office in 2012, so that I and others can keep informing Plainfielders of pending legislation and changes in City Hall (such as the recent appointments of new cabinet members).

If you have never visited City Hall or when you are there to pay taxes, take a peek into the City Clerk's office and you will see both printed documents and a computer for looking up the Municipal Code, City Charter and other information online. The office has been redesigned to be more attractive and welcoming to the public. For all that and more, join the bloggers in saying a big thank you to City Clerk Abubakar "AJ" Jalloh.

--Bernice

CN Mandates Facebook for Comments

2011-12-11T08:56:00.001-05:00

Starting Monday, readers who want to comment on Courier News stories will have to do so through Facebook, meaning they would first have to initiate an FB account.

As Vice President/News Hollis R. Towns explains, the change is necessary to deter the "idiots, racists, perverts and downright cruel people" who hijacked online conversations about even the most sensitive stories.

Setting up a Facebook account is indeed simple, as Towns states. It is the upkeep that makes it a bit daunting for those who have never tried social media - the pressure to keep adding "friends," dealing with requests from "friends," even fending off long-lost people in one's life who now want to be "friends."

I set up an account at my daughter's behest, but then she quit over some tactic Facebook employed. She later rejoined, by which time I was hooked on using Facebook to keep in touch or at least keep tabs on old colleagues from the newsroom (and some newer Gannettoids who became former employees in the big wave of layoffs).

A friend told me that her son recently declared Facebook was only for "old people," as his tween friends had adopted other social media as more acceptable. If indeed several thousand newspaper readers - an older demographic - join Facebook, what's in it for Zuckerberg? Will Facebook indeed get the rep that some pin on AOL, unhip and over with?

There is more to this proposal than meets the eye in another way, as these Facebook legal terms indicate.

It is just not the same as making up a name and password for comments.

So have the "idiots, racists, perverts and downright cruel people" forced other prospective commenters into uncharted waters or will Facebook restore decorum into commenting? By early 2012, maybe we'll see.

--Bernice

You Saw It Here First

2011-12-10T03:37:00.001-05:00

Gov. Chris Christie's campaign to halt the practice of accruing unused sick days for a big payout later rang a bell with Plaintalker.

For some time now, the state has required municipalities to declare in their annual budget documents how much money is owed to employees for unused sick and vacation days. As reporter before I retired in 2003, I was quite intrigued by this concept. The editors agreed to let me do a story on it, but as was the practice in those days, they wanted me to call every town in the entire readership territory and get comments. I got pretty far into gathering information from the 50 or so municipalities before the project was dropped in favor of something else.

But it still seemed like an issue that needed some light shed on it and in 2008 I finally did a blog post on it. Click here to read it.

If reforms are passed, the current liability would remain, but the practice would not be continued for workers from that point on.

Not all municipalities permit employees to carry over unused sick and vacation days, but the amount currently owed in Plainfield is staggering. A change is due.

--Bernice

PMUA Meeting, Rate Hearing Tuesday

2011-12-09T10:32:00.001-05:00

In a very commendable move, the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority is holding its 2012 rate hearing in advance of the rates becoming effective. Readers will remember that in 2009 retroactive rate increases helped to spark a ratepayer revolt.

The rate hearing has been advertised for 6 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 13) at PMUA headquarters, 127 Roosevelt Ave., to be followed by the regular meeting. Many have objected to the early hour of these meetings, which mean some people are still at work and others have to choose between dinner at the usual time or going out to a meeting.

So the legal notice above on first glance seemed like an accommodation to those who have objected to the earlier hour. Plaintalker was on the verge of a congratulatory post when doubt kicked in. The notice only mentions the meeting, but not the hearing. So is the hearing still at 6 p.m.? Then never mind the kudos for thinking of the public.

A check last week of the PMUA web site showed the meeting time still as 6 p.m. and that's still what it says, as of this morning. The rate hearing is referenced in a nice letter by new Executive Director Duane Young, but nowhere is it spelled out whether it will be at 6 or 7 p.m.

