UEZ Rehabs To Reap Tax Breaks

The city's entire Urban Enterprise Zone is in need of rehabilitation, the City Council agreed in approving a resolution that paves the way for five-year tax abatements for UEZ property owners.

Upon completion of improvements and approvals from tax officials, "Taxes remain the same for five years," Deputy City Administrator Carlos Sanchez explained at the Jan. 17 council meeting.

Elissa Cohen, whose family operated Suburban Jewelers in the UEZ for many years, questioned the resolution in public comment, saying an impact study should be conducted before any such action. But Sanchez said her concerns were covered in the original impact study on the tax abatement.

Sanchez said the five-year abatement itself was "not new" and had been on the books since 1978.

The process of declaring the UEZ in need of rehabilitation  goes back a way itself. From the resolution:

On August 14, 2016, City Council adopted resolution R-324-16 directing the Planning Board to conduct an investigation as to whether the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) satisfies the statutory criteria of the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law in order to be determined to be an area in need of rehabilitation. On October 20, 2016, the Planning Board conducted a public hearing and concluded the UEZ as well as adjacent and contiguous areas separated by public rights-of-way do satisfy the statutory criteria. 

The UEZ formerly brought revenues into the city for improvements within the zone. Certified UEZ retailers were allowed to charge only half the sales tax, which the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority then returned to the city for approved projects in the zone, such as new trash receptacles, security cameras and street furniture. But after a study found the state was getting a return of eight cents for every dollar expended on  UEZs, Gov. Chris Christie wanted the program phased out. Fund balances were returned to UEZ municipalities and most recently, designations for five including Plainfield expired at the end of 2016.

While eliminating the 3.5 percent state sales tax benefit, Christie reduced the 7 percent sales tax to 6.85 percent.

Sanchez said a property owner in the UEZ who rehabilitates a building can apply to the tax assessor  for an abatement. He said new development can also be eligible for the 5-year abatement, with council approval. For more information, inquire at the Office of Economic Development.

The next City Council meeting is an agenda-fixing session, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in City Hall Library, 515 Watchung Ave.

--Bernice

New UEZ Concern: Administrative Costs

A resolution to add new revenues to the 2013 budget brought out more controversy over Urban Enterprise Zone funds when one council member questioned their inclusion and another objected to use of $92,000 to run the program.

Plainfield's Urban Enterprise Zone program began in 1985 and did well when the city had large revenue-producing businesses such as Macy's. Income from sales tax dropped after Macy's closed and the program never reached the desired level of involvement by smaller retail businesses. It was shut down after a state report revealed it was only producing eight cents in new revenue for every dollar needed to operate the state program. Participating municipalities received the balance of funds for local administration.

At the July 8 City Council meeting, Councilman Adrian Mapp, a chief financial officer in another city, said the UEZ funds should not have been lumped in with various grants to be added to the budget. Treasurer Diane Sherry-Buono said the state had advised cities to include the funds, but Mapp disagreed and a resolution up for approval Monday does not include the UEZ money.

Councilman Cory Storch had another concern, saying the funds are now finite and will no longer be replenished.

"Once we spend it down, it's gone," Storch said. "We should spend it very wisely."

Storch noted a long list of projects still to be covered by UEZ funds and called the $92,000 in local administrative costs "very short-sighted." The amount pays for two employees in City Hall to run the program.

Public Works Director Eric Jackson, who was filling in for City Administrator Eric Berry and Finance Director Al Restaino on July 8, said if the salaries were removed from UEZ funds, the cost would have to be taken directly out of the municipal budget. He said he wanted the council to be aware of that outcome. But Storch insisted that the cost be removed from the UEZ funds.

"So the resolution will come back without the $92,000 and you will tell us how you will adjust (the funding)," Councilman Reid said to Jackson.

The city began taking an amount for local program administration out of the UEZ money more than 10 years ago. But since the fund balance was turned back to the city in 2011, council members' questions about use of the money and status of projects went unanswered until a couple of months ago when the program director offered a spreadsheet. It still did not spell out the status of each project.

Formerly, approval for any project had to come from the state Urban Enterprise Zone Authority, but now it would have to come from the council. In December 2011, the council rejected the use of $32,600 for an "ecological park." No new proposals have been made. Mapp unsuccessfully pressed for a full accounting of each project in May 2012.

The 2011 state report showed that only 14 percent of eligible retailers in Plainfield were enrolled in the program when the state shut it down. One of the perennial sticking points was a requirement for an employer to add jobs, which most local "mom and pop" retailers were unable to do. Before the decline of major retailers, UEZ funds were used for such things as street cleaners, trash baskets, benches and extra police in the zone.

--Bernice

UEZ Benefit Expired, Mapp Urging Extension

Plainfielders can no longer pay just half the state sales tax on purchases in the city's Urban Enterprise Zone, but Mayor Adrian O. Mapp said Wednesday he and mayors of four other affected cities will urge Gov. Chris Christie to extend the UEZ perk, retroactive to its Dec. 31 expiration date.

Shoppers at certified UEZ retailers had been charged only 3.5 percent sales tax instead of 7 percent. The Urban Enterprise Zone Authority held the sales tax in a fund that could be tapped for improvements within the zone. In 2011, a report found the UEZ program was returning only eight cents per dollar of state investment and recommended a shutdown, though the lower sales tax would be preserved. Eventually the balance of funds in Plainfield's account was returned to the city to manage.

Now, as reported by 101.5, the sales tax has been lowered statewide to 6.875 percent, but there is no longer a reduced sales tax in Plainfield and four other cities (Bridgeton, Camden, Newark, Trenton)..

