A troubled East End neighborhood is moving closer to the renewal promised about eight years ago.
The Planning Board reviewed a study Thursday that is a major step in the redevelopment process. Conducted by Nishuane Group, the study measured every property on East Second Street between Leland and Johnston avenues against state criteria for redevelopment and found many examples of obsolescence and neglect. The neighborhood is in the Urban Enterprise Zone, which alone can be a determinant for redevelopment.
Still, Planning Director Bill Nierstedt said the neighborhood had come a long way since the push for renewal began. It has a very active community group and now has a new road, sidewalks and curbs. A dilapidated former meat market has been demolished and a developer is seeking approvals for a new three-story, 20-unit building on the site.
The board had discussed the East Second Street Neighborhood Commercial District in July, but Nierstedt asked the Planning Board members to visit the site in person before voting on the study. A public hearing on the study will be held at the Aug. 18 board meeting, 7:30 p.m. in City Hall Library, 515 Watchung Ave., after which the board may vote to accept the study and forward it to the City Council. The council may then request the board to prepare a redevelopment plan.
With interest in Plainfield growing, Nierstedt told the board to expect three more studies and two redevelopment plans by the end of the year. In addition, 20 applications are pending.
"There's a lot going on," he said.
--Bernice
Friday, August 5, 2016
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
August Abounds in Community Events
Besides the usual family fun events in each of the city's four wards and other traditional summer gatherings, the coming weekend adds two more to the list.
On Saturday, the Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition and United Youth Council Inc. will hold a "Youth Summit Community Street Block Festival' from 1 to 7 p.m. at John and Essex streets. Alma Blanco, who ran for the Third Ward City Council seat in the June primary, is promoting the event on Facebook. She writes, "Let's celebrate our community, not at City Hall, not at the park, but in the heart of the community."
The city just held a highly successful "National Night Out" event Tuesday at City Hall.
On Sunday, another group is holding a "Community Unity Day" in Cedar Brook Park, part of the Union County park system. The sponsor is a new group in Plainfield, O.P.E.N. Someone asked organizer Sta Cey McKennon on Facebook what the acronym stands for, but no answer was given. The Black Panther Party of New Jersey is credited as organizer of the event and also held a food distribution recently at Clinton Avenue and West Second Street.
The next city-sponsored Family Fun Day is on Aug. 20 at Hannah Atkins Park in the Fourth Ward. Click the link for details.
--Bernice
On Saturday, the Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition and United Youth Council Inc. will hold a "Youth Summit Community Street Block Festival' from 1 to 7 p.m. at John and Essex streets. Alma Blanco, who ran for the Third Ward City Council seat in the June primary, is promoting the event on Facebook. She writes, "Let's celebrate our community, not at City Hall, not at the park, but in the heart of the community."
The city just held a highly successful "National Night Out" event Tuesday at City Hall.
On Sunday, another group is holding a "Community Unity Day" in Cedar Brook Park, part of the Union County park system. The sponsor is a new group in Plainfield, O.P.E.N. Someone asked organizer Sta Cey McKennon on Facebook what the acronym stands for, but no answer was given. The Black Panther Party of New Jersey is credited as organizer of the event and also held a food distribution recently at Clinton Avenue and West Second Street.
The next city-sponsored Family Fun Day is on Aug. 20 at Hannah Atkins Park in the Fourth Ward. Click the link for details.
--Bernice
Charter School Zoning Case Rescheduled to October
A charter school's Zoning Board application to make a Central Avenue mansion its future home will not be heard until Oct. 5, due to a glitch uncovered Wednesday.
The Barack Obama Green Charter High School proposes to construct a two-story addition to property at 1038-1040 Central Avenue, currently owned by Malcolm Dunn, to house 240 students, 30 staff members and two administrators. The use is not permitted on the residential-zoned site. The school also seeks permission for five parking spaces in front of the building and 40 more leased from an adjacent art school. Variances are also needed for fences, signs and more.
The board decided Wednesday to hold the application and move the meeting to a larger venue, due to confusion caused by a meeting Monday between school representatives and neighbors of the proposed site. School co-founder and leader Steven King said Monday's meeting took place at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield and was called to "talk about the project and the school." Apparently attendees got the impression that the matter would not be heard Wednesday. Attorney Richard Angowski, who is representing the school in the Zoning Board case, denied any knowledge Monday's meeting.