Off to the DumpPMUA web site. There is a listing for the November meeting, but Plaintalker did not detect one this morning for December, nor any mention of the rate hearing. Maybe now that the new leadership has adopted a less defensive approach than the old one, the watchdog group has relaxed a bit.

In the past, PMUA had the habit of setting an annual calendar and then changing the dates just about every month for the actual meetings. DumpPMUA's advice - call (908) 226-2518 to verify the date - apparently still holds true for anyone who wants to attend the rate hearing and/or the meeting next week.

The December meeting is likely to be the first with new commissioners Malcolm Dunn and Cecil Sanders aboard after their confirmation last month by the City Council. Just another reason for curious ratepayers to be there on time for the action ...

--Bernice

Crime Alerts: What's Best?

2011-12-09T00:48:00.001-05:00

When I was a stay-at-home mom back in the 1960s, we had a remarkable crime detection system on our street in what was then Passaic Township. It was called Looking Out the Kitchen Window. A strange car on Old Forge Road instantly came under the scrutiny of sharp-eyed housewives and woe betide anyone who was seen skulking around on foot.

But that was then.

At the public safety meeting held Sunday by Council President Annie McWilliams, the notion of texting crime alerts to neighbors came up, she told the City Council Monday.McWilliams suggested use of a text messaging service if there was a spike in crime, such as burglaries or car break-ins. Residents in historic districts or neighborhood associations could put their e-mail addresses on notification systems such as one used in Boston, she said.

Councilman William Reid said he thought the blogs and the Courier News should be notified of spikes in crime.

In public comment, I recalled controversies over the police blotter when I was a reporter. A lot of people objected to seeing police reports in the newspaper because they felt it made Plainfield look bad. On the other hand, if there was a rash of purse-snatchings or muggings, I personally wanted to be aware of such trends so that I as a resident could take extra precautions.

I suggested Monday that public safety alerts could be posted on the Police Division's web site, although upon checking later I was not sure it was working the way I remembered it.

The discussion was brief Monday and no conclusions were reached. I was surprised that no one raised the question of the so-called "digital divide" that separates those with Blackberries and iPhones from some of the rest of us. There are systems that include land line notifications (such as Notify NYC).

Out where my daughter lives, West Seattle Blog posts crime reports that pinpoint trends. This is a collaborative effort between police and the blog, and comments by others add to the information. The Courier News has resumed publishing Plainfield police blotter items, but for local blogs such listings might be problematic, as linkages with the police would have to be established. Some neighborhood associations publish their own alerts, accessible only to members.

While new ways of alerting citizens are being explored, the best defense is personal awareness and precautions, such as not leaving valuables in cars, securing points of entry to homes and garages and watching out for suspicious people on the street. Many times when I was still working and coming home late, I would use the Police Division's escort service if I saw anything out of the ordinary near my home. I would go to headquarters and wait for a police car to follow me home safely.

Both Police Director Martin Hellwig and Lt. Brian Newman attended the public safety meeting Sunday, McWilliams said. Perhaps there will be a follow-up in the New Year.

--Bernice

2012 Reorganization Set for Jan. 3

2011-12-08T02:37:00.001-05:00

The City Council will hold its annual reorganization on Jan. 3, as the city reverts to a calendar year for budget purposes

The reorganization will be 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.

At Monday’s agenda-fixing session, members of the governing body realized the change from a July 1 start to the fiscal year may require more than the usual largely ceremonial matters at the reorganization. The agenda-fixing session for the reorganization will take place 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 19 in City Hall Library.

Among the ceremonies on Jan. 3, Cory Storch and Vera Greaves will be sworn in for four-year terms. It will be the third Second Ward term for Storch and the first full term for Greaves, who served as an appointee before winning the First & Fourth Ward seat in the Nov. 8 general election

The reorganization traditionally includes a State of the City address by the mayor and the naming of judges, special counsel and various board members for the year.

