Queen City Academy Charter School parents and staff expressed disappointment and even disgust at a zoning board decision Wednesday over their sign and fence.
The 8-foot chain link fence they inherited when the school relocated to a former temple is in violation of an ordinance prohibiting such fences in front yards and the sign they use to cover up religious symbols on the facade is five times larger than what is allowed.
School Director Danielle West defended the need for the high fence, citing possible dangers ranging from pit bulls to schoolyard shooters and also said the expense of replacing it would eat into education costs. Zoning Board Chairman D. Scott Belin said chain link fences provide toeholds for climbers and no other schools have them.
West said the sign needed to be large to cover the menorah and Hebrew script on the building. Belin suggested filling in the etched symbols with masonry, but West said it would damage the former temple and detract from its historic value.
After more than an hour of testimony and discussion, Zoning Board member Robert Graham made a motion to approve the fence and deny the sign, with the proviso that the fence be painted black. No one seconded the motion. Belin made a motion to deny the temporary sign and require a new sign, and to allow the fence to remain for two years with money in escrow while the school found a way to put up a new fence that would meet zoning requirements. School trustee board president Brian Kramer said the charter school operates under the state Department of Education and he was not sure the $1,000 escrow account would be allowed in the budget.
"Then your only other choice is that the fence be removed," Belin said.
The board passed the motion, 5-1, with Graham voting against it and Belin, Jim Spear, Rich Sudol, Charles McRae and Frank Johnson voting with the motion. Alejandro Ruiz recused himself from the hearing due to a conflict of interest.
The hearing was the school's third before the Zoning Board, but because there were new members, it was treated as a new application. Parents and children filled almost all the seats in City Hall Library and those who spoke raised issues including dangers of a suggested aluminum fence, such as impalement of deer. A school employee said the 8-foot fence saved children from being kidnapped or inappropriately touched.
"Work with us," another parent pleaded, calling Plainfield "a dangerous city."
Resident Nancy Piwowar said she had a "philosophical difference" with the Planning Division over the ban on chain link fences, because people could not see through stockade fences.
"If you see something, say something," she said.
A parent who broke her leg going over a 4-foot fence as a child spoke in favor of the high fence.
"It is a necessity for that fence to stay the way it is," she said.
As the meeting adjourned, West lashed out, saying, "This is such a turnoff" and called the board "so disrespectful and rude." Another woman said sarcastically, "Pat yourself on the back when you go home."
Kramer noted the school is publicly funded, so repair costs would be "money coming out of your pocket."
The school will soon receive new playground equipment through a Kaboom grant which West said involved J.P. Morgan and the New York Knicks, to which Belin and others had responded by encouraging school officials to seek outside funding for the fence and sign from entities such as the Plainfield Foundation. Planning Director Bill Nierstedt recalled Neighborhood House previously receiving a Kaboom grant and urged Queen City Academy officials to contact him first with their plans, to make sure they meet zoning requirements.
--Bernice
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Maybe the Third Time ...
Whoops! I just looked up the official candidates' list for the general election and the GOP names are now linked to the correct races, but the addresses are wrong!
C'mon, guys, can't we get this right???
C'mon, guys, can't we get this right???
Ordinance Veto Override Not Happening Monday
A controversial ordinance to convey city property to the Housing Authority will not be up for final passage Monday.
All six City Council members - Vera Greaves, William Reid, Rebecca Williams, Cory Storch, Gloria Taylor and President Bridget Rivers - declined to move it to the Sept. 8 agenda. Councilwoman Tracey Brown was absent.
The consensus followed some tricky turns. Councilman Cory Storch first asked to have Corporation Counsel Vernita Sias-Hill to speak about the ordinance, but Rivers said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp had already given a very comprehensive overview "and so did she," referring to Sias-Hill. She dismissed the request as "just wasting time."
Rivers said she was making a motion to table the ordinance and called for a second. But the council cannot vote at an agenda-fixing session, so no one seconded her motion. The consensus was then taken.
