Plainfield Plaintalker

Plaintalker II

2010-05-16T01:06:00.002-04:00

Click here to go to Plaintalker II. Please bookmark it. You can still search the Plaintalker archive for news from June 2005 to May 12, 2010.

--Bernice

Check Plaintalker II

2010-05-15T03:52:00.002-04:00

Go to Plaintalker II

for news about a fiesta planned for the July 4 weekend.

Testing, Testing ...

2010-05-14T08:27:00.002-04:00

Plaintalker II is still in the works, although some readers prefer the original Plaintalker. Blogger has many more features for newer blogs and it is cumbersome to look things up among Plaintalker's 2,400-plus posts for links.

Click here to go to Plaintalker II. The entire archive of Plaintalker will remain accessible indefinitely and I will include links to past stories that are related to new ones.

--Bernice

Brownfields Work to be Outsourced

2010-05-14T02:21:00.001-04:00

The city recently advertised for RFQs (Requests for Qualifications) for "Management Services for the Brownfield Development Area" and "Environmental Consultant for the Brownfield Program."

The legal notice appeared in the Courier News, but has yet to appear on the city web site except as a brief flash before the main page comes on. The web site section devoted to RFPs and RFQs does not have the Brownfields RFQ.

Brownfields are sites where environmental remediation must take place before development or redevelopment. With its legacy of industrial uses, Plainfield has quite a few.

Until a layoff plan was announced this year, April Stefel managed the extensive accounting for management of Brownfield sites. Although the Plaintalker report excerpt below indicates she did a good job, it will now most likely go to an outside source.

Here is the excerpt from a City Council meeting that included comments on the layoffs:

"Several residents spoke in favor of retaining April Stefel, a certified landscape architect in the Planning Division who is staff liaison to the Shade Tree Commission and manages several other programs, including brownfields studies.

Shade Tree Commission Chairman Gregory Palermo praised Stefel for her “marvelous success” in coming up with grants for tree planting and maintenance.

“The grant money should be thought of as found money,” he said, “but it is not going to be found unless someone is looking for it.”

(Disclaimer: I am a member of the Shade Tree Commission.)

Stefel herself explained that she is responsible for more than $5.6 million in grants and that she had suggested her pay could be given back from various grants, but an analysis she made in December was lost or never given to the administration. She detailed the work she puts in to report to state agencies on grant-funded programs, saying the brownfields work alone takes up half her 63 part-time hours per month."

The scenario above points to yet another possible assignment for a favored engineering firm instead of having a highly qualified Plainfielder on the case.

When the Brownfields issue first emerged, it seemed to almost a vital element for redevelopment. Click here for one of several Plaintalker reports on Brownfields.

But at this juncture, maybe the best thing for the city would be for Stefel to become the consultant, although she would not have benefits.

The city in the last couple of months has published a number of RFQs and RFPs, including several that would apply to Stefel's previous duties.

Anyone working on the FY 2011 budget should take stock of these choices between in-house staffers and outside consultants, for every-day monitoring of ways to save money.

--Bernice Paglia

Restrictions on State Aid May Continue

2010-05-12T20:20:00.004-04:00

Someone mentioned to me recently that stern conditions on acceptance of FY 2010 extraordinary state aid will elapse at the end of the fiscal year on June 30.

But the last sentence of the Memorandum of Understanding between the city and the director of the state Division of Local Government Services states, "It is finally agreed that the terms of this agreement shall be binding upon the City for any and all subsequent years in which Extraordinary Aid funds are allocated to the City."

For FY 2010, the city sought $3.5 million, but received only $250,000. The aid came with many conditions outlined in the four-page MOU, including 13 personnel requirements and six procedural and operational requirements.

Among the personnel requirements were a hiring freeze on new employees, a salary freeze for all employees not covered by a current contractual agreement, no money for charities or "sunshine fund"activities, a reduction in force through attrition and many more constraints.

Anybody connected with the FY 2011 budget process needs to review the MOU, because unless the city intends to forego applying for and accepting extraordinary state aid, the agreement will continue to impact personnel and operational functions.

Unfortunately, the city is still without a permanent finance director and a chief finance officer to guide the budget process. There has been no CFO, a required statutory position, since the end of 2007. The city received an extension to hire one by July 19. At present, City Administrator Bibi Taylor is also serving informally as acting director of Administration, Finance, Health and Social Services, which has the largest number of divisions among the three departments mandated by the City Charter.

Taylor is thus carrying on the legacy of former City Administrator Marc Dashield, who found himself wearing two hats in two prior budget years. The dual burden contributed to the late passage of those two budgets.

If there is a citizen budget advisory committee this year, each member should get a copy of the MOU as context to budget decision-making. Imposition of these conditions must be weighed against the value of possible extraordinary state aid for FY 2011.

--Bernice Paglia

Plaintalker II

2010-05-12T19:52:00.003-04:00

Now that Plainfield Plaintalker has more than 2400 posts since June 2005, I am trying to convert to a successor, Plaintalker II.

I have duplicated posts in recent days on both blogs. The main impediment to making the change is my extreme aversion to change itself (being a Taurus and all).

Plaintalker II is also very spare, without all the bells and whistles that Barbara Todd Kerr created for it in 2005. I am interested to know what readers think about the new format, so feel free to comment. I can never replicate all the work Barbara did on the original, so the main focus is on content, not format.

Please take a look and let me know your opinions.