Mapp reviewed the changes at Wednesday's meeting of the Plainfield Democratic City Committee, saying Christie had vetoed a 10-year extension of the program for the five cities and wanted a study on whether the UEZ program was still needed. Christie can still sign other legislation for a shorter-term extension and Mapp said he drafted a letter, signed by all five mayors, to urge Christie to do so.

Two of Plainfield's former high generators of sales tax revenues, Appliance-Arama and Macy's, have closed, but several approved projects within the UEZ include commercial development. Mapp called the reduced sales tax a needed "enticement" for business in the affected cities.

One of the sticking points for certification has been a requirement to create employment, but many Plainfield businesses fall into the "mom and pop" category and can't hire more workers. For whatever reason, the 2011 study showed only 195 of 731 eligible businesses became certified.

--Bernice

UEZ Money, More On Tap Monday

Monday's City Council agenda has many interesting aspects, but alas, I am on the other side of the U.S. and can't look up the background on resolutions and ordinances up for consideration. No doubt Dr. Yood will provide a rundown if the packet is available at the Plainfield Public Library, but meanwhile I will try to provide context on a few items.

The agenda-fixing session is 7:30 p.m. Monday in City Hall Library, 515 Watchung Ave.

Regarding the request to authorize $87,978 "to complete the salary and wages adopted in calendar year 2012," this appears to be the funding to operate the Urban Enterprise Zone program since the state returned funding to the local level. For the background on that decision, read about the state report here.

Formerly, the city had to apply to the state Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for use of the sales tax collected in the local zone. Administrative costs were an allowable expense. Now it seems the Office of Economic Development is asking the governing body for the money. One hopes the council will tie the request to getting a long-awaited report on how UEZ funds are being used. In April, Council President Adrian Mapp requested a full report on the program. More recently, Public Works & Urban Development Director Eric Jackson said he expected to update the council on UEZ projects after some residents who attended meetings on an East Second Street UEZ proposal asked what happened to it.

Besides the question of how things are going with the local UEZ management, the request harks back to problems with the 2012 budget that initially indicated a $1.5 shortfall, due in part to salaries being left out. At the time, UEZ administration was not mentioned. Could this be another lapse caused by lack of a chief financial officer?

Speaking of which, another resolution is for "temporary appointment of an acting chief financial officer." The city hired the last one in November 2010 under state threat of daily fines for the mayor and all seven council members. Ron Zilinski served as CFO and treasurer through 2011, but left in January 2012. The phrasing of the resolution up for consideration Monday is a bit nebulous. Another resolution notes the need for a CFO to sign off on a 2012 "best practices inventory."

Sorry, guys, but getting a temporary acting person to testify that the city is adhering to best fiscal practices may sound like that football umpire situation to some Plainfielders.

Then there is the "Transitions International" request to hold a Veterans Awareness Day in "Plainfield Square." Certainly a few more details are needed here. Did they mean Plainwood Square? What is Transitions International?

There is a discussion item regarding "naming of the Plainfield senior center." If it is being named for a person, many would nominate Charles Nelson.

Last but not least, the Municipal Court debt collection question will come up again.

And I will miss it all. But I will be back for the votes at the regular meeting on Oct. 9.

--Bernice

UEZ - Is There A Better Way?

The death knell for the Urban Enterprise Zone began tolling way back in 2011, when a state report revealed the program's shortcomings. In Plainfield, only 105 of 731 eligible retail businesses had registered with the program and it was costing the state $1 in administrative expenses for every eight cents of new revenue. Sales tax was held by the state and cities had to apply to a state authority to draw money down for specific projects.

The state decided to turn UEZ accounts back to cities for local management, but still permitted registered retailers to charge 3.5 percent sales tax instead of 7 percent. Cities kept a few other perks, In 2012 city budget talks, then-Councilman Adrian O. Mapp pressed for information on the UEZ account, but could get no response from the prior administration.

Over the years, Plainfield lost major UEZ sales tax generators including Macy's and Appliance-Arama, Now that Gov. Chris Christie wants to shut the program down altogether at the end of the year, Mayor Mapp is doing the right thing in objecting, as there are still some benefits for business owners and with a surge in development, the designation might attract new retailers.

However, the expiration has been looming for some time. The city may need a new approach to attracting and retaining businesses if the UEZ program cannot be salvaged. The Plainfield website already has information and outreach for businesses under the Economic Development link. There are merchant associations and a Special Improvement District association. All may not be lost if the UEZ program expires.

--Bernice

UEZ Funds "Not a Piggy Bank."

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

UEZ Report Signals Need for Analysis

At the risk of sounding negative, Plaintalker would suggest that interested people read the report that led to the proposed shutdown of the state UEZ program.

This analysis found that only eight cents in new State and local revenue was generated per $1 of state funding investment. Participation by merchants is cumbersome and in Plainfield, only 105 of 731 eligible businesses were certified. Often, funds were encumbered for projects that took a very long time to be realized (CCTV cameras come to mind).

Consultants suggested replacing the state program with a "place-based" one, but state officials said economic conditions preclude a new program. However, the most popular aspect of the UEZ program, the 3.5 percent sales tax is to be retained, along with certain other benefits.

The Christie administration is looking at many aspects of state government with an eye to getting a grip on costs. Historically, government has tended to expand as old programs are retained, sometimes past the point of usefulness or realistic return on investment. When presented with a study of the facts, today's officials can make better plans in the face of unprecedented economic strains. Considering that this is what is going on in just about every household, why should not government do the same?