The annual reorganization in years past also attracted city leaders and citizen watchdogs who made their own “state of the city” remarks to a full house. Attendance at council meetings dropped off after the council changed its meeting schedule twice, currently holding just one agenda-fixing session and one regular meeting per month on variable Mondays.

--Bernice

UEZ Funds "Not a Piggy Bank."

2011-12-07T03:40:00.001-05:00

A proposal for an “ecological park” raised too many questions Monday to get City Council endorsement and will be taken up again in the New Year.

A main sticking point was the use of $32,600 in Urban Enterprise Zone funds. According to background documents, the plan was first discussed in August. The resolution to award UEZ funds to a Parsippany firm was based on an April account balance, but since then, the state has revised the UEZ program and the city has placed its remaining funds into a locally managed account.

“There is no new money coming in,” Councilman Cory Storch said. “Once it’s spent, it’s gone.”

Councilwoman Rebecca Williams questioned the proposed contract with H2M Associates after the city only received one response from a list of qualified vendors that did not include the firm. In light of recent bidding reform legislation, Williams asked whether bidding for the services should be reopened.In answer to Council President Annie McWilliams, Economic Development Director Jacques Howard said the firm was qualified, but there was time to have bids resubmitted.

Among aspects of the proposal, a “Green Task Force” would be established to set sustainability goals, move the city toward a green economy and establish it as the “Queen Green City.” A city-owned lot near a school would become an ecological park where visitors could “learn about nature and the importance of respecting the natural environment.” A second phase of the plan would address 10 points on the city’s future as a “sustainable community.”

Councilman William Reid asked why the city needs a “comprehensive sustainability policy” and Howard said the city’s Environmental Commission, established 10 years ago, still has no members. The H2M proposal would yield a policy “so the city as a whole would be good environmental stewards,” Howard said.

“So what you’re really saying is that you need help,” Reid said.

But concerns about local management of the UEZ funds came to the fore.Councilman Adrian Mapp said the funds were “not to be used as a piggy bank by the administration.”

Previously, the city’s need to apply to the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for permission put a check on use of the funds and now, he said, “No UEZ funds should be spent unless the City Council approves.”

“Unless we put controls in place,” he said, “that $4.5 million would be spent in a heartbeat.”The council rescinded five applications to the UEZA in order to create the locally managed fund, among them one for $800,000 to acquire and install closed circuit television security cameras in the zone downtown and $275,043 for continued funding of downtown police.

In other fiscal glitches Monday, new City Administrator Eric Berry presented three “walk-on” items at the meeting, including budget transfers about which Finance Director Al Restaino said he knew nothing. Berry said they came from the city’s chief finance officer and treasurer, Ron Zilinski, but due to a family emergency, Zilinski was not on hand Monday night to explain the items.

In addition, Mapp, who is also a certified CFO, questioned a proposed contract for animal control services in 2012, saying funds could not be appropriated now for the coming year. The city is completing a six-month transitional budget year and will revert to a calendar budget year as of Jan. 1.

--Bernice

Mau Comments on the Holiday Rush

2011-12-05T23:39:00.001-05:00

"Why don't you rush out and buy me some more catnip?"

WBLS Report Nearing Completion

2011-12-05T22:35:00.001-05:00

The City Council has received a 17-page draft report on the WBLS investigation and expects a final report soon, Council President Annie McWilliams said Monday.

The council discussed the report in closed session before the public meeting Monday. The final report will include recommendations for council action.

The governing body invoked its investigative powers under the city's special charter after failing to receive answers from the administration regarding use of $20,000 in public funds for an Aug. 1, 2010 "Town Meeting" broadcast live on WBLS. The report is from attorney Ramon Rivera, hired by the council to conduct the investigation, which included three hearings with testimony from top officials. Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, who contends a bank's donation of $15,000 largely repaid the WBLS bill, also hired her own attorney.

The administration and some council members have challenged the cost of hiring Rivera, but McWilliams said the investigation is relevant to how the city handles all of its funding. At an Oct. 19 hearing, the mayor said she sought a $20,000 check on the Friday before the Sunday radio show because it was an "emergency." The funds came from a budget line for "hardware and software maintenance." Click here for Plaintalker's full report on the Oct. 19 session.