--Bernice

Watching the Pot

2010-05-12T11:23:00.002-04:00

Last night I decided to leave the school board meeting at around 9:30 p.m. I see that the meeting did not open until nearly 11 p.m., and after the nugget of news, it was not reported how long it took the board to deal with the 41-page agenda.

Lately I have had to do a lot of waiting. We are waiting to see whether our building will be sold, and waiting to find out what it might mean in terms of our living situation. I am presently waiting to see whether the latest repairs will mean the ceiling leaks will not recur. We are also waiting to see whether the landlord will pay the water bill before the latest shut-off notice kicks in.

As far as the whole Gallon story, there will be an outcome, but we don't know what or when.

An old adage comes to mind here, reminding us all to have patience and not to get all worked up while waiting for something to happen. Some may think the pot has already boiled, but I think it is still simmering and my attention is not needed every minute until it does come to a boil.

"Que sera, sera" and then you can read all about it. Surmising, speculating and second-guessing meanwhile might possibly be a waste of time.

--Bernice

Commentary: A Wynn-Wynn Situation

2010-05-11T11:34:00.002-04:00

Yet another hour of the governing body's time and energy was spent Monday on how to settle a conflict between a volunteer youth baseball league and the city's Recreation Division, which launched its own league with paid coaches this year. Both leagues need access to municipal ball fields, but the Queen City Baseball League has had lights turned off, bases under lock and key, its banner vanished and other signs that the Recreation Division accidentally or on purpose is making the season difficult for its 50 or 60 young players.

In talks and protests since last fall, parents and coaches have suggested that Recreation Superintendent Dave Wynn's style of management is part of the problem or maybe is the problem. There was supposed to have been a sitdown last fall with Wynn and the administration to get to the bottom of the issues, but on May 3, Queen City players and advocates packed City Hall Library and had the ears of the governing body for two hours.

The clash is taking up many hours out of the lives of City Administrator Bibi Taylor and Public Works & Urban Development Director David Brown II, as well as the seven council members and the mayor. Calls are being fielded at all hours, from what Taylor said Monday, and Public Works Superintendent John Louise is being dragged into it as well.

When Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs was first elected in 2006, she said publicly there was not enough for children to do in Plainfield. Wynn correctly pointed out the city's huge roster of athletic programs and events for children and before long, the mayor was one of Wynn's most staunch supporters. Even when council members later sought to cut back on public events as the economy worsened, Wynn dodged the fiscal bullet. But some events took on political overtones, such as the Music in the Plaza series that featured the mayor's re-election campaign image on all its promotional materials.

The situation escalated Monday with the council proposing passage of two ordinances aimed at defusing the problem by changing who would be responsible for field access.The mayor was absent, but Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson, the most highly paid city employee, read off a series of remarks from the mayor, including one in which she threatened legal action if the council passed the ordinances.

"I am very sorry to hear that," Council President Annie McWilliams said, but noted seven days had elapsed without the administration naming a requested "point person" to replace Wynn in the current dispute.

Both measures failed, with McWilliams, Adrian Mapp and Rashid Burney voting "yes" and Linda Carter, Bridget Rivers and William Reid voting "no." Cory Storch was absent.

Then there was the notion that a newly-minted Recreation Committee, advisory in nature, should be made into full-blown commission with broader powers. Taylor objected, saying that would produce another budget line item with no duties assigned.

Responding to the mayor's suggestion of possible legal action against the council, Mapp noted budget decisions are coming up and said the "next level" might be to remove salaries from the Recreation Division.

Despite the heated nature of the controversy, Taylor described it at one point like this: "When you start a new program and mesh it with the old, you will have hiccups."

Apparently in this case, you will also have an ever-expanding sphere of well-compensated officials trying to deal with what time the ballfield lights should go out and why bases are being stored in the ladies' bathroom.

It is hard to conceive of any other organization where a middle manager can be at the center of a months'-long controversy without suffering any consequences. Parents and coaches are upset, children are perplexed, government officials are being drawn in when they have plenty of other things to deal with in these still precarious times.

Two commenters at the end of the meeting summed up their feelings, which no doubt many Plainfielders share.

Dwayne Wilkins of the new Recreation Committee said of seeing the children at the May 3 meeting, "I struggle with that."

Their plight "should not have to go to the highest levels of government," he said.

Lamar Mackson, who grew up in the city in what he described as "simpler times," said he was "hurt and distraught by what we're doing here."

"When you look at the headlines, there is nothing but distress coming from Plainfield," he said.

Mackson said he wants to see things that put Plainfield in a better light.

He said of the controversy, "It's just unconscionable."

--Bernice Paglia

Some Council Highlights

2010-05-11T01:28:00.002-04:00

Here are some highlights of Monday’s City Council meeting:

--Councilman William Reid apologized to Council President Annie McWilliams for an outburst at the May 3 agenda session where he accused her of disrespecting him and being unethical over something that happened at the April 12 business meeting. Reid had claimed he was not given information on a last-minute item passed out to council members.

On Monday, he said he is very passionate about city affairs, but in the May 3 instance, “My negative passion came out.”

“I will attempt to repress that negative passion in the future.”

--The governing body took no action on the defeated school budget. As officials explained at a special meeting Friday,the council could not cut the $21.8 local tax levy because it was mandated by the state. Council members said attempting to identify changes that could be made among budget lines was pointless, as the council would not have time for a thorough review. The state deadline for changes is May 19.

