Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center closed in 2008, despite dozens of rallies and pleas to state authorities to keep it open. Since then,only a satellite emergency center with links to JFK Medical Center in Edison remains to serve residents of Plainfield and neighboring communties. In 2012, JFK Health System presented an appraiser's report saying the best use for the campus was development of 600 luxury apartments, a concept roundly rejected by city residents.
On Thursday, Mapp introduced the city's new deputy city administrator for economic development, Carlos Sanchez, to talk about the city-sponsored study. Sanchez, formerly the director of economic development for the city of Elizabeth, first assured residents that recent activity observed on the Muhlenberg campus had nothing to do with renovation or construction, but was only disposal of old equipment and furniture from a dialysis facility on the campus. He presented a schedule of three community meetings that are part of the city planning study on the site - March 27 at Plainfield High School, April 24 at Washington Community School and April 29 at Emerson Community School - and said the information will also be disseminated in Spanish. Each meeting, from 7 to 9 p.m., will include a Spanish translator so that the city's Latino population, now more than 40 percent, can participate.
"We want to make sure everyone comes out," Sanchez said, urging those present to call others to attend the meetings
A draft report could be ready by late August or early September, he said.
Challenged by resident Regina Bagley-Gray to describe his background, Sanchez noted his service in Elizabeth, with the Union County Economic Development Corporation, with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and in commercial lending with various banks.
"Economic development cannot be done in a vacuum," he said. "What I bring to the table is relationships."
But he added that economic development cannot be done from City Hall alone, but has to involve with the community and businesses.
Bagley Gray asked whether he lives in the city and what he wants to see in Plainfield, to which another resident said what Sanchez wants "is not nearly as important as what we want."
Sanchez said he was not a resident, but the issue was not what he wants.
"That's why we are having all these community meetings," he said.
Residents raised several other issues, including why Mapp chose Ron West to be finance director when he was linked to JFK Health System as a board member.
"That's like having your drug dealer become your therapist," the resident said.
Mapp said he insisted on West severing all ties to JFK Health System and West is not included in any city discussions about the campus.
Other speakers included activist Dottie Gutenkauf, who said a planning study was proposed during the previous administration "but did not make it into the budget." In support of the current one, she said, "We need our own planner who will put Plainfield first."
--Bernice
We really need to stop worrying about who lives in plainfield and works for the city. This is such a tired topic and is complete nonsense. The Mayor has to hire the team that he feels is most qualified and that he can work with - he is not there to have all the same cast of characters come in and out of jobs just because they live in Plainfield. Personally I encourage people with outside experience to take these positions. They bring new ideas and momentum that has been seriously lacking in the city.
ReplyDeleteEconomic development is vital to Plainfield and Mr. Sanchez has the experience and background to help do great things. So we can hire one local person to fill a spot where they may or may not be effective or we can hire an outsider with experience who can be effective and help create jobs to MANY local Plainfielders. Its easy math.
As for Ron West - it is a reasonable question to ask about his relationship to JFK - but it is not fair to make assumptions about his integrity and honesty. Ron is a smart guy who is quite capable of doing an outstanding job for the city. Its a small city and easy to have conflicting and overlapping involvement in numerous boards and commissions - it is how possible conflicts are handled that is important.
No one has to assume Ron West's position on Muhlenberg: He has told us. After 25 years with JFK he dose look a little like a Trojan Horse, integrity has many sides just as this issue. Funny how many friends you can make in that much time. You may ask yourself why he would want to associate himself with little old failing Plainfield when he had his hands on some real power? I am a cynical Plainfielder, who would not find it funny(ironic) for him to return to a very profitable position at JFK when his real job as a carpetbagger is done. Time will tell his true motovations and that of the Mayor.
ReplyDeletePlease understand I mean no insult to Mr.West as the people said last night he is quite clever, a genius indeed. I hope he can use his smarts for the benefit of the City. I am sure he will do everyting in his power to achieve his goals. I am additionally sure that both he, and the mayor, will welcome the close eye we will keep on Both of them as they march forward.
What's with the carpetbagger reference? And, you did insult him. We are lucky to have someone with his ability and smarts to dig us out of an 8 year hole. And, you will benefit.
ReplyDeleteTo your words of "failing Plainfield", maybe it won't fail because of his ability, and you will benefit, even though you probably will not know it.
And you are correct, time will tell of his true motivations, so why not wait until you have something concrete to say instead of just playing the old Plainfield song - "If someone is trying to help the city they must be up to something".
Really - what will it take to get people to stop living in the past, feeling entitled, and thinking that this city will always be a dump.
Carlos Sanchez, the same economic director, by his own acknowledgment, worked in the same position in Elizabeth for the past 11 years. Well I’m not impress by his resume, didn’t Elizabeth have a hospital close in the last few years? What do you have to say about that Mr. Sanchez?
ReplyDeleteDecisions about hospital closings are not made at the municipal level and are part of a nationwide shift in the hospital industry. Not even all the outcry here or efforts of elected officials could prevent the closing of Muhlenberg. At this point, the city's goal is to determine and advocate for the best use of the campus.
ReplyDelete