The outcome was surprising in view of Rivers' intense effort to push the ordinance along after it was submitted by Housing Authority Executive Director Randall Wood. She pooh-poohed Sias-Hill's concerns last month as just "a bunch of statements" and previously rejected Wood's attempt to withdraw the ordinance.
Among Mapp's objections, neither the Housing Authority nor its development arm, Plainfield Community Development Corporation, had passed complementary resolutions to the city ordinance. In addition, the city tax collector discovered that the ordinance included a privately-owned parcel across the street from the city-owned lots to be conveyed to the Housing Authority.
But as the saying goes, it ain't over till it's over, so stay tuned for further developments.
--Bernice
All six City Council members - Vera Greaves, William Reid, Rebecca Williams, Cory Storch, Gloria Taylor and President Bridget Rivers - declined to move it to the Sept. 8 agenda. Councilwoman Tracey Brown was absent.
The consensus followed some tricky turns. Councilman Cory Storch first asked to have Corporation Counsel Vernita Sias-Hill to speak about the ordinance, but Rivers said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp had already given a very comprehensive overview "and so did she," referring to Sias-Hill. She dismissed the request as "just wasting time."
Rivers said she was making a motion to table the ordinance and called for a second. But the council cannot vote at an agenda-fixing session, so no one seconded her motion. The consensus was then taken.
The outcome was surprising in view of Rivers' intense effort to push the ordinance along after it was submitted by Housing Authority Executive Director Randall Wood. She pooh-poohed Sias-Hill's concerns last month as just "a bunch of statements" and previously rejected Wood's attempt to withdraw the ordinance.
Among Mapp's objections, neither the Housing Authority nor its development arm, Plainfield Community Development Corporation, had passed complementary resolutions to the city ordinance. In addition, the city tax collector discovered that the ordinance included a privately-owned parcel across the street from the city-owned lots to be conveyed to the Housing Authority.
But as the saying goes, it ain't over till it's over, so stay tuned for further developments.
--Bernice
East Second Revitalization Supporters Seek Council Help
More than 40 people crowded Tuesday's City Council meeting in support of using Urban Enterprise Zone funds to revitalize an East Second Street neighborhood that is currently beset by crime and decay.
Rev. Paul Dean of Visions of God Family Worship Church told the council members the neighborhood was not poor and could be revitalized, was inclusive of young people and had the commitment of merchants, although he said they presently feel "beleaguered."
The group, which held a march and rally following recent shootings, wants the city to use $1.2 million in Urban Enterprise Zone funds to launch the revitalization.
Council President Bridget Rivers asked the administration to come up with a resolution by next week's voting meeting, but City Administrator Rick Smiley said he, Economic Director Carlos Sanchez and Corporation Counsel Vernita Sias-Hill will be meeting to discuss the situation. Finance Director Ron West said the council earlier this year rescinded UEZ fund resolutions, including one for East Second Street, and the administration is working to reconcile accounts to know how much is owed to the city.
While it was not discussed Tuesday, the UEZ funding process involved the council making a request to the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for use of funds in Plainfield's account. The East Second Street request was made in late 2010. A look at UEZA minutes for 2011 shows no action on the request, and by the end of that year, funds had been turned back to the UEZ cities for local control.
In May 2012, then-Councilman Adrian Mapp sought an accounting of all UEZ projects and funding, but was unable to get details. Mapp is now mayor and his administration, as West noted, is sorting things out.
Dean asked residents supporting the project to stand as he made his case to the governing body Tuesday.
He said it was "time to revisit" a study of the district by Dr. Roland Anglin of Rutgers University.
"It looks like we're losing, but we're not willing to quit," Dean said. "It doesn't make sense the way East Second looks. We have the money."
Councilman Cory Storch said he was encouraged to see the turnout, but advocated using the UEZ funds as "seed money" to attract outside investors. He said the revitalization requires a comprehensive, multifaceted plan.