--The administration will attempt to get more people trained for the role of Zoning Officer in order to help enforce a sign ordinance. At present, although proper signage is desired, enforcement is on the shoulders of already burdened Planning Director Bill Nierstedt. City Administrator Bibi Taylor said David Brown II, the new director of Public Works & Urban Development, is taking a course to become qualified and will encourage others to earn the title.

--The administration withdrew a resolution to hire Automatic Data Processing to provide time, attendance and payroll services after council members asked for a biometric system rather than a time clock plan to replace an outmoded manual human resources management system. The issue came up on May 3 and the governing body was told there might be objections from unions over biometrics. But council members said they want to get the latest system if there is to be a conversion.

--Council candidate and former mayoral candidate Jim Pivnichny objected to a contract for engineering services with Remington & Vernick, saying it would cost $88,725 for just one-third of a mile on Watchung Avenue.

“This one really bowls me over,” he said.

But Taylor said sometimes such projects take up to two years, and Brown said the award resulted from a “fair and open” bid process.

--The council granted approval for the city to turn over four West End parcels to habitat for Humanity and seven parcels to Plainfield Community Development Corp, which is affiliated with the Housing Authority of Plainfield. All the properties were part of a redevelopment plan for 197 scattered sites. Some may recall that when the 197 plan first came about, a Westfield company was assigned more than 60 lots to redevelop, while non-profits only got four. The Westfield company built about 30 pre-fabricated homes, but failed to build the rest.

--The council spent more than an hour discussing issues related to youth baseball. The volunteer Queen City Baseball League had used ball fields in the past, but now that the city has begun its own youth baseball league, the volunteer group has experienced problems with lighting, access, equipment and scheduling. About 50 young players, along with parents and coaches, came to the May 3 agenda-fixing session to ask for help. Speakers suggested the team was being sabotaged and called it a “control issue” with the Recreation Division.

Although the council asked the administration to name a neutral “point person” to assure access for the volunteer team, Taylor said she and Brown were acting in that capacity, in consultation with Recreation Superintendent Dave Wynn. The council had two ordinances up for a vote Monday, one to put the Public Works Division in charge of ball fields and one to restrict Wynn’s powers to playgrounds. But Taylor said, “These ordinance mix apples and oranges,” and at the vote both failed in 3-3 ties.

Prior to the vote, Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson said, speaking for Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, that the mayor felt the legislation was heavy-handed and if it passed, she reserved the right to take legal action against the governing body.

Councilman Adrian Mapp noted a new budget year was coming. Not hearing a willingness to change the behavior that led to the friction, Mapp said the next level might be to take away the salaries for Recreation.

More later on some of these issues.

--Bernice Paglia

Signs: My Emily Litella Moment

2010-05-10T12:41:00.003-04:00

The appearance of a lengthy sign ordinance last week was initially intriguing, because it seemed to be banning the ubiquitous neon and flashing LED signs that are all over the business district. My blog post attracted many comments, many of the same "what's all this fuss" ilk as my initial reaction.

Over the weekend, I looked up the old sign ordinance on Rashid Burney's web site, where he has the Municipal Code and other documents posted. A lot of the language from the 2002 ordinance sounded suspiciously familiar. Today I checked with Planning Director Bill Nierstedt, who put the ordinance together. Turns out it is mostly the same as the old one, but instead of laboriously picking out details of changes, the language "repeal and replace" is used.

Nierstedt said the main difference is that a chart is included, covering all the sign rules.

So if certain signs are already prohibited, why do we see them all over?

The city official who must enforce the prohibitions is the Zoning Officer. After former Zoning Officer Jocelyn Pringley passed away several years ago, Nierstedt inherited the role and all its many responsibilities. This in addition to his heavy burden as Planning Director, which requires not only dealing with developers and property owners who want to build or change things, but also attending many night meetings. As the organization has flattened, Nierstedt's tasks have expanded tremendously.

So store owners with neon or flashing signs need not expect to be grandfathered in. Their signs have already been illegal since at least 2002. And with Nierstedt's burgeoning duties, perhaps they just can't be a priority. In the Special Improvement District alone, there are about 400 businesses. Checking on each one and following through on violations could be a very time-consuming project.

Unless this duty is statutorially assigned to the Zoning Officer, perhaps Inspections could take it on. Attractive signage is a key element of any downtown. Or if neon and sparkly signs are not all that bad in some folks' eyes, maybe they should be permitted. Most likely merchants have been approached by vendors of such signs and the business owners simply don't know what is permitted in Plainfield.

Reassignment of enforcement, rethinking of the rules and merchant education are some future possibilities for proper signage. The last time there was a consistent effort to unify signage was way back in the days of the Sign & Facade program. Maybe it's time to take another look at the issue.

--Bernice Paglia

From Mousie to Mau

2010-05-09T14:08:00.005-04:00

Some readers may remember the forlorn little feral kitten that I decided to look out for in 2008. I guarded his food dish so he could eat without the bigger cats knocking him out of the way. Eventually he climbed up on my lap one day. In November 2008, he received vet treatment necessary to bring him indoors. He weighed less than three pounds, but rapidly began to gain weight (and attitude).

I was calling him "Mousie" for his diminutive size and meek demeanor at first, but lately his main nickname is "Mau."

Today I was looking up "Mau" online and to my surprise found out it is the Egyptian word for "cat." So here is my big old Mau, hamming it up for the camera!