For more on the genesis of the investigation, click here.

--Bernice

City Council Welcomes Berry

2011-12-05T21:53:00.001-05:00

The governing body welcomed new City Administrator Eric Berry Monday and even concluded business by 9:05 p.m.as a bonus.

Berry comes to the Queen City from Trenton and began work here a week ago. His term will be concurrent with that of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, to Dec. 31, 2013. He is in charge of day-to-day operations of the city and all three department heads that report to him were also on hand Monday.

Best wishes to Mr. Berry!

--Bernice

House Tour, Procession Cross Paths

2011-12-04T22:06:00.001-05:00

Fine weather Sunday benefited both the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District House Tour and a religious procession from Library Park to St. Mary's R.C. Church.

Parishioners carried flags of their homelands and images of the Virgen de Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas.

Tour goers lined up at a Madison Avenue home to buy tickets and get maps.

As the faithful marched, the district's streets began to fill up with visitors interested in the district's eclectic architecture and holiday decorations.

Along the way, marchers stopped for prayers.

The opulence of the Victorian era contrasted with the simple faith of the marchers, who will hold another procession on Dec. 11, from 10:30 p.m. to midnight, when the Feast of the Virgen de Guadalupe will be observed.

Act IV Offers Capra Film As Radio Play

2011-12-04T20:50:00.001-05:00

Act IV Productions will present "It's a Wonderful Life" as a radio play, complete with "Foley artists" making sound effects, for one weekend only this month.

Based on the beloved Frank Capra film, the performances will replicate the kind of radio play that was a prime form of family entertainment in the 1940s. Radio theater depended on sound effects to enhance the listener's experience and in tribute to innovator Jack Foley, those who continue this craft are called "Foley artists."

Director Cass Cochrane and a cast of sixteen, including many veterans of Central Jersey community theater, will present 7:30 p.m. performances of Philip Grecian's radio play on Dec. 16 and 17 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 18. Tickets are $17, or $14 for students and seniors. All performances will take place in the Parish Hall of the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, 724 Park Ave. See www.fusp.org or call (908) 756-0750 for more information or directions.

--Bernice

Land Line: FAIL

2011-12-04T18:49:00.001-05:00

My, my. Who knew that modern telecom elements include not only colored wire, but STRING and manila tags.

My neighbor's land line failed and after a week, a repairman showed up in one of those 12-hour time frames that Verizon offers (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

So he does something in the box pictured above, which has a very flimsy cover, and voila! her landline is fixed.

The next time I pick up my handset, guess what? No dial tone! Tag, I'm it! Now I have a 12-hour time frame several days from now in which to wait for a repair person.

If I knew where to get some of that excellent STRING, I might track down a couple of Dixie cups and at least my neighbor and I could talk on a homemade land line.

Meanwhile, I will have to rely on my cell phone for ringie-dingies this week.

--Bernice

Public Safety Meeting Today

2011-12-04T01:20:00.001-05:00

Council President Annie McWilliams has taken the unusual step of calling for a meeting on public safety at 4 p.m. today, Sunday, due to a "recent rash of burglaries."

McWilliams said Public Safety/Police Director Martin Hellwig will attend, with members of the Police Division. The meeting is from 4 to 5 p.m. at 1341 Prospect Avenue, the McWilliams family home. It is not a City Council meeting. According to her announcement, all are welcome to attend the meeting and bring their questions or concerns.

Plaintalker was unaware of a recent increase in burglaries, but the 2010 Uniform Crime Report, released Nov. 10, shows a 16 percent increase in burglaries in Plainfield over 2009, from 334 to 387. Larcenies increased 10 percent, from 846 to 930. Undoubtedly the current poor economic conditions have led to increases in these crimes, which are considered non-violent, but affect the quality of life in neighborhoods.

Urban dwellers already know enough to take precautions such as locking cars and securing their homes, but career burglars tend to hit whole streets or neighborhoods looking for opportunities to steal valuables. Often police can stop a spate of burglaries with one or two arrests.