The board had been prepared to hear the case and those who arrived early expecting a large crowd were the only members of the public to learn it will be held in October. Because proper notice had been given for Wednesday, no further notice is required. Part of the reason for not hearing it Wednesday was to accommodate interested parties who may have been misled.
The desire to reschedule resulted in a lengthy weighing of the choices. First, four dates in August were considered, but none accommodated board members as well Angowski's anticipated four expert witnesses. The board considered adding the application to the Sept. 7 regular meeting, but member Jim Spear suggested Oct. 5. Angowski alluded to "confidential matters between my client and the property owner" regarding the delay, but the board settled on 7 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Senior Center at 400 East Front Street.
Anyone interested in the case should mark their calendars now, as no further notice is required. Plaintalker will check for any updates on the date or venue.
The school is currently located downtown in the Union Building at Watchung Avenue and East Front Street. Before that, it occupied a former special school building on Berckman Street, and space at the Boys & Girls Club on West Seventh Street.
--Bernice
The Barack Obama Green Charter High School proposes to construct a two-story addition to property at 1038-1040 Central Avenue, currently owned by Malcolm Dunn, to house 240 students, 30 staff members and two administrators. The use is not permitted on the residential-zoned site. The school also seeks permission for five parking spaces in front of the building and 40 more leased from an adjacent art school. Variances are also needed for fences, signs and more.
The board decided Wednesday to hold the application and move the meeting to a larger venue, due to confusion caused by a meeting Monday between school representatives and neighbors of the proposed site. School co-founder and leader Steven King said Monday's meeting took place at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield and was called to "talk about the project and the school." Apparently attendees got the impression that the matter would not be heard Wednesday. Attorney Richard Angowski, who is representing the school in the Zoning Board case, denied any knowledge Monday's meeting.
The board had been prepared to hear the case and those who arrived early expecting a large crowd were the only members of the public to learn it will be held in October. Because proper notice had been given for Wednesday, no further notice is required. Part of the reason for not hearing it Wednesday was to accommodate interested parties who may have been misled.
The desire to reschedule resulted in a lengthy weighing of the choices. First, four dates in August were considered, but none accommodated board members as well Angowski's anticipated four expert witnesses. The board considered adding the application to the Sept. 7 regular meeting, but member Jim Spear suggested Oct. 5. Angowski alluded to "confidential matters between my client and the property owner" regarding the delay, but the board settled on 7 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Senior Center at 400 East Front Street.
Anyone interested in the case should mark their calendars now, as no further notice is required. Plaintalker will check for any updates on the date or venue.
The school is currently located downtown in the Union Building at Watchung Avenue and East Front Street. Before that, it occupied a former special school building on Berckman Street, and space at the Boys & Girls Club on West Seventh Street.
--Bernice
National Night Out 2016
National Night Out 2016 was a big success! Hundreds of residents gathered at City Hall Tuesday to enjoy each others' company and celebrate life in Plainfield.
An extra feature this year was a car and motorcycle show.
Youngsters enjoy meeting with members of the Plainfield Fire Division.
Police Officer Bernel Harrison busts a move with a cadet from the mentoring program.
Councilwoman Rebecca Williams, the governing body's Public Safety liaison, addresses the crowd.
First Unitarian Society of Plainfield had an information table.
"Hello, Plainfield!"
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp welcomed everybody.
Plainfield Recreation Division representin'
Former Councilwoman Elizabeth Urquhart, who began Plainfield's National Night Out observance and championed it for 16 years while serving on the council, received recognition from the mayor and all present.
Mayor Mapp presented community awards to outstanding residents in each of the city's four wards. Here is First Ward resident Marie Davis being honored for her service to the city.
Second Ward resident Donald Van Blake was honored for promoting tennis in Plainfield, serving as a Buffalo Soldier and at 95 being a role model for several generations.
Third Ward resident Jean Black was not present, but will receive her plaque later. She is known for taking part in community affairs and always speaking her mind.
Rev. James Abney Of the Fourth Ward received a plaque for his community involvement.
A Plainfield Police Division mentoring program that began with 20 young people grew to 30 last year and 45 this year.
The group gathered with officials on the steps of City Hall for a portrait.