--Bernice

Reid Confronts McWilliams Over Perceived Slight

2010-05-09T02:58:00.001-04:00

Someone today reminded me of a blog topic I meant to write about but forgot with all the incursions of workers into my apartment this week to check on a big leak.

Very late in Monday’s City Council meeting (May 3), Councilman William Reid began a diatribe against City Council President Annie McWilliams over a perceived slight at the April 12 regular City Council meeting. Reid claimed McWilliams excluded him while passing out a last-minute resolution on a proposed $16,000 increase in spending for a “visioning study” on future city development.

“I figure that you bypassed me because you know that I ask questions,” Reid said, adding he was “astounded at the very large disrespect” of the perceived omission.

“You’re learning fast, tricks to get stuff past us,” Reid said, insisting that McWilliams “never, ever do it again.”

Councilwoman Linda Carter recalled that the council went into a two-minute recess to discuss the item, which was received from the administration just that night, as McWilliams also attested. The measure passed after the recess. Reid made no mention April 12 of a slight.

But Reid again told McWilliams Monday, “Please don’t do that any more. If you are going to do that, call me and I will keep my butt home.”

None of the explanations offered mollified Reid. When McWilliams said his protestations made her appear to be unethical, Reid said, “It was unethical.”

As McWilliams asked to defend her action, Reid said, “You can’t defend it to me.”

As the discussion wore on, Reid insisted information was kept from him.

Councilman Cory Storch suggested that a face-to-face private talk would have been more in order than a public confrontation, but Reid was unappeased.

Reid is the First Ward representative. He came on first as an appointee in 2007 succeeding Rayland Van Blake, who left the council to become a Union County freeholder. He ran for the unexpired term in 2008 and has now filed to run for a full four-year term in the November general election. His Republican opponent in November will be Sean Alfred. Reid is also the campaign treasurer for Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs.

--Bernice Paglia

Empty Chairs Sink Emergency Meeting

2010-05-07T19:15:00.002-04:00

An emergency meeting that Board of Education President Lisa Logan Leach said was mandated by top education officials fell through Friday evening for lack of a board quorum.

The board was to have met in closed session at 5 p.m., followed by an emergency business meeting at 5:45 p.m., preceding a 6 p.m. joint meeting with the City Council to discuss the 2010-11 budget that was defeated April 20 by voters.

The single item on the board agenda was a resolution to suspend Schools Superintendent Steve Gallon III and former Assistant Superintendent Angela Kemp, appoint an acting superintendent, remove Kemp from the district payroll and to appoint a new board attorney.

But as about 50 people waited at Emerson School for the board to open the emergency business meeting, Business Administrator/Board Secretary Gary Ottmann announced the meeting would not happen due to lack of a quorum.

Asked later for reasons why board members were absent, Logan Leach said only two of the nine board members had indicated they could not attend. She said she had been in "constant communication" with the office of Union County Executive Superintendent Carmen Centuolo as well as the office of state BOE Commissioner Bret Schundler Thursday regarding the emergency need. Logan Leach said she e-mailed the officials Friday night to apprise them of the failed meeting.

After the meeting was declared canceled, recently elected board members Rasheed Abdul-Haqq, Renata Hernandez and Keisha Edwards arrived, still short of a quorum.

Gallon was arrested Tuesday on several charges related to allegedly allowing Kemp and another assistant, Lalalei Kelly, to use his address to illegallly enroll their children in the South Plainfield school system. Kemp had been also ordered to forfeit her job after being convicted on charges of harassing a fellow administrator. Both were former colleagues of Gallon in the Miami district from which he came to Plainfield.

Although chairs were set up and conspicuously labeled for the state education commissioner, the county superintendent and Assemblyman Jerry Green, none appeared Friday.

The City Council portion of the meeting also proved inconclusive as members said the governing body could do nothing about the state-mandated $21.8 million tax levy that voters rejected, but could only move funds around within that amount. But members said they felt ill-equipped to go through the voluminous budget document to identify changes. On Monday, the council will most likely pass a resolution taking no action.

City Council President Annie McWilliams said the city will likely face another state-mandated increase in the school tax levy next year, but she said it might be the last one. The district has had mandated increases in the school tax levy since the passage of the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, after having no change in support of school costs since 1992. In light of the constraints, Councilman Adrian Mapp called the council review of the defeated budget "a pointless exercise" and others made similar estimations.

In public comment, Dr. Harold Yood said he felt the council should at least pass a resolution objecting to the fact that the governing body had no say over the voters' rejection of the budget.

--Bernice Paglia

Sign Ordinance in the Works

2010-05-07T07:22:00.004-04:00

Lengthy changes to the city's sign ordinance will be up for a vote on first reading at Monday's City Council meeting.

The meeting is 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.

For the moment, Plaintalker will mention one of the changes. This has to deal with flashing signs of the kind that are popping up in store windows. I was trying to think up the right words to describe them, but the proposed new rules spell it out: "No sign shall contain blinking, flashing, flickering, tracer or sequential lighting," and also prohibited are "signs with lights or illuminations which flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, vary in color or use intermittent electrical pulsation."

One such sign is close to City Hall at the Magic Carpet driving school on Watchung Avenue and there are many more downtown.

A quick search online revealed that many municipalities across the nation are concerned about such signs and some have banned installation of new ones.

Merchants purchase the signs and vendors program them to the customer's liking. They certainly do attract attention, but the question is whether they are in keeping with the city's vision for its business districts.