Plainfield's "crime index," the total of seven major crimes, increased by 9 percent in 2010, from 1,773 to 1,936. Among Part 1 (violent) crimes, murders, rapes and aggravated assaults increased, while robberies decreased. All Part 2 crimes - burglaries, larcenies and motor vehicle theft - increased.

--Bernice

Time to Look Back at 2011

2011-12-03T03:40:00.001-05:00

In preparation for a post on the top stories of 2011, I just read my own posts from January and February and will soon read the rest for the year. While Plaintalker is not a regulation news outlet, readers who have the time may like to do the same and see what has or has not been accomplished this year.

For a longer view, Plainfield Plaintalker and Plaintalker II now have a combined six years' worth of stories about Plainfield and readers can search for terms using the bar at the top left of the page or can just jump in anywhere using the archive at the right side of the blog.

Now that winter is approaching, it was kind of scary to see again the paralyzing snowfalls of early 2011. It was also eye-opening to realize how some issues drag on, such as the inquiry into the Aug. 1, 2010 Town Meeting and the many PMUA questions.

Readers are welcome to comment on the top stories of 2011 or forecasts for 2012. Plaintalker's review will be posted at the end of the month.

--Bernice

FUSP Concert Dec. 3

2011-12-02T13:41:00.001-05:00

For old times sake, I am putting up this announcement:

Multicultural Holiday Concert

December 3rd, 7:30 pm

First Unitarian Society of Plainfield

- in the Sanctuary

Join us for a holiday concert that offers a variety of musical styles, from religious and secular traditions, from a variety of outstanding artists. Musicians performing include Steve Kaplan and Paul Caluori (guitar and violin), Music Director and pianist extraordinaire Gordon Rowan, Olympia’s Daughters, the Choir of the First Unitarian Society, John Hawkins, and more. This concert will be an unforgettable kick off to the holiday season.

Tickets $20 ($35 for families) - to benefit the FUSP Friends of Music and the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield - available at the door or through http://multiculturalholidayconcert.eventbrite.com.

Berry's Office?

2011-12-02T01:57:00.001-05:00

We're told this basement office in City Hall is where new City Administrator Eric Berry is housed, not in City Hall Annex where previous city administrators have been located.

Many years ago, the mayor and city administrator shared offices and staff in the southeast corner of City Hall. Later the city administrator went to the third floor of the Annex, across Watchung Avenue from City Hall.

Berry began work Monday and will probably be on hand for the Dec. 6 City Council agenda fixing session in City Hall Library. He was formerly the business administrator in Trenton.

Berry's hiring gives the administration a full cabinet for the first time in a long while. He is in charge of day-to-day operations of the city, with three department heads reporting to him - the newly hired director of Public Works & Urban Development, Eric Jackson, also a former Trenton official; Public Safety Director Martin Hellwig, on the job since 2006; and Al Restaino, director of Administration, Finance, Health & Social Services since November 2010. In addition, newly appointed Fire Chief Frank Tidwell is part of the cabinet. Hellwig has a dual role as police director in addition to being department head (in effect reporting to himself). The city's new chief finance officer since January, Ron Zilinski, is also a former Trenton official.

City Clerk Abubakar Jalloh was appointed on Feb. 14 and has brought many innovations to his office.

Good luck to the new team in 2012!

--Bernice .

Jackson Meets Planners

2011-12-02T01:22:00.001-05:00

DPW&UD Director Eric Jackson

Eric Jackson, the new director of the Department of Public Works & Urban Development, was effusive in his praise of the city and his staff as he met with the Planning Board Thursday.

Jackson began work here on Sept. 26 and said Thursday he has "a lot of administrative background and energy to give" to the city. He called Planning Director Bill Nierstedt "a great liaison" and said his staff is excellent.

"I am accessible to you," he told the board members. "For all that we do, we will work together."

Besides the Planning Division, Jackson's department includes Recreation, Inspections, the City Yard and Economic Development. See his city web site page here.

