Emmett Swan didn’t have to go far to attend the City
Council’s Ward 1 Town Meeting in the Senior Center Tuesday - he lives upstairs
in one of the 63 residential condos that were supposed to be the trade-off for
a center developed at no cost to the city.
But the center itself is a condo under the master deed with
the developer and officials are now questioning the $33,000 annual maintenance
fee for occupying 13.93 percent of the building.
Swan serves on the condo board along with one other owner
and three representatives of Dornoch, the development firm that is now offering
lease-to-purchase deals for more than 30 unsold condos. He urged the council to
send a representative to the next board meeting, to examine the public offering
for the condos and make Dornoch abide by it.
Swan also said residents are upset with conditions next door,
where a large trash bin sits in front of two restaurants, a liquor store and a
laundry. He called the storefronts and the parking lot “dilapidated” and said
people loiter in front of the liquor store and in nearby shrubbery.
Councilman William Reid, who represents Ward 1, and
Councilwoman Vera Greaves, the at-large representative for Wards 1 & 4,
both promised help from Public Works and the Police Division.
Swan also asked about ShotSpotter, the gunshot detection
system, and whether it has been a crime deterrent. Corporation Counsel David
Minchello said the city has twice been able to move back the contract start
date for ShotSpotter, as the company has worked to resolve glitches. (Mayor Sharon
Robinson-Briggs announced at a recent neighborhood meeting that city officials
met with the company’s president and the contract was to commence now that
problems have been resolved.) Minchello also said the city was not satisfied
with ShotSpotter’s stated 80 percent accuracy rate and wanted to see a higher
percentage.
On the condo fees, Councilman Adrian Mapp said he wanted to
see audited fees rather than just hearing a figure from Dornoch.
Reid hit a nerve when he talked about people who do not have
“constructive criticism” about the city and suggested that they move if they
don’t like it. Ward 4 resident Charlotte Timberlake said she had a “quality of
life” issue with loitering and public urination in her neighborhood.
“I’d like to be able to walk around. I’d like to walk to a
mailbox, and I can’t do it in the Fourth Ward,” she said. But she added, “I
don’t like it when someone says, if you don’t like it, leave.”
Mapp also objected to Reid’s comment, saying, “All of us
don’t share this point of view.”
Mapp also answered resident Gloria Williams’ concern about
having to apply every year for senior tax deductions by suggesting she look
into the state’s Senior Freeze program.
Ward 1 resident Barbara James expressed surprise at the low
turnout for the meeting, which attracted only about a dozen residents. James
also congratulated Mapp on being named the Union County Democrats’ party line
choice for mayor, but as the Ward 1 City Committee leader said she was
disappointed that the local party did not have a chance to meet, “that the
county usurped our authority and made the decision for us.”
James is also confidential aide to Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, who is seeking a third term as mayor.
so if you don't like it.. MOVE.
ReplyDelete- How can one person make it more clear the needs of the constituents are the last thing that concerns him?? For all the people who have commented that, " Regardless of somethings he does or says, his experience and opinion are valued." It's funny... he doesn't give a damn about the opinion of the people he represents.. Go ahead Ward 1 people.. there's the man you picked.. YOU DON'T MATTER TO HIM ONE BIT.
That painted circus performer has got to go...
Really Ms. Barbara James? That seems like a backhanded compliment. I'm sure you wouldn't have said anything had your friend been given the line once again - sounds like sour grapes. SRB has had 8 years to prove her incompetency, about the only thing she's done very well. Now its time for change, accept it gracefully.
ReplyDeleteI like the trash bins out front, Every time I look out my window. I am reminded of the trash that is Plainfield. I am in the process of selling my unit and can't wait to get out.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that Barbara James would be blaming the County for a decision that was ultimately made by the Plainfield Democratic Committee Chairman. A Chairman that was elected by a large majority of the elected members of the committee. Barbara James was part of that majority.
ReplyDeleteYou can't have your cake and eat it too!
Reid demonstrates why Plainfield will never get better. He shows no interest in making this city better - he shows no understanding about the issues of Plainfield, and he shows a lack of respect for people who pay his salary from the town (wonder if he has paid his taxes yet?). Give up - that's what the council does in Plainfield. Don't make it better - don't resolve issues - just keep things as they are, give me my pay, and give up.
ReplyDeleteWhat business does he have being on the city council. Ward 1 - do you not care? Is this attitude OK with you?
To Anon 9:05--it is in fact the County Democratic Party Executive Committee that makes this kind of decision--not the local Dem Party chair.
ReplyDeleteTo9:21pm - in fact, the Democratic Party Chair makes the decision. There is no open ballot. No one other than the person or people the Democratic Chair wants on the line is put up for a vote to the Demo city committee. Come to one of the meetings to see how it is run.
ReplyDeleteThe city committee will pick the mayor just the way any candidate she supported will be picked. Jerry tells the faithful who to vote for, and they do. Barbara is included in the faithful.