The ordinance, MC 2010-16, has many more additions to sign regulations, affecting apartment buildings, business and professional offices and more. Copies of the full ordinance may be obtained at the City Clerk's office in City Hall, 515 Watchung Ave. If passed on Monday, the ordinance will be up for second reading and final passage in June.

--Bernice Paglia

Some History on North Avenue Extension

2010-05-07T06:38:00.004-04:00

The Courier News reports today on a court decision regarding redevelopment in the so-called North Avenue Extension tract. This was a hot topic in 2007 and then went out of sight as challenges to a blight designation wended their way through the judicial system.

Several things have changed since the 2007 findings of blight. Some buildings have new ownership and at least two are slated for redevelopment. Plaintalker will be reporting later on the differences and the ramifications of the court decision. Meanwhile, the links below give some context to the Courier News report. (Copy and paste in the address box.)

http://plaintalker.blogspot.com/2007/05/redevelopment-caveats-aired.html

http://plaintalker.blogspot.com/2007/07/planning-board-discussion-of-revised-in.html

http://plaintalker.blogspot.com/2007/08/planners-warned-on-blight-proof.html

--Bernice

Emergency BOE Meeting Tonight

2010-05-07T05:53:00.004-04:00

The Board of Education will hold an emergency meeting tonight with a closed session at 5 p.m. and an emergency business meeting at 5:45 p.m. at Emerson School, 305 Emerson Ave., according to a notice in today's Courier News.

The City Council will meet at 6 p.m. in the same location to discuss the defeated 2010-11 school budget.

--Bernice Paglia

Council to Review Defeated School Budget

2010-05-06T03:23:00.002-04:00

The City Council will meet with school board members and officials Friday night to discuss possible changes to the 2010-11 school budget rejected by voters on April 20.

The meeting is 6 p.m. at Emerson School, Councl President Annie McWilliams announced Monday.

Notice of the meeting has been posted in City Hall. Notice was also sent to the Courier News and the Star-Ledger, but may or may not be published, Deputy Clerk Abubakar Jalloh said Wednesday. The meeting is also posted on the city web site.

McWilliams said the governing body cannot cut the school tax levy, but might be able to make changes within the budget.

Plainfield has had state-mandated increases to the local school tax levy for the past three years due to the School Funding Reform Act of 2008. Previously, the local portion was $17,683,906, unchanged since 1992. For the 2008-09 school year, the levy was increased by 4 percent to $18,391,262. In 2009-10, it was $19,862,563.

This year, a 10 percent increase was mandated, to $21,848,819.

Plainfield had been contributing only about 20 percent of school costs in local taxes, with the bulk of the budget made up in state and federal aid. But in many suburban districts, the ratio is the opposite. The School Funding Reform Act of 2008 recognizes that needy students exist in many districts, not just in the 30 poorest districts in the state (formerly known as Abbott districts), and seeks to adjust funding proportionately.

--Bernice Paglia

Big Alert!!

2010-05-05T19:18:00.003-04:00

On Friday of this week, the City Council and Board of Education will hold a joint meeting on the topic of the defeated school board budget.

The meeting was announced Monday at the City Council meeting and notice was sent to the two newspapers of record, but publication is not guaranteed.

The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Friday (May 7) at Emerson School.

--Bernice

Off the Hook Tonight

2010-05-05T18:37:00.005-04:00

This is a double entendre - I found out I was off the hook to attend the Zoning

Board of Adjustment meeting because the case I was most interested in was postponed.

So instead of trudging to City Hall Library for yet another public meeting, I will be able to stay home and listen to one of my favorite WBAI programs, "Off the Hook" at 7 p.m.

Off the Hook is hosted by Emmanuel Goldstein, and deals with hacking. Although I have in the past subscribed to 2600, the Hacker Quarterly, most of it went over my head. Still, I appreciate the group's challenges to communication rules and I have made many a pledge to support the program. I must by now have a complete set of large "Off the Hook" T-shirts to serve as nightgowns in case I ever get incarcerated in a hospital room.

(Note to Off the Hook: Where's the new design that I pledged for?)

Emmanuel and his group give really good advice on telephonics as the times change so rapidly. Emmanuel himself has traveled the world to see how other people deal with communication. His phone-ins from remote places are extremely informative.

As the world changes, such information is vital to understanding a global perspective, because the past national barriers have been down for a while.

If you miss tonight's show, you can always tune in next week or access the WBAI archive to see what Off the Hook is all about.

--Bernice

Character Education

2010-05-05T08:52:00.005-04:00

In January 2009, the Plainfield school district began a Character Education initiative, with traits for each month and recognition of students who demonstrated the traits.

Click here to see the list for 2010.

In March, the traits were honesty and fairness. Sixteen students were recognized at the district's business meeting. But headlines were piling up about dishonesty at the top.

April's traits were cooperation and good sportsmanship: "Working together for a common purpose, the ability to take winning or losing without gloating or complaining." This as a conflict between a volunteer-operated youth baseball league and a city-run league heated up.

This month, the focus is on loyalty and good sportsmanship. Was the outgoing school board showing its loyalty to the schools superintendent by approving a token punishment in its final hours of power Monday? On the same night, the baseball feud boiled over into bitter protest and recriminations at a City Council meeting - in front of the kids.

Late yesterday came the news that the superintendent and two others had been arrested on charges involving placement of two out-of-district students in South Plainfield schools. Gallon may now be on a trajectory out of the Plainfield district.

