I missed the beginning of the meeting due to a prior commitment and so did not hear Mayor Adrian O. Mapp's remarks, but there was plenty more to hear in the second half. Plaintalker has already written about some of these topics (click links).
Regarding the 10-acre site that now only holds the empty Muhlenberg hospital, the city has found it "in need of redevelopment" and a request for proposals will be issued next week. The city does not own the site but JFK Health is amenable to discussion of the site's future. City officials have already decided not to use eminent domain to acquire the site. Planning Board Chairman Ron Scott Bey called eminent domain a "gun with no bullets," as the city would have to pay for the site plus attorney fees.
Litigation over taxes on the property is underway. Another issue is who will pay the millions of dollars needed to remediate environment hazards and demolish the building. Officials expect a tax incentive will be needed to make a deal. A new marketing effort will extend beyond New Jersey to neighboring states.
(A Muhlenberg update is also listed as a discussion item for Monday's City Council meeting.)
Other topics:
-- Foreclosures and abandoned properties are so extensive that Economic Development Director Carlos Sanchez wants to hire a "point person" to work on the problem. Sanchez said there are 320 abandoned properties that have an adverse effect on neighborhoods. One task might be to pinpoint where there are clusters of vacant buildings in wards or neighborhoods that should be addressed first.
--A new municipal complex might require "taking a property or two" near where the current buildings are, and possibly relocating a firehouse, Mapp said. He said there might be an answer in coming months.
--Planning Director Bill Nierstedt mentioned interest in development beyond the downtown, such as on the south side of North Avenue between Leland Avenue and Berckman Street, on East Second between Leland and Johnston Avenue, in the Edward Paul building on South Avenue, and the Rushmore building which was approved as a storage facility.
--Resident and historian Nancy Piwowar commented on the state of city sewers, expressing fear for a major sewer collapse in the 100-year-old system. (However, the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority recently made a sewer capacity study of a proposed 212-unit complex on South Avenue and found the capacity adequate.)
Nierstedt mentioned two development applications scheduled to be heard on March 17, one for site plan approval of a residential and commercial project on South Second Street and final site plan approval for the South Avenue Gateway development.
Other topics were how to prevent to proliferation of satellite dishes, outreach to business owners on signage rules and helping homeowners to become more knowledgeable about the property maintenance code.
--Bernice
I did not attend the entire meeting, but what I did hear about the progress of Plainfield was exciting and full of promise. The meeting reinforced the fact that Plainfield is in the hands of people who care about the city and its residents, represented by the Administration and various boards.
ReplyDeleteThe discussion around Plainfield's development, as well as the effort to focus more on the general look and quality of life in the city through education was heartening. Imagine a city without the satellite farm and business windows that are attractive. It's coming.
It was a shame that it was not televised as I believe residents would have been interested in hearing and seeing how their taxes are being distributed to benefit them, and what great strides are being made for all citizens of Plainfield.
Thanks to everyone on the boards who volunteer countless hours in researching various issues, and give freely of their time in meetings to help move this city forward.
Lastly, Ron Scott Bey ran the meeting efficiently and professionally. We are lucky to have him, along with all members who serve on the various boards.
Jeanette