A Gated City
On my walk downtown Tuesday, I was surprised to see all these gates down at 10 a.m. on a business day.
Maybe people were open on the holiday and shut down today, but it certainly did not look inviting.
Some of the stores were vacant, or should I say many of the stores were vacant.
A few held pitches for new tenants. Many were Paramount properties acquired from the Pittis Estate.
This view was down Watchung Avenue toward the train station.In all, it was a surprising sight in the central business district on a weekday. If anyone has any insight into why the downtown looks like this, please leave a comment.
--Bernice Paglia
posted by Bernice at 7:16 PM
7 Comments:
I am told that when Pittis owned the properties, they owned them free and clear. Now that Paramount bought them, they have a mortgage which would be at a minimum, in excess of $10,000,000 and probably more, depending on downpayments, interest, etc.
The rents are escalating as leases come up and people are moving out. They have bills to pay, but so do the shop keepers who cant afford the new rents. It puts them right out of business.
What most realtors/investors seem to forget is that some money is better than no money, especially in todays market.
I noticed the same thing yesterday as I drove down Front Street. It was very depressing.
We can hope that a new administration will help address this issue by negotiating with investors and coming up with some creative financing.
Although, if it means more hair and nail salons, and fast food stores, and more cheap shops, I am not sure I want the downtown open.
Yes, I'm sure the "new administration" (Mapp) will breathe new life into the downtown, and also save Plainfield, Union County New Jersey, and the rest of the world from all the problems facing us. Crime will end, business will prosper, banks will be handing out money to all the shiny happy people holding hands in the sunshine! Yes, vote for Mapp, the reality candidate.
Mapp has been a politician in Plainfield for 15+ years. Your pictures are a legacy of Mapp. My mother told me to be careful of what I wish for.
Thus, I am not wishing for Mapp.
To 12:05 p.m., last night Jerry Green said people have been "dumping on Plainfield," i.e. allowing in people with special needs, for 40 years. At the same time, he says he has held public office for 25 years. How come has done nothing more than woof at the Park Hotel in all that time?
To 11:18am - So you think we have it so good now?
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