Analysis is something the city has chronically lacked. Maybe it has to do with a political system in which each new administration summarily dismisses programs and initiatives of the outgoing one. Or maybe it's just not a well-developed skill in City Hall. Last year, some council members did their own informal survey of the value of Music in the Plaza concerts for drawing customers to the downtown district. Merchants' comments did not reflect a significant increase in sales. As it happens, the council ended up approving an application for UEZ funds, but the state rejected it.

City Council President Annie McWilliams has consistently sought factual information on which the governmental body can rely to make decisions. The last budget process reflected that goal. Some division and department heads complied and some didn't. The council has also sought data from the administration on the UEZ program, recreation operations and spending in general. McWilliams recently rejected a financial report from the administration as not being what the council asked for.

This is a time when being able to "count to four," as the late mayor and political sage Rick Taylor liked to say, is not the only bottom line for city government. Sure, four out of seven votes can get things passed whether they make sense or not. The trick nowadays is to analyze the options and vote for what makes the most sense.

No doubt I will be accused by some of being a Republican for even giving the Christie administration a grain of credibility, but our own elected officials deserve the facts if they are to serve us well. Analysis is not a tool exclusive to any party or faction and should not, must not be seen as such in these hard times.

--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

Bumping Rights

Some readers may recall the July discussion on whether Urban Enterprise Zone funds should be used to pay the salaries of those who administer the program locally. Now that the state has essentially shut down the program and turned remaining funds back to the cities involved, Councilman Adrian Mapp and others objected to use of $92,000 for administrative salaries. (See post here.) Public Works Director Eric Jackson reminded the council in July that eliminating that funding would lead to the layoffs of the two individuals employed in the Office of Economic Development.

At the Aug. 12 agenda-fixing session, Plainfield Municipal Employees Association President Cynthia Smith asked the council to reconsider the proposal, noting the city will only save a couple of months' worth of salaries by laying off the employees. She said the city was about to go through a change of administrations and would lose people with institutional knowledge in the layoffs.

"You may do yourselves a disservice," Smith said.

Smith said previous layoffs had taken place as part of the budget process, but this time the budget has already been approved. She cautioned that due to "bumping rights" the cuts may not fall where expected.

According to state statutes, employees must receive 45 days' notice of a layoff and then may "bump" a provisional or less senior employee, among other options to remain employed.

Monday's agenda includes a resolution for submission of a layoff plan to the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Given the requirements for notice and provision for appeals, the net savings for the 2013 calendar year will most likely be minimal.

Besides the issue of using UEZ funds for salaries, Mapp and others have expressed dissatisfaction with the office affected. As noted in the link above, Mapp asked in May 2012 for an accounting of all pending UEZ projects. The council only recently received a spreadsheet of figures with no narrative on specific projects.
Plaintalker called for an analysis of the local UEZ program when the state report came out in 2011. Whether the staff goes or stays, the program still needs a comprehensive analysis in plain English, or the next administration will be flying blind in use of the remaining UEZ funds.

--Bernice

Mapp Wants Accounting of UEZ Money, Projects

In budget talks last week, questions on the status of the Urban Enterprise Zone program could not be answered, prompting Council President Adrian Mapp to demand a full accounting of its $4 million balance.

The program dates back to the 1980s and was administered by the state until last fall, when fund balances were returned to participating municipalities for local administration. The program permitted the city to charge just half the normal state sales tax in the designated Urban Enterprise Zone. The remaining sales tax revenues were then held by the state and could be drawn down for projects or uses approved by the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority. Over the years, the program was tapped for police vehicles, special police, a sign and facade program, street amenities such as benches and trash receptacles and more within the zone boundaries.

However, a study by the Christie administration revealed that the program's return on investment was very low. In addition, participation in Plainfield among eligible businesses was low.


Click here to see Plaintalker's last post on the UEZ.

In talks Thursday, Jacques Howard of the Office of Economic Development said of the $4 million received in September, $2.9 million remained uncommitted to projects. Mapp asked about canceled applications to the UEZA, but did not get details. He asked for a list of approved projects, with supporting documents.

Eric Jackson,  director of the Department of Public Works & Urban Development which includes the Office of Economic Development, promised a full breakdown of the local UEZ program as soon as possible.

Mapp reminded Howard that there must be no expenditure of UEZ funds without council approval..

Councilman Cory Storch also asked about outstanding projects and Howard mentioned the sign and facade program, police, administrative salaries for his office and a professional services contract with Rutgers for economic development.

In other matters, Howard said the city has attracted 13 new "service-related" businesses. Members of the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee suggested that the administration should develop more promotional materials to attract businesses.

Budget talks continue tonight (Tuesday, May 1) at 7 p.m. in City Hall Library. Topics tonight are the Senior Center, Plainfield Action Services, the WIC nutrition program, Bilingual Day Care, the Health Division and the Corporation Counsel's Office.

--Bernice

Q&A: Downtown Plainfield,

A few weeks ago, I ran into Ron Johnson downtown and we had a brief conversation about Plainfield. Ron is the city's Zoning Officer and has a keen interest in its future. He recently updated me on some initiatives and I asked a few questions, which he just answered. He agreed to let me post them and his responses as a Q&A. Tomorrow (March 15) he is launching a new website (see below Q&A). I wish him the best.


- How would you define millenials in Plainfield and what products might they want downtown?