June is coming, and its character trait is courage. If Gallon goes, the school board will need to show courage in facing up to the challenge of finding a new chief school administrator. No more secret searches, please. On the city side, elected officials must have the courage rise above personal differences and to fulfill their mandated roles, whether on the legislative or executive side. The Wizard of Oz is a very entertaining story, but let's hope none of our leaders has to take to the yellow brick road to find the courage to serve the public well.

--Bernice

Plan Changes Will Permit Rehab

2010-05-05T05:40:00.002-04:00

A proposal to rehabilitate the old Miron's warehouse is stalled because it conflicts with a redevelopment plan dating back to 2000, but amending the plan will let the developer seek approvals for the project, Planning Director Bill Nierstedt told the City Council Monday.

The original redevelopment plan called for construction of a new mixed use structure with up to 96 residential units on the site at 130-140 East Second Street and 200-206 Gavett Place. But the present owner wants to rehabilitate the building for retail use on the first floor and 12 apartments on the upper floors, Nierstedt said.

"As this is different than what the redevelopment plan calls for, the Planning Board cannot hear the application, and the board is recommending that the City Council adopt an amendment to the plan," he said.

Nierstedt said the board is of the opinion that current economic conditions "make it impractical to implement the plan" as it was originally proposed. The amendment would allow for the rehabilitation and also require the developer to provide parking.

The council agreed to put the matter up for a vote at its Monday (May 10) meeting, 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.

The former furniture warehouse has been open to the elements for several years. A previous failed project touted on a large sign earned the building the ironic nickname, "Luxury Condos." It has a covered walkway on East Second Street to protect pedestrians from falling debris.

The building now is owned by a subsidiary of Frank Cretella's Landmark Developers, Gavett Place Properties LLC. Passersby last winter could hear work going on inside the building, but the developer was issued a stop-work order and fined $2,000 for not having a permit.

Cretella has also acquired the former Romond Jeep building at 158 East Second Street and the adjacent Budget Rent-A-Car site on Gavett Place, where he proposes a complex with 20 apartments and commercial uses on the ground floor. That project is dubbed Arts Loft I LLC.

Other Cretella subsidiaries are Certified Green Property One LLC at 212-216 Park Avenue with four apartments over ground-floor retail space, Next Step to Collins Avenue LLC at 226-232 Park Avenue with 12 apartments over ground-floor retail space, Front Street Offices LLC at 216-232 West Front Street with 50,000 square feet of commercial space. All have received various approvals.

Another one, West Second Street Commons, would have 100 apartments and 11,500 square feet of commercial space on the PNC Bank block, but has not yet received any approvals.

--Bernice Paglia

Gallon's Arrest: What Next?

2010-05-04T18:48:00.003-04:00

News of Schools Superintendent Steve Gallon III being arrested just hours before the annual Board of Education organization meeting tonight augurs ill for the district. Both the Courier News and Star-Ledger have stories online that detail the allegations of theft by deception and other charges due to Gallon 's apparent agreement to let his address in South Plainfield be used by two favored administrators in order to have their children attend borough schools.

Gallon was already on the verge of being ushered into the district's revolving door by way of the defeat of two loyal school board members in the April 20 election. Even though the outgoing board voted at the last minute to reprimand Gallon and withhold a salary increase over findings of the state DOE Office of Fiscal Accountability regarding improper hires, members of the incoming board have voiced support of stronger measures to deal with Gallon's peccadillos.

But when Attorney General Paula Dow and Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce J. Kaplan reveal even more blatant charges, Gallon's fate appears to be sealed, notwithstanding due process and all that.

Gallon came to Plainfield after a nationwide search that was kept private until he emerged as the finalist. Like at least two of his predecessors, he had no experience as a superintendent. He was assigned a mentor, but then not much was heard about the mentoring process. Gallon enjoyed the support of a majority on the board, ranging from enthusiasm to practically an "amen corner" on the part of one board member.

So here we are at this juncture.

I decided not to attend the organization meeting tonight, based on a number of factors. I'm sure it will be reported superbly by Mark Spivey. I have a lot of leftover City Council stories to write and I also have one of those very special household disaster scenarios endemic to my building, aka a big leak in a crucial spot that is not yet resolved, meaning my daily activities are interrupted until the problem is fixed.

Why do I say the situation augurs ill for the district?

Future possibilities for top leadership will be affected by all the sturm und drang of the current situation and the events of recent years. What willing and able chief school administrator would want to step into a mares' nest of issues?

Interim Superintendent Peter Carter and his team signed on to maintain the district in working order in 2008, but soon found they had to deal with the unprecedented burden of responding to a new state mandate, the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum, or NJQSAC, in addition to regular tasks. Their perceived temerity in asking for more compensation apparently led to their dismissal midway in their one-year tenure.

I look forward to reportage and commentary from the BOE meeting. Meanwhile, may I say, Plainfield must project a better image for its public school district, or all the more parents and students will seek alternate choices, and qualified education leaders will be wary of coming here.

--Bernice

Council Asked to Resolve Baseball Dispute

2010-05-04T01:07:00.010-04:00

Parents, coaches and about 60 young baseball players crowded City Hall Library Monday, seeking resolution to a six-month clash that intensified recently
.
Speakers said the Queen City Baseball League had lights turned off and were locked out of a field house on grounds shared with another league operated by the city's Recreation Division. The league's banner disappeared and players could not hold opening day ceremonies in other examples of what one speaker called "purposeful sabotage." In one instance, the lights went out just as a pitch was thrown, raising safety concerns.