One of the group's goals is to build a youth center, something Councilman William Reid endorsed.
Councilwoman Gloria Taylor promised to work with the group.
"I applaud you - I thank you," she said. Referring the Dean's account of past promises, she said, "I'm sure we are going to have a different tune this season."
--Bernice
The group, which held a march and rally following recent shootings, wants the city to use $1.2 million in Urban Enterprise Zone funds to launch the revitalization.
Council President Bridget Rivers asked the administration to come up with a resolution by next week's voting meeting, but City Administrator Rick Smiley said he, Economic Director Carlos Sanchez and Corporation Counsel Vernita Sias-Hill will be meeting to discuss the situation. Finance Director Ron West said the council earlier this year rescinded UEZ fund resolutions, including one for East Second Street, and the administration is working to reconcile accounts to know how much is owed to the city.
While it was not discussed Tuesday, the UEZ funding process involved the council making a request to the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for use of funds in Plainfield's account. The East Second Street request was made in late 2010. A look at UEZA minutes for 2011 shows no action on the request, and by the end of that year, funds had been turned back to the UEZ cities for local control.
In May 2012, then-Councilman Adrian Mapp sought an accounting of all UEZ projects and funding, but was unable to get details. Mapp is now mayor and his administration, as West noted, is sorting things out.
"It looks like we're losing, but we're not willing to quit," Dean said. "It doesn't make sense the way East Second looks. We have the money."
Councilman Cory Storch said he was encouraged to see the turnout, but advocated using the UEZ funds as "seed money" to attract outside investors. He said the revitalization requires a comprehensive, multifaceted plan.
One of the group's goals is to build a youth center, something Councilman William Reid endorsed.
Councilwoman Gloria Taylor promised to work with the group.
"I applaud you - I thank you," she said. Referring the Dean's account of past promises, she said, "I'm sure we are going to have a different tune this season."
--Bernice
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
GOP Gets It Right After Faulty Filing
It's official! As predicted here on Aug. 22, Randy Bullock is now the GOP's Third Ward candidate for the Nov. 4 general election and Bill Michelson is running for the Second & Third Ward at-large seat.
The word just came from the County Clerk's office that the proper paperwork has been filed. Last week, the GOP filings to replace primary winners had Michelson running in the Third Ward, where he doesn't even live, and had Bullock running for the same seat from which he withdrew.
As of this writing the change is not yet reflected on the candidates' list for the general election in case you look it up, but I'm sure that will follow.
So now the City Council candidate lineup includes Democrat Diane Toliver running unopposed for a four-year term in the First Ward, incumbent Councilwoman Rebecca Williams running for re-election in the Second & Third Wards at-large on the Democratic line and now opposed by Republican Bill Michelson, and Democratic appointee Gloria Taylor on the line for the unexpired Third Ward term versus Republican Randy Bullock.
The last day to register to vote in the general election is Tuesday, Oct. 14.
The word just came from the County Clerk's office that the proper paperwork has been filed. Last week, the GOP filings to replace primary winners had Michelson running in the Third Ward, where he doesn't even live, and had Bullock running for the same seat from which he withdrew.
As of this writing the change is not yet reflected on the candidates' list for the general election in case you look it up, but I'm sure that will follow.
So now the City Council candidate lineup includes Democrat Diane Toliver running unopposed for a four-year term in the First Ward, incumbent Councilwoman Rebecca Williams running for re-election in the Second & Third Wards at-large on the Democratic line and now opposed by Republican Bill Michelson, and Democratic appointee Gloria Taylor on the line for the unexpired Third Ward term versus Republican Randy Bullock.
The last day to register to vote in the general election is Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Veto, Retreat and More on Council Agenda
Tonight's agenda-fixing session may be dominated by more talk about the controversial Housing Authority ordinance, but there are other topics of interest.
The meeting is 7:30 p.m. tonight (Sept. 2) in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.