I would define millennials in Plainfield as curious, ambitious and some of the most prominent shoppers in Downtown after our large latino population. While they may not appear particularly appealing for older generations, the urban clothing stores in our downtown (Ped-Eze, Hot Spot and some others) are particularly well used by younger population for the newest streetwear, shoes and accessories. It's important that a downtown as large as Plainfield's has variety for shoppers of all kinds and ages. We should embrace these stores as they have some of the nicest displays, signs and storefronts in our downtown, easy to work with (from a zoning standpoint), regularly invest in their storefronts, stock the most current trends, and help establish our Downtown as a destination for not only people in our community but around it. The stores appropriately reflect the demographic that they're trying to sell to. It's also important to realize that these types of stores cannot be found in any community anywhere near here, (with the closest being Elizabeth and Newark) which translates to offering something unique for clientele and more sales. We need to start thinking outside the box about economic development and educating all stores about how to be successful. I've noticed that Plainfield at times can be very hard on ourselves. We should embrace our uniqueness and find new ways to market that to people to where it can help us in our ultimate goals of becoming a live, work, play community.

In addition, Landmark Developers is working on opening a temporary pop-up art gallery on North Avenue in the short-term future that will reflect artwork from local artists. We've already seen the utility box art installations pop up around town featuring local millennial artists. The city's Mural Arts Committee is actively engaging and seeking out artists in our community for more utility box art and murals. This is the first time in quite a while the city has effectively engaged young people. The utility boxes made their way to Instagram, Facebook and snapchat and has received far more "likes" than we ever would have imagined. I can see our millennials being attracted to this.

I've met so many amazing and talented millennials from Plainfield with entrepreneur ambitions. What I've found is that many need guidance on how to accomplish their personal and professional goals. We have individuals from many different backgrounds that simply need someone to talk to about their ideas and how to move on them. I wish to help any fellow millennial I can and guide them with their goals no matter if it's downtown or elsewhere.

- How would your group interface with Paramount, owner of about 45 storefronts downtown? Also the Korean merchants association, Latino business owners, SID, developers Cheung, Cretella, Camino? 

I come with existing contacts and strong relationships with all of our developers. I work with Landmark, Paramount, Cheung and Camino on a regular basis. Despite the negative perceptions, Paramount has been an absolute DREAM to work with. They're very quick to make the necessary adjustments to bring their properties or storefronts up to code and are very easy to work with from a zoning standpoint. Camino is another that is very ambitious and is taking a "slow and steady" approach to developing their buildings. They emphasize quality over hasty development. Downtown Plainfield Alliance (DPA) is putting together a strategy on how to directly engage with the developers moving forward and to ensure their voice is also heard. These are partners in our community that put their money on the line every single day because they believe in us. We need to believe in them also. The existing relationships I bring to the table will make moving forward with them much easier than an upstart group.

As far as the SID is concerned, our group has no interest in competing with or overshadowing the efforts they've made thus far. It takes commitment and people who care to change our downtown and the SID certainly is committed and cares. There is still much value in the SID and I believe working with them on the conditions of Downtown should be a goal of the city as well as Downtown Plainfield Alliance. The SID is a tax collecting organization while DPA is not, and that sets them apart from us. They're also a merchants group, to which we are not (DPA is a nonprofit beautification, marketing, economic development and volunteerism organization --very different). We're interested in marketing the SIDs events, pushing collective decision-making and overall cooperation on all accounts. The city is far too small to have infighting between groups. We come with our best intentions and will be reaching out to the SID shortly.

- Do you consider Block 247 part of the downtown? (The block bordered by West Front, Central, Madison, West Second)

Yes. Block 247 is an integral part of our downtown and always has been. In fact, I always include the block directly west of central avenue bounded by the Green Brook, Central Avenue, West Front Street and terminating near New Street as downtown as well. This block has primarily Latino businesses that I've also built up a relationship with and frequent from time-to-time. They hold tremendous value in that community and is an extension of the more built-up blocks to its east. The TOD Downtown boundary isn't necessarily the "written in stone" boundaries of the Downtown in my eyes.

- Do you have any thoughts on a business registry?
Downtown Plainfield Alliance has created a business directory for the downtown that lists all the businesses, their phone number, address and websites (if applicable) all organized based on what service they provide. In order to bring Plainfielders and shoppers outside our community back into our Downtown, people need to know what is Downtown. People will start adventuring back Downtown once they find one or two stores or restaurants that they tend to like and have a positive experience visiting. The thought of "let's stop the car and try this place" will keep popping up if people's first experience at one establishment is positive. We need to work on making every experience positive.

- Any thoughts on the UEZ?
The loss of the UEZ is certainly harmful to the downtown as far as the sales tax is concerned. As you know, Plainfield has a lump sum of money from the UEZ (how much is left, I do not know). The city has purchased new parking lot meter systems for some lots with the UEZ funds. Using the funds for projects that would make the biggest difference and be the most efficient and especially effective should be key.

The sign and facade program was an excellent program that few businesses took advantage of. Despite the program being in existence for well over two decades (if not longer), the program was not advertised effectively, bureaucratic, and took a long time to get approvals. Many tenants never even knew the program existed. The Economic Development Office is looking at ways to continue funding the program using UEZ money. This is great to hear, however it needs to be done right this time. DPA is looking to find a matching grant to cover the remaining 25% of signage costs (the Sign and Facade program only covers 75% of signage or facade costs).

- How do your plans relate to municipal government, specifically land use policies?

We directly support the municipal government and the developers downtown. Land Use-wise, Plainfield continues to attract developers big and small to the Downtown and cooperation on all fronts will help cement further investment. We see our organization as the community engagement arm to economic development and planning policies in our Downtown. Smart Growth, transit-oriented development, new urbanism and 21st century urban design appears to be at the forefront of the city's goals we support them tremendously! The municipal government has been very receptive to our plans and we cannot wait to get down to business and help each other out in our time of need.