On the job for nine weeks now, he declared Plainfield "a vibrant city."

--Bernice

World AIDS Day Tomorrow

2011-11-30T07:24:00.001-05:00

The first day of December has come to be known as World AIDS Day, when activists and health agencies make a special effort to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS. This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are focusing on the need for testing among certain segments of the male African-American population. Read more about the "Testing Makes Us Stronger" campaign.

Last December, Plainfield was confronted with an unusual situation when an activist and health professional wanted to speak at a City Council meeting about HIV/AIDS, and the mayor asked for the camera to be turned off. Councilwoman Rebecca Williams responded by publishing on her blog the facts the mayor apparently did not want to face. See Plaintalker's commentary here.

Please take a look at this United Nations advisory on the "Getting to Zero" campaign.

--Bernice

Procession Sunday Launches Observance

2011-11-29T22:05:00.001-05:00

A religious observance with great meaning for the city's Mexican population will begin Sunday with a procession honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe.

The City Council granted permission on Nov. 21 for the procession from noon to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, starting at the Plainfield Public Library and going along West Eighth Street to Liberty Street and ending at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.

Past processions have included prayers, hymns, mariachi musicians, Aztec dancers (Clarification: These dancers are from a 2007 event described here) and bearers with statues and images of La Virgen de Guadalupe and San Juan Diego. On the evening of Dec. 11, there will be another procession from 10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., around the block where the church is located. The faithful sing songs called mananitas in praise of the Virgen de Guadalupe, with a Mass at midnight. To learn more about the history of the holiday, click here.

The event usually attracts a large number of Latinos of Mexican heritage from around Central Jersey.

--Bernice

VWB District Tour Set for Sunday

2011-11-28T23:08:00.001-05:00

An upcoming tour of historic homes will provide the perfect breather from holiday preparations and may even give you ideas that will make your family celebration more memorable. Named for the childhood home of author Van Wyck Brooks, the historic district includes some of Plainfield’s most stately homes, created in the days when founders spared no expense on engaging prestigious architects and using the finest materials.

On Dec. 4, you can see for yourself why the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Tickets for the nine-home tour are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Tour hours are from noon to 6 p.m. You can purchase a calendar featuring district mansions for enjoyment throughout the year. For more details on the tour and information on the district, click here.

Plaintalker posed some questions which district resident Brian Munroe answered:

Q. Some of the city’s most architecturally significant homes will be on the tour, including examples of Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, Shingle Style, Second Empire, and Colonial Revival design. Three of the homes were designed by architect Charles H. Smith. What are some distinctive elements of the Smith homes?

A. Correction: There are only two houses by Charles H. Smith. They are both highly decorative inside and out featuring a more feminine side towards the appearance. However, some of the wood species used in the houses also act as a more masculine look. Also, both homes are loaded with exquisite leaded and stained glass windows. One house even has pocket doors that are all stained glass. Both homes express a high interest in the Queen Anne look and spare no expense to build these homes.

Q. Tours in this district have been very popular, perhaps for providing a glimpse at the Queen City’s “Millionaire’s Row.” What generally is the draw to this district and what do you do with proceeds of the tours?

A. I feel the draw are the multitude styles of mansions in the area. People are fascinated with the old look of the homes and love to see how today's person can live in "yesterdays" home. This year a portion of the proceeds will go towards a scholarship for a graduating Plainfield high school student.

Q. What do you think visitors will take away from their visit? Decorating ideas? Holiday themes? A better appreciation for Victoriana?

A. I think decorating ideas overall is a good take away. The rich design in architecture people will take away. We hope they take a holiday ball and calendar with them to show that Plainfield has a lot to offer and little to lose.

(Mark Spivey's excellent article on the tour was published today. Click here to read it.)

Season's Greetings?

2011-11-28T22:31:00.001-05:00

Having gone in and out of City Hall unimpeded for some time, I was surprised today to be stopped by a new "greeter" in the rotunda, who asked where I was going and insisted that I sign in.