Youngsters dropped their home-made protest signs to applaud their supporters, but as the comments became more acrimonous, adults began cautioning each other not to argue in front of the kids.

Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs apologized for a game being canceled Thursday and said, "I don't believe anybody did anything malicious to hurt the kids. The city of Plainfield would never
do anything to hurt the children."

Robinson-Briggs pledged that the banner would be replaced and said the city supports both leagues. She said she had met with league directors to "discuss ways the city could be supportive" of the volunteer Queen City league, but after proposing joint fundraisers, she "never heard another word."

"If the adults don't see eye to eye, I'll work with the kids," she said.

Responding to an issue about bases being locked up, Robinson-Briggs piled a table high with new bases and equipment bags, saying, "This is a sincere olive branch."

But someone yelled from the crowd that the bases were the wrong kind.

City Council President Annie McWilliams asked City Administrator Bibi Taylor to respond to the issues and Taylor said the new lights on timers and the changed locks were being reviewed by Public Works & Urban Development Director David Brown II. As Taylor mentioned scheduling and access concerns, the league's executive director, Karen Glencamp-Daniel, asked, "Why so much secrecy?"

McWilliams asked the council members to consider what role they could take, noting the governing body started "with one list" last fall.

"We now have a laundry list of other items," she said.

Although Taylor is trying to resolve the issues in a timely manner, McWilliams said, "She shouldn't be doing this."

As city administrator, Taylor is in charge of the day-to-day workings of municipal government. She is also the acting director of Administration, Finance, Health & Social Services and oversees the city's othe two departments, Public Affairs & Safety and Public Works & Urban Development.

With Glencamp-Daniel seated at the council table to respond to Taylor, an advocate of the Recreation Division's league, Roland Crawford Muhammad, attempted to sit at the table as well.

"You're not helping the situation," McWilliams said, advising him to step back or she would have him removed by police.

By now, the council was an hour ad a half into the meeting and had not yet begun its own agenda.

Robinson-Briggs said she wanted both leagues' representatives at the table, to which Councilman Adrian Mapp replied, "The games that are being played here are not the game of baseball."

Mapp said the administration had not taken responsibility for what had transpired so far with the league, but Robinson-Briggs retorted, "It sure does," and added "You should give me respect - I am your mayor."

"I don't think you should argue in front of the kids," Councilwoman Bridget Rivers said, but Mapp said he was not arguing.

"Let me be the one to moderate the meeting," McWilliams said, but Mapp insisted the mayor had to take responsibility for the situation.

"The buck stops with the mayor," he said, noting there have been good faith efforts to resolve the issues.

Mapp called for a "directive to the Recreation Division" for "unfettered access" to the ballfield.

"Queen City did not come here for handouts, they came here for a solution," Mapp said.

The mayor said she was not going to debate the subject with the council and added, "The election is over, councilman."

Robinson-Briggs defeated Mapp in the June 2009 primary and won re-election in November.

As the discussion continued, the council agreed that someone neutral should be named in the short term to be in charge of the lights and the locks, but the longterm solution would have to come about through amendments to an ordinance governing use of the ballfield. The mayor said the topic will be part of her Wednesday cabinet meeting and assured the council there would be a point person identified by Thursday.

Most of the crowd left after two hours of talk on the league issues, but after midnight Glencamp Daniel revived some issues during citizen comments, concluding by saying, "Some people seem to have a blanket of immunity."

The mayor responded by citing a conversation with Glencamp-Daniel in which she asked her to tone down her remarks.

"If we are to work together, there can't be any fingerpointing," she said.

Dwayne Wilkins of the newly-formed Recreation Advisory Committee said all members were "happy to serve," especially in light of Monday's discussion.

Wilkins said the committee was empowered to work with the Recreation Division "so issues don't bubble up."

--Bernice Paglia

Time for a Change?

2010-05-03T02:38:00.002-04:00

Plaintalker is coming up on two milestones.

Posts will soon number 2,400 and the blog's fifth anniversary is in early June.

As much as I hate change, these factors are nudging me toward creation of a successor blog. It will probably not have all the fancy stuff that Barbara Todd Kerr put on Plaintalker, but it will still be a hyperlocal blog about Plainfield.

--Bernice

North Avenue on Agenda Monday

2010-05-03T00:40:00.004-04:00

Of all the items on Monday's City Council agenda, the one that interests me especially is an ordinance "to amend and supplement the North Avenue Redevelopment Plan."

Click here to see the entire agenda.

Until I visit City Hall Monday to look at the ordinance, I will not know the details. The original redevelopment plan for North Avenue was to maintain the historic character of the district while building taller, modern residential structures behind them. So far, the developer has not acquired any of the North Avenue buildings, but has acquired some in what is known as the North Avenue expansion, on the block anchored by PNC Bank. He has also acquired two buildings on East Second Street.

Meanwhile, one of the most prominent buildings in the streetscape across from the main train station on North Avenue has been demolished.

Work has been spotty or nonexistent on buildings acquired by the developer on East Second Street and Park Avenue. It would be good to get an update on all of the Landmark subsidiaries' projects.

There are three other ordinances up for first reading, two of which are inscrutable just from the summary on the agenda. With any luck, they will also be available Monday, although Olddoc is correct in saying that the City Clerk's office is in dire straits lately.