- Any models for what you envision (how to attract major retailers and/or reflect new buying habits?
The city's strategy over the course of the last decade or so has been to wait for businesses to come to us, then market the town to them. As you know, this has not worked very well over the years. We have the rise of online shopping, the decline of department stores and other factors at play on the national and state level that are tremendously taxing on the health of our downtown. We need to start reaching out directly to stores, putting together facts that will counteract the negative online perception of Plainfield, and redirect businesses from being built around us (mainly on Rt. 22) and instead into the downtown. We've reached out to businesses already and are very proud to report that Blink Fitness gym and Yami-Yami Grill, the first Japanese Sushi restaurant in downtown Plainfield, will be new tenants opening their doors mid-year on our main street, Front Street. These are world-class, high quality businesses that will help attract people to Plainfield and rewrite the narrative. Yami-Yami Grill has one location already in Watchung and the fact that they believe in downtown enough to open their second location here over places like Scotch Plains, Westfield and Greenbrook speaks volumes on the effectiveness of this strategy. Be proud Plainfield, we're just getting started!

Also, I can share that DPA is putting together business success kits for existing and new businesses, business recruitment kits and developer recruitment kits to further market our city and strengthen our business community is in the works. Amazon.com is experimenting with new retail store prototypes in many cities, and attracting one of the concept stores or small warehouse distribution centers to our community would put Plainfield ahead of the curve. We will be reaching out to Amazon soon to start a dialogue. A part of attracting businesses is crunching census data for the downtown and finding the most positive numbers so we can market them and show progress. This is an ongoing task.

- How to deal with transitions at City Hall?
Transitions are a part of life in any city. As employees and politicians come and go, we have to stay steady and work towards our goals as a community. A new generation is awakening. New ideas are flowing. We have a tremendous opportunity to engage our entire community and all walks of life. Politics is in every town in NJ, but many towns are able to overcome the challenges by communicating and not letting politics get in the way of the town's goals. In some towns, the Mayor and council get together once a week at the bar or out to dinner and simply talk their issues out. Communication is even more important during transitions to ensure knowledge is passed down.

- Whom do you see as major partners for your vision?

The Planning Division, DPW, PMUA, SID, HPC, Planning and Zoning Boards, Shade Tree Commission, NJ Transit and Inspections Division are all vital groups for a redeveloping community. I've worked with most of them at varying capacities. Outside of the city, banks and philanthropic organizations should be scouted to make our dreams a reality.

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I welcome everyone to join us tomorrow, March 15 at 12 noon on www.downtownplainfield.com as we unlock our website to the public. This is a three year project that was almost derailed by the Planning Division layoff (I was on the layoff list). We plan to launch Plainfield Permits (www.plainfieldpermits.com), a permitting solution to help educate Plainfielders about the zoning code on April 15, 2017. Also, we'll be having a Downtown Cleanup event on Earth Day -- Saturday, April 22, 2017. I look forward to releasing more information about this soon.

My late-cousin Rashid Abdul-Haqq used to talk to me constantly from the time I was a little kid until adulthood about how I can "be that rock" for my community (in his words), and use my education to come back home and help my community. I love Plainfield as he did, and wish to carry his legacy forward. I welcome everyone to follow me personally on my website iplanurban.space as I continue to build tools for the entire Plainfield community.

Readers can contact Downtown Plainfield Alliance at info@downtownplainfield.com or myself at iamronaldjohnson@gmail.com.

Commentary on Local Hiring Ordinance

Whereas, the City of Plainfield is an older urban municipality, a designated Urban Enterprise Zone, federal Historically Underserved Business (HUB) Zone, and an Abbott School District with the demographic and infrastructure demands that require the strategic investment of resources to create a competitive workforce and to encourage private investment;

So begins Ordinance MC 2013-17, which is up for approval on first reading tonight (Tuesday).

What do these three designations mean, and what is their implication for Plainfield's future?

Urban Enterprise Zone
This designation dates back to 1985. It permitted certified retail businesses within specific boundaries to charge only half the state sales tax as an inducement to buyers. The collected sales tax was banked for draw-down by the municipality for improvements within the zone. In Plainfield, the UEZ includes the downtown as well as the South Avenue business district. Owners were supposed to hire new employees, but in Plainfield there were many sole owners or mom-and-pop operations that could not expand staff. The city also suffered a major loss of sales tax revenue when the Macy's store downtown closed about 20 years ago.
A study released in 2011 found that for  every dollar of state investment in the UEZ program, the return was only eight cents. Participation was also lacking, and based on the exhaustive findings in the report, the program was shut down with just certain features retained. Balances in the sales tax fund were turned back to municipalities for local administration..
Historically Underserved Business Zone
Even as a longtime reporter, I was not familiar with this term. I found out it involves the Small Business Administration and SCORE, a counseling agency staffed by retired executives, in assisting entrepreneurs.
For comprehensive information, click here.
Two Plainfield locations are listed in the report, one being the Plainfield Public Library, which recently opened a job center, and The Incubator at 320 Park Avenue, which houses SBA and SCORE offices.

Abbott School District

Plainfield is one of about 30 school districts that receive special state aid as "poorer urban districts.". Read the history of Abbott schools here.

While neighboring suburban districts pay roughly 80 percent of school costs from property taxes and receive around 20 percent in state aid, Plainfield had the opposite ratio for many years. The state began taking a tougher stance on Abbott districts in 2006 (see post here) and more recently began increasing the amount local taxpayers must pay for schools in 2008 (click here), while still giving massive amounts of aid. Opponents say the state aid formula is not bringing about the desired improvements in urban school and suburbs are being short-changed.

Jobs and Plainfield's Future
Looking at all this history, it appears that Plainfield has projected an image of great need for special breaks, but things have not turned around as hoped even after several decades. With a new administration, there is hope for new strategies.