Detecting my disdain for the process, the greeter asked me whether I didn't think it was important to have someone monitoring who enters City Hall. No, I did not.

This system of greeters began during the mayor's first term, when the large counter was also installed in front of the memorial plaques. The counter blocks names of some who made the ultimate sacrifice, which some residents found offensive. The greeter program faded away for a while, but the counter remains. Sometimes in the summer, young people serve as greeters, though individuals have been found fast asleep while on duty.

The new greeter did introduce himself and offered a handshake, but I still question a new hire for this on-again, off-again task.

Another somewhat disconcerting sight was the proliferation of flags and banners left over from Veterans Day, now surrounding the Christmas tree. I don't know where all these new flags came from, but their stands were still being assembled well into the Veterans Day ceremonies on Nov. 11. Two large banners are also competing for a visitor's attention in the rotunda, making for a very busy visual effect.

The large flag stands may even prove to be somewhat of a hazard when the annual Christmas Tree Lighting crowd throngs City Hall on Friday.

Call me a Grinch, but I prefer dealing with one holiday at a time, especially when the other one is three weeks past.

As for the greeter, the administration has the right to hire and fire employees without City Council involvement, but the governing body will have a role in dealing with the 2012 calendar year budget. Maybe the need for greeters can be clarified in budget talks. Or maybe they should go the way of the bodyguards.

--Bernice

Some Words for Dark Days

2011-11-27T22:24:00.001-05:00

Way back in November 2007, I wrote about some ways to cope with the gloom of winter. Well, lately one would never know winter is right around the corner. The beautiful weather recently has people going around in shorts and tank tops as if summer never ended.

But just for historical interest, here are some musings from that time (prompted by a search for Tweed Gallery, which turned up the blog post).

--Bernice

A Quick Trip to Westfield

2011-11-27T05:13:00.001-05:00

Waiting for the eastbound train.

Someday there may be a Trader Joe's in downtown Plainfield, but meanwhile I decided to go get some Tuscan Pane Saturday from the one in Westfield. Having picked up a new directory on my last trip, I also wanted to visit the Hip Thrift and Art Gallery on South Avenue.

The directory includes a map, showing all the parking lots - something I wish Plainfield had. I usually shop in the stores north of the train station and I had to get a Google map to pinpoint where the thrift shop was. So armed with my map and directory, I caught the 10:57 a.m. 59 bus at the stop outside City Hall.

It was a beautiful day for late November and along the way I could see lots of roses and other plants that had not yet been hit by a killing frost. At Trader Joe's I got the bread I like so much, and a couple of take-out dishes for a day free of cooking.

The thrift shop was intriguing, but I still find the amount of stuff in thrift shops overwhelming, though I did make one purchase.I mainly wanted to report back to Audrey, who is very skilled at finding treasures in such places. Seattle's Goodwill just held its Glitter Sale, perhaps the pinnacle of thrift events in a city that highly values recycling of everything, including second-hand Christian Louboutin shoes.

Soon it was time to catch the 11:59 a.m. train back to Plainfield and that's when I saw the eastbound platform jammed with people, some holding bags from shopping in Westfield, others no doubt bound for Manhattan shopping or holiday sight-seeing.

As for me, it was time to get out the rake and clear the fallen oak leaves off the lawn and garden on the northeast side of the building. I hauled out the old Toro blower/mulcher to reduce the piles of leaves to half the volume, then headed inside for some Trader Joe's treats.

My final thoughts on this trip were wishes that Plainfield had a current directory and especially a map of downtown parking. The business directories displayed in City Hall are very attractive, but out of date. We don't have anything as sophisticated as the Downtown Westfield Corporation, but the Special Improvement District does send out a publication with listings of businesses. A parking map would be a nice addition.

And how about a Trader Joe's downtown? It was touted as a future occupant of the PNC Bank building. way back in 2008. Meanwhile, NJTransit to the rescue for us non-car-owning Trader Joe's fans to make a quick trip to Westfield.

--Bernice