City Council/Administration Retreat: This was raised by Council President Bridget Rivers last month. The council had two people committed to planning a retreat, but the administration did not name anyone. These retreats are generally intended to increase understanding and cooperation between the branches of government. Given the council's current dismissive attitude toward the executive branch, can this plan get off the ground?
East Second Street Revitalization: This is listed under "unfinished business," but what is it about? In 2010, there was a proposal to spend $1.1 million in Urban Enterprise Zone funds to revitalize the three-block East Second Street Neighborhood Commercial District. There was supposed to be a redevelopment study in 2005. Part of a 2011 "People Against Killing" conference was the goal of establishing a community resource center. Such a center has been proposed for 200 Garfield Avenue, in the East Second Street district. Maybe more details will emerge at the council meeting.
Deer Carcass Removal Services: For an urban center, Plainfield has a lot of deer roaming around some neighborhoods, especially in the vicinity of the retention basin in the southeast corner. The proposed resolution is for a contract with Deer Carcass Removal Services LLC of Cream Ridge to remove carcasses on private property.
In all, there are 24 resolutions and seven ordinances to be considered, along with the "unfinished business." If nothing else, those who attend the meeting in the air-conditioned court will get a respite from the very hot, humid weather.
--Bernice
The meeting is 7:30 p.m. tonight (Sept. 2) in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.
City Council/Administration Retreat: This was raised by Council President Bridget Rivers last month. The council had two people committed to planning a retreat, but the administration did not name anyone. These retreats are generally intended to increase understanding and cooperation between the branches of government. Given the council's current dismissive attitude toward the executive branch, can this plan get off the ground?
East Second Street Revitalization: This is listed under "unfinished business," but what is it about? In 2010, there was a proposal to spend $1.1 million in Urban Enterprise Zone funds to revitalize the three-block East Second Street Neighborhood Commercial District. There was supposed to be a redevelopment study in 2005. Part of a 2011 "People Against Killing" conference was the goal of establishing a community resource center. Such a center has been proposed for 200 Garfield Avenue, in the East Second Street district. Maybe more details will emerge at the council meeting.
Deer Carcass Removal Services: For an urban center, Plainfield has a lot of deer roaming around some neighborhoods, especially in the vicinity of the retention basin in the southeast corner. The proposed resolution is for a contract with Deer Carcass Removal Services LLC of Cream Ridge to remove carcasses on private property.
In all, there are 24 resolutions and seven ordinances to be considered, along with the "unfinished business." If nothing else, those who attend the meeting in the air-conditioned court will get a respite from the very hot, humid weather.
--Bernice
Monday, September 1, 2014
A Look Back at the Newsroom
In 2009, I wrote a blog post about my former workplace, the newsroom.
It had changed a lot from the first time I set foot there in 1987. Massive layoffs and buyouts became the norm throughout the industry. Newsroom employees are once again facing the prospect of having to reapply for jobs in order to keep working, but as in musical chairs, there are fewer jobs than employees, so many will be out. There are also new titles reflecting changing demands on journalists, so those who can't wrangle cameras and smartphones in addition to notebooks and pens are looking at the exit door.
Many have left the field for more reasonable and secure employment, and who can blame them?
Anyway, here is my little memoir of life in the newsroom that was, and will never be again. Good luck to all my former colleagues who are still in newsrooms (or filing electronically from wherever).
--Bernice
It had changed a lot from the first time I set foot there in 1987. Massive layoffs and buyouts became the norm throughout the industry. Newsroom employees are once again facing the prospect of having to reapply for jobs in order to keep working, but as in musical chairs, there are fewer jobs than employees, so many will be out. There are also new titles reflecting changing demands on journalists, so those who can't wrangle cameras and smartphones in addition to notebooks and pens are looking at the exit door.
Many have left the field for more reasonable and secure employment, and who can blame them?
Anyway, here is my little memoir of life in the newsroom that was, and will never be again. Good luck to all my former colleagues who are still in newsrooms (or filing electronically from wherever).
--Bernice
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