Regarding a quota imposed on contractors for local hires, the question may be whether the city is the agent to make jobs happen or whether the job development agencies in the city are the tool. A person who acquires skills need not make Plainfield's six square miles the boundaries of opportunity, given the rail, bus and highway access to three counties and beyond.

At the same time, maybe some City Hall energy needs to be directed more towards filling up the sites identified here and let economic nature take its course, rather than try to put contractors on the hook and create a new bureaucracy to monitor them.

For eight years, the city has placed the responsibility for economic development in a mid-level division. Mayor-elect Adrian Mapp says he will establish a cabinet-level post for economic development. A well-qualified person will be able to analyze Plainfield's current state of economic affairs and discern how the city comes across to potential partners for future success. There is also the benefit of a recent economic development study led by Dr. Roland Anglin and the recommendation for a follow-up process to establish a written plan for "Plainfield 2021" to guide the city's future economy and quality of life.

Whether or not Plainfield is a poor and needy city, state government is saying the UEZ and Abbott initiatives are not producing the desired changes and the city must take more responsibility for its own future. Federal programs may follow suit, so the sooner the city can find its own cures for adversity, the better. It is up to the governing body to decide whether a local hiring program is part of the solution or an ill-advised stopgap measure that will deter contractors from doing business with the city.

The City Council will hold its agenda-fixing session at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Tuesday) in Municipal Court, followed by the regular meeting at 8 p.m.

--Bernice
  

Layoff Plan Approved

The City Council approved a layoff plan Monday that will eliminate the Office of Economic Development staff that was formerly paid with Urban Enterprise Zone funds.

The 5-1 vote at a special meeting resolves a situation which Corporation Counsel David Minchello said was "not in compliance with law." By denying use of UEZ funds for salaries of the two staff members, the council then had to follow through with submission of a layoff plan to the state Civil Service Commission. On Aug. 19, two council members were absent and another, Vera Greaves, said Monday she did not understand that there was no other funding source for the jobs.

"That's where I misunderstood," Greaves said, though she called it "ridiculous " that after many years of UEZ funding, the salaries were cut.

Gov. Chris Christie shut down the UEZ program and ordered funds turned back to municipalities after state Comptroller Matthew Boxer issued a report that found the program was not effective. It had allowed participating retailers to charge only half the state sales tax, which accumulated in an account that a city could use for special expenses within the zone. Plainfield used its fund to purchase benches, refuse cans, street cleaning equipment and other enhancements in addition to paying for special police, projects and administrative costs.

Now that no more money is coming in, council members decided to focus on projects and not spend $92,000 or more annually on staff salaries.

The layoff plan passed 5-1, with Greaves voting "no" and Tracey Brown, Adrian Mapp, Cory Storch, Rebecca Williams and Council President Bridget Rivers voting "yes." William Reid was absent.

The plan will be reviewed by the Civil Service Commission and the employees affected must receive notice that will bring the timing of the layoffs to mid-November.

--Bernice

Truck Repairs: Better Late Than Never?

Random image: Angles and icicles at Grace Church.

The items of greatest interest Monday may prove to be final passage of the Recreation Commission ordinance and council approval of Abubakar "AJ" Jalloh as city clerk, but a visit to the library uncovered an interesting little item tucked inside a resolution.

The City Council meeting is 8 p.m. Monday in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave. The agenda is posted on the city web site.

When I saw a reference last week for use of Urban Enterprise Zone funds to replace truck parts, it was a new one on me after covering the city for more than a quarter-century. The agenda reference for R 082-11 (RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROVAL TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE NEW JERSEY URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE AUTHORITY FOR PROJECT FINANCING TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT MOTOR AND REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRUCKS DEPLOYABLE TO THE CITY’S URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONE) was not too enlightening.

So here is what it's all about: Two trucks are involved. The Division of Public Works is seeking to apply for $25,000 for a new engine for a truck purchased in 2001. This truck was damaged during storm debris removal at an unspecified date and is unoperable. However, it is needed for all aspects of DPW operations, including leaf collection, snow removal, tree maintenance, road repair and more.

The other request is for $23,500 to retrofit a water tanker that was purchased in 1998, but which has only 18,986 miles on it because its main use, spraying water on the center of the road, proved to be inefficient. Its only current use is once a year for cleanup after the July 4th parade.

The retrofit would allow this truck also to be used for all areas of DPW operations and it would "play a major role" in road maintenance projects because it could haul 25 cubic yards of material. No other trucks in the fleet exceed seven cubic yards, according to the resolution.

The total amount requested for approval by the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority is $48,500, quite modest compared to some of last year's requests, such as $1 million for a revolving loan fund for economic development. The process calls for a resolution to seek council approval to submit a UEZ request, then if the UEZA approves it, the council votes to accept the funding. All funded projects must take place within the Urban Enterprise Zone, which stretches from the city's east and west borders and includes the central business district. The money in the UEZ fund comes from sales tax revenues from UEZ-certified retailers. With the loss of major retailers such as Macy's in past years, the fund income has thinned.

Plaintalker does not recall any UEZA approvals in 2010. The Music in the Plaza events did not take place last summer, presumably for lack of UEZA funding approvals. Meanwhile, the city's director of Public Works & Urban Development, David Brown II, quit after less than a year on the job and longtime city staffer Jacques Howard is acting director while a search is conducted for a successor to Brown. It might be a good idea to get a status report on 2010 UEZA requests sometime at a public meeting.

--Bernice Paglia

Council: No Contract, No UEZ Funds for Biz Advice

The City Council rejected a second try Monday to get $30,000 in rental fees for a small business program based in a privately-owned Park Avenue building.