Proud relatives took their own photos of the cadets.
The crowd filled the plaza at City Hall.
Children enjoyed a bouncy house (slide?) on the grounds of City Hall.
Even the little kids enjoyed a game.
As always, Public Works Superintendent John Louise manned the grill. The size of the crowd this year required extra hot dogs and popcorn
City Council members and other officials made a caravan through the city to visit neighborhood celebrations of National Night Out before convening at City Hall. Residents citywide left porch lights on to show community solidarity against crime.
According to information on the official website, National Night Out began in 1984 with 2.5 million people in 400 communities taking part. By 1999, it had grown to more than 32 million people in 9,530 communities participating. Mayor Mapp welcomed members of city boards and commissions, his cabinet members, community organizations and the general public Tuesday for National Night Out 2016.
--Bernice
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Be Prepared for Zoning Board Wednesday
Attendees at Wednesday's Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting may arrive in an emotional state, but they will soon learn that the board proceeds at its own pace - like, keep calm, no carrying on allowed.
The issue is an application to convert a Central Avenue property into a charter school. While neighbors may feel it will destroy the neighborhood, the board will be weighing the application against zoning laws in a quasi-judicial manner, with expert witnesses and sworn testimony. A legal notice dwelt on items such as "buffering and screening requirement," and how four-foot evergreen hedges would be needed to screen HVAC equipment.
The point is, this matter may or may not be quickly resolved.
Commenters are throwing shade at the real estate broker and the board president of a neighboring art school for being involved, while the Zoning Board will be dealing with standards for signs, parking and fences .The main issue is that a school is not a permitted use.in the R-2 zone, but the applicant is entitled to seek relief.
Plainfielders can be very tenacious over land use issues. Examples are the Abbott Manor, Kingdom Hall and Muhlenberg cases (ask a longtime resident). Some cases go on for years. Correction:This property is not in an historic district - reference removed.
Whether you are for or against the proposal, just be forewarned that the Zoning Board will hear from both sides, including the public, before rendering a decision. So with your feelings, bring a lot of patience Wednesday.
--Bernice
The issue is an application to convert a Central Avenue property into a charter school. While neighbors may feel it will destroy the neighborhood, the board will be weighing the application against zoning laws in a quasi-judicial manner, with expert witnesses and sworn testimony. A legal notice dwelt on items such as "buffering and screening requirement," and how four-foot evergreen hedges would be needed to screen HVAC equipment.
The point is, this matter may or may not be quickly resolved.
Commenters are throwing shade at the real estate broker and the board president of a neighboring art school for being involved, while the Zoning Board will be dealing with standards for signs, parking and fences .The main issue is that a school is not a permitted use.in the R-2 zone, but the applicant is entitled to seek relief.
Plainfielders can be very tenacious over land use issues. Examples are the Abbott Manor, Kingdom Hall and Muhlenberg cases (ask a longtime resident). Some cases go on for years. Correction:This property is not in an historic district - reference removed.
Whether you are for or against the proposal, just be forewarned that the Zoning Board will hear from both sides, including the public, before rendering a decision. So with your feelings, bring a lot of patience Wednesday.
--Bernice
Monday, August 1, 2016
Meetings This Week
If you want to get involved in Plainfield affairs, here are some things to do:
Tuesday, Aug. 2
National Night Out, 6:30 p.m., City Hall plaza
Board of Education work & study meeting, 8 p.m., Plainfield High School cafeteria
Wednesday, Aug. 3
Zoning Board of Adjustment, 7 p.m., City Hall Library
Application of Barack Obama Green Charter School to build on 1038-1040 Central Ave.
Thursday, Aug. 4
Planning Board, 7:30 p.m., City Hall Library
--Bernice
Tuesday, Aug. 2
National Night Out, 6:30 p.m., City Hall plaza
Board of Education work & study meeting, 8 p.m., Plainfield High School cafeteria
Wednesday, Aug. 3
Zoning Board of Adjustment, 7 p.m., City Hall Library
Application of Barack Obama Green Charter School to build on 1038-1040 Central Ave.