In May, Jacques Howard of the Office of Economic Development and Jeffery Dunn of The Incubator said the money was owed to Kean University, but no one from Kean was present to answer questions about any contractual arrangement. On Monday, Nathaniel Sims, director of the New Jersey Small Business Center at Kean, said the program had been at the Park Avenue location for 10 years and rent was paid with Urban Enterprise Zone funds. The UEZ fund is based on sales tax collected from certified retailers and was formerly applied to uses in the zone with approval of the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority, until the Christie administration disbanded the state UEZ office and turned remaining funds back to participating municipalities.

Plainfield received a balance of about $4 million, but has no review process comparable to the UEZA for use of funds. Dunn and Howard pitched the rental issue directly to the council at the May 6 agenda session, but council members said they wanted to hear a Kean representative explain it. When Council President Bridget Rivers asked, "Do the city owe you money?" Dunn turned the question back to Howard, who said it "depends."

On Monday, when Rivers asked why the item was back before the council, City Administrator Eric Berry said, "This is a request by the mayor."

Councilwoman Rebecca Williams said all other such programs are located on college campuses and asked why a private business should be paid. She suggested locating the program in the Plainfield Public Library's new job center, calling the Park Avenue location an "ill fit" aimed at lining someone's pocket.

Sims said the program wants to serve Plainfield and has extended its services to include disaster assisstance after hurricanes Irene and Sandy. He said a new grant for post-storm assistance and readiness for future storms had just come out four days ago.  But when Williams asked why the city had to pay if there was a new grant, Sims said it was for consulting services.

After more discussion, Councilman Cory Storch said the proposal has come to the city previously and he has voted "no" because according to the statistics presented, of 480 clients counseled on starting a business, only  nine new business starts resulted.

"We have to invest funds where we see results," he said. "This has been given a chance for ten years."

Councilman Adrian Mapp, a chief financial officer in another municipality, said the city is not procuring services from Kean and the city can only spend money on entities with which it has some kind of contract. With that, the council declined to move the item to the Aug. 19 agenda.

--Bernice

Layoff A Standoff

In July, the City Council rejected a $92,000 allocation of Urban Enterprise Zone funds to pay for staff to run the Office of Economic Development. But on Monday, a vote to authorize a layoff plan failed. A standoff ensued as the administration and governing body dickered fruitlessly over what to do next, as the employees cannot stay on without pay.

Only five of seven council members were present Monday. An initial vote to submit the layoff plan to the state Civil Service Commission failed, 3-2, with Tracey Brown, William Reid and Vera Greaves voting "no" and Rebecca Williams and Adrian Mapp voting "yes." Four votes were needed to pass.

"By not adopting the layoff plan, you are not in compliance with law," Corporation Counsel David Minchello said. "The council now has to decide which way to go."

Either the funds had to be reinserted as revenues or the layoff plan had to go forward, he said.

Greaves asked how much was in the UEZ fund. When told it was $3 million, she said $92,000 was "a pittance."

But then a motion to restore the UEZ funds failed, with Mapp and Williams voting "no" and Brown, Reid and Greaves voting "yes."

"So that leaves us in the same position," Reid said.

"If the positions are not funded, there is no other recourse but to submit the layoff plan," Minchello said

But a motion to reconsider the layoff plan failed, with Mapp and Williams voting "yes" and the others voting "no."

Given the need for state review of a layoff plan and for the affected employees to receive notice, a layoff would not happen until sometime in November, Minchello said.

"The problem is, there is no direction."

"Come up with some direction," Reid said.

Brown said, "Find some funds."

"That cannot happen," Minchello said.

The 2013 budget was finalized and passed in June. The layoff issue remained unresolved Monday.

The Urban Enterprise Zone program dates back to 1985 and for at least 10 years funds for the program were used to pay administrative costs. See Plaintalker's July post here. Gov. Chris Christie disbanded the program in 2011 and turned fund balances back to municipalities. As noted, Plainfield has a balance of about $3 million.

At the Aug. 12 agenda-fixing session, Plainfield Municipal Employees Association President Cynthia Smith asked the council to reconsider the layoff plan, saying it would only save a couple of months in the salary and wage line. She reminded the council that the city was about to have a change in administrations and would "lose people with information" in a layoff.

"You may do yourself a disservice,"she said.

--Bernice

Downtown Cameras - How Long?

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

Early Plans Confound Plaintalker

The very thought of getting up early tomorrow to be somewhere by 8:30 a.m. was so worrisome that I had to make an escape to Purseblog to settle my nerves. Their motto is "shallow obsessing strongly encouraged" and I did so with alacrity, swooning over a flower-embroidered raffia purse that I neither need nor can afford.

I had hoped to write a post about the June 12 agenda, but the items that interest me most are also unclear to me and, I would guess, any other layperson unfamiliar with fiscal terminology. For example, the $1.5 million in grant balances up for cancellation - does that mean the money goes back to the general fund? That might be a good offset for taxes if so. Some of the money in the Urban Enterprise Zone program has been sitting idle since 2002, including $600,000 tagged for "Senior Citizen Construction" and $300,000 for "Park Madison." Another six-figure item on the list is $125,000 for a "Community Retail Analysis" that dates back to 2005, but was never done. There is also $94,189 for a 2005 "North Avenue Storm Drain" project.

There are other UEZ grant balances, but I could not correlate them with the analysis of the UEZ grant account that was given out last month. Other unused grant money includes $60,000 for "Safe & Secure" from last year and two grants totaling $71,000 for the Special Improvement District. 

Ooops! It is now past midnight! Gotta go! As a reporter I usually started late and stayed late, putting in many a 12-hour day. Catching a bus to Westfield at 7:55 a.m. Monday and later covering a 7 p.m. Democratic City Committee meeting is maybe even worse than the old days in the newsroom.

--Bernice

A Very Special Meeting.

Without a City Council meeting since Oct. 13, I was running out of hyperlocal topics. A combination agenda-fixing and regular council meeting had been scheduled for Nov. 9, but was rescheduled by Council President Bridget Rivers to Nov. 23. Today the City Clerk's office issued notice of a "Special Meeting" on that date with 47 items listed. 

All of a sudden the lack of news became a surfeit of possible blog posts, but there was no background information. I'm told there will be a regular packet available maybe on Friday, but meanwhile some of these topics are just too interesting to ignore. So I will venture into guesses and speculation while waiting for some facts.

Here are eight items off the list:

3.       A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF AN INACTIVE LIQUOR LICENSE IDENTIFIED AS RICHMOND BEER GARDEN.

This sounds like a "pocket license," one without a location. It is not the one currently in use at the former Richmond Beer Garden, now called Express Night Club. The Richmond Beer Garden closed several years ago. There is a limit on how long an inactive license can be held without renewal. A license can lapse and cease to exist if not renewed within state Alcoholic Beverage Control timelines.

7.       A RESOLUTION GRANTING ADVICE AND CONSENT OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE GREEN BROOK FLOOD CONTROL  COMMISSION.

See my post about why Plainfield needs representation on this commission.

16.    A RESOLUTION AUrolTHORIZING APPROVAL TO CANCEL DORMAN UEZ GRANTS.

Never mind the typos, it will be interesting to find out what projects got all the way through the process, but did not materialize. The city had several million dollars in its Urban Enterprise Zone account, but had to submit requests and get approvals from the UEZ Authority to use the funds.Actually, one of the problems with the program was that in 2011 the council could never get an answer from the administration on the status of projects, so maybe we still can't find out which ones didn't make it.

30.    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH HOUSTON GALVESTON AREA COUNCIL.

Now this one is really curious. The Houston Galveston Area Council is a resource for municipalities on all sorts of topics - in Texas. But it also has a cooperative purchasing plan. Need to see the contract to find out how Plainfield would be involved.

37.    A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH SOUTH SECOND STREET REDEVELOPMENT, LLC.

I did not attend the conceptual meeting on this, but South Second Street Revelopment information was included in Mayor Adrian O. Mapp's weekly newsletter. The city owns the land, which could help expedite development.

43.    FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FINANCIAL AGREEMENT WITH SLEEPY HOLLOW DEVELOPERS URBAN RENEWAL LLC AND GRANTING A TAX EXEMPTION.

Deja vu all over again, if this is the same "payment in lieu of taxes" agreement. Or maybe it is a new one. Have to see the details.

44.    FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING APPROVAL TO VACATE PORTIONS OF THE OLD SOUTH AVENUE RIGHT OF WAY.

This goes with the Sleepy Hollow Developers Urban Renewal LLC Agreement.

47.    FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING CERTAIN FOUR WAY STOP INTERSECTIONS.

After a fatal accident, residents called for four-way stops at several intersections. Need to look at the ordinance to find out which ones are designated.

If you are planning to attend the Nov. 23 Special meeting, please note the starting time is listed as 7 p.m., in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.

--Bernice

Community Groups Seek City Help

Community concerns brought a crowd of mostly young people to Monday's City Council meeting, along with a reprise of pleas for revitalization of an East Second Street neighborhood.

The governing body had alloted time to hear from The CURE Group.Leader Terry O. Muhammad said the acronym stands for "Creating Universal Righteous Establishments."  Naming a long list of backers, he asked the council to help the group launch a community center that would feature everything from etiquette lessons to substance abuse counseling.

"We would like to have a bowling alley," Muhammad said, and also asked for music studios and office space.

He envisioned a center surrounded by businesses where young people could be employed and free themselves from an environment of crime and violence.

"I hope the council would hear our plea," he said. "Our children are dying today."

Rev. Paul Dean, organizer of the East Second Street Revitalization group, questioned why it was taking so long for city officials to commit $1.2 million in Urban Enterprise Zone funds to a streetscape program that was announced in 2010. The group had asked last week for a resolution to be on Monday's agenda to convey the funds, but as was explained last week, the state UEZ funds that were turned back to the city are still being reconciled.

At the end of the meeting, Mayor Adrian O. Mapp pointed out some practicalities involved in meeting the groups' desires. Muhammad had asked about having his center in the Armory, but Mapp said it did not belong to the city. The HOPES Headstart program purchased the building from the state in 2012.

Mapp said the city has two "community centers" in Emerson and Washington schools that were built with community use in mind.

On the UEZ funding, Mapp said, "We don't know how much money we have," citing "mismanagement over the years." Mapp took office on Jan. 1, but as a councilman he had asked in 2012 for an accounting of funds and projects from the previous administration. His finance director, Ron West, is still sorting it out.

Mapp said the city only owns one building in the East Second Street Neighborhood Commercial District, and it is not the former market that Dean's group wants to acquire. He said the district really needs to have an "in need of redevelopment" study that is a first step in attracting developers.

"The city is not in the business of putting up buildings," he said.

Mapp said he will ask City Clerk Abubakar Jalloh to look up any legislation related to a billboard that Dean's group wants removed.

Among other items, Mapp said in a ride around the city he noticed how dark it is, and his administration will reach out to PSE&G to determine costs for more lights. He also announced a "shadow mentoring program" in which young people will be matched with city officials to learn more about how government works. He will also have a youth "mayor for a day" each month, he said.

Having come in for some gibes from council members Monday and at other recent meetings, Mapp said, "Stop tearing me down - let's work together."

--Bernice