Thursday, Aug. 4
Planning Board, 7:30 p.m., City Hall Library
--Bernice
Thinking About the DPW&UD
The untimely death of Eric Watson has created a void in leadership of the Department of Public Works and Urban Development, which includes six vital divisions - Inspections, Recreation, Planning, Building, Engineering and the City Yard. While the city administrator can take over as acting head of the department, there are still 17 months remaining in Mayor Adrian O. Mapp's current term and a search for Watson's successor is likely.
Watson was uniquely qualified for the job, as he had held the same post under Mayor Mark A. Fury in 1994. When he became the first executive director of the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority, many Public Works employees became the core staff of the new authority and though autonomous, it was linked to the city in several ways. Two other Public Works officials, Lou Jones and David Ervin, joined Watson in the initial leadership of the PMUA.
Watson was the second director to serve in Mapp's administration since he became mayor in January 2014. Eric Jackson had served from September 2011 through the end of 2013 in the administration of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs and was so well-regarded that Mapp kept him on, with City Council approval, when he took office. Jackson left to become mayor of Trenton in July 2014 and City Administrator Rick Smiley served additionally as acting DPW&UD director until Watson returned in September 2014.
Because Watson was so well-known, a successor must be prepared to meet a clamor of needs from the public in as capable a way as he did. Public Works Superintendent John Louise is in the front line in that regard, dealing with residents' concerns about potholes, leaf collection, street trees and the physical state of the city. He also works closely with the other divisions to set up public events such as Tuesday's National Night Out.
The city's charter requires three departments under which all divisions are distributed. Two that are now in the DPW&UD, Recreation and Inspections, were under the Department of Public Affairs & Safety until Mayor Fury moved them. The story goes that Fury wanted to name a boyhood friend as tax collector, but the person's background was in social services. So Fury took Health and social services out of the Department of Public Affairs & Safety and moved them to Administration & Finance. Other divisions went to the DPW&UD, leaving only Police and Fire divisions in DPA&S. The result is a mixed bag of responsibilities in the other departments, which could be remedied in the next mayoral term by realigning them.
When Watson rejoined city government, some surmised that plans were afoot to bring operations of the PMUA under city control with his help. However, no steps were taken. If that was in fact a goal, a new DPW&UD director might find the array of responsibilities even more daunting.
Whatever happens next, Eric Watson will be remembered for his service. Passing at the age of 59, he had given most of his adult life to Plainfield. May he rest in peace.
--Bernice
Watson was uniquely qualified for the job, as he had held the same post under Mayor Mark A. Fury in 1994. When he became the first executive director of the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority, many Public Works employees became the core staff of the new authority and though autonomous, it was linked to the city in several ways. Two other Public Works officials, Lou Jones and David Ervin, joined Watson in the initial leadership of the PMUA.
Watson was the second director to serve in Mapp's administration since he became mayor in January 2014. Eric Jackson had served from September 2011 through the end of 2013 in the administration of Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs and was so well-regarded that Mapp kept him on, with City Council approval, when he took office. Jackson left to become mayor of Trenton in July 2014 and City Administrator Rick Smiley served additionally as acting DPW&UD director until Watson returned in September 2014.
Because Watson was so well-known, a successor must be prepared to meet a clamor of needs from the public in as capable a way as he did. Public Works Superintendent John Louise is in the front line in that regard, dealing with residents' concerns about potholes, leaf collection, street trees and the physical state of the city. He also works closely with the other divisions to set up public events such as Tuesday's National Night Out.
The city's charter requires three departments under which all divisions are distributed. Two that are now in the DPW&UD, Recreation and Inspections, were under the Department of Public Affairs & Safety until Mayor Fury moved them. The story goes that Fury wanted to name a boyhood friend as tax collector, but the person's background was in social services. So Fury took Health and social services out of the Department of Public Affairs & Safety and moved them to Administration & Finance. Other divisions went to the DPW&UD, leaving only Police and Fire divisions in DPA&S. The result is a mixed bag of responsibilities in the other departments, which could be remedied in the next mayoral term by realigning them.
When Watson rejoined city government, some surmised that plans were afoot to bring operations of the PMUA under city control with his help. However, no steps were taken. If that was in fact a goal, a new DPW&UD director might find the array of responsibilities even more daunting.
Whatever happens next, Eric Watson will be remembered for his service. Passing at the age of 59, he had given most of his adult life to Plainfield. May he rest in peace.
--Bernice
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