--Bernice

New RFPs Posted

2010-05-01T18:16:00.003-04:00

Friday's Courier News contained two legal notices requesting proposals, one for videography services and one for photography services. Applicants must respond to Purchasing Agent David Spaulding by May 20.

Those who have followed City Hall doings for a while know that Laurence Rice, who takes photos of city events and tapes City Council meetings and other events for the local community cable station, is facing layoff this month. His official title is Media Technician I and he has been on the job since 2006.

By way of background, Rice provided content for the former Comcast Channel 74. Until the advent of a new cadre of members of the Plainfield Cable Television Advisory Board in recent months, the local channel was considered somewhat mediocre, with frequent repeats of older programs and intermittent glitches.

Since the board reorganized under Chairman Lamar D. Mackson, several strides have been made, including updating of the schedule, talks with FiOS that led to programming on their Channel 34 and other initiatives.

So the loss of Rice at this juncture is a step back for the future of local programming.

Whether it is Rice or some other qualified person who responds, the RFP is key to the future of local programming.

One might quibble over the need for an official city photographer, but if Comcast and FiOS are to serve the public well, there must be an experienced city videographer to supply content.

This issue is more complicated than what I am posting here. As much as things seem to be improving, one question is how vital local programming is and at what cost. Are there other ways to disseminate information at lower cost?

This may be a question for a new City Council committee on City & Neighborhood Services. Councilwoman Linda Carter chairs the committee and members are Councilman William Reid and Councilwoman Bridget Rivers.

If you want to direct questions or comments to these officials , all their e-mail addresses and phone numbers are on the city web site at www.plainfield.com

One thing that is not on the city web site as of today is the RFP descriptions that appeared in the Courier News. Hoping to see it soon.

--Bernice Paglia

Special BOE Meeting Monday

2010-05-01T08:36:00.002-04:00

The Plainfield Board of Education

will meet in executive session

at 6:30 p.m. Monday May 3

at 1200 Myrtle Avenue

Action may be taken.

Arbor Day 2010

2010-04-30T23:37:00.007-04:00

Veterans, seniors, preschoolers, city officials and members of the Shade Tree Commission were among those attending the Arbor Day celebration Friday at the Woodland Avenue monument. The Plainfield High School ROTC presented colors for the flag salute.

Enthusiastic youngsters from the Plainfield Biligual Day Care Center enjoyed the event.

Lamar E. Mackson, Commander of American Legion Post 219, spoke on behalf of the veterans.

Members of the Plainfield Senior Center were among those welcomed by Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs and Public Works & Urban Development Director David Brown II.

The mayor's special gospel singer, Gloria Spence, was among the senior guests.

After descriptions of the 2010 historic and specimen trees by Shade Tree Commission Chairman Dr. Gregory Palermo and myself, veterans helped plant two Kwanzan Cherry trees.

Children added buckets of dirt to the planting site.

The first tree was planted in memory of all men and women who served in the military and made the ultimate sacrifice, and the second was planted in honor of all who have served in the past or are currently serving in the military.

Others in attendance included members of the Union County Youth Corps; the doyenne of Plainfield beautification, Barbara Sandford; YMCA Board Chair Pat Turner Kavanaugh; Fire Chief Cecil Allen; Plainfield Cable Television Advisory Board Chairman Lamar Mackson; Public Works Superintendent John Louise and numerous city staffers.

The 2010 Historic Tree is a century-old Black Walnut on Sandford Avenue and the 2010 Specimen Tree is a very large Sycamore Tree on Brook Lane.

--Bernice Paglia

North Avenue Work Continues

2010-04-30T03:30:00.002-04:00

More than a month after the demolition of a North Avenue building, work continues at the site.

Above, workers are stabilizing a party wall that connected the 1886 building to one next door. The wall included fireplaces on both sides with a shared chimney. The exposed fireplaces and other voids had to be filled in with concrete.

From the rear of the site, vaults under the sidewalk can be seen. A similar situation existed with a building at North Avenue and Gavett Place that was demolished several years ago.

The buildings were in the North Avenue Commercial Historic District and formed part of a streetscape directly across from the main train station. No plans have been announced as yet for the gap created by the demolition. Preservationists had hoped that the facade could have been saved, but it was deemed too unstable to preserve.

Demolition costs of up to $200,000 were approved by the City Council last month and will be paid out of the FY 2011 budget. Although liens will be placed on the property, the owners could not be found and the building was considered abandoned.

--Bernice Paglia

Joseph Yates Obit

2010-04-28T22:04:00.003-04:00

For a glimpse into the city's past, take a look at the obituary of Joseph W. Yates. His family home is now a six-family apartment building where I live in the smallest apartment:

From the July 30, 1904 Courier-News:

“Sudden Death of Joseph W. Yates”

Contracting a Cold on His Outing with His Family, He passed Away at Minnewaska

Prominent in Plainfield

As an Orphan Boy He Took to the Sea and Finally Founded a Large Exporting Firm

Joseph W. Yates, one of Plainfield's oldest and best known citizens, died suddenly last night at Lake Minnewaska, New York, where he, with his family, had gone for the summer, as had been his custom for many years. His wife and daughter Margaret were with him at the last.
He went to Lake Minnewaska a month ago, and suffered from a severe cold, which was not thought serious until it developed with fatal results.

Mr. Yates was born in Bristol, Maine, January 30, 1826. He received such an education as could be obtained in the public and private schools in that vicinity. When he reached the age of ten years, he lost his mother, and four years later his father. Soon thereafter he commenced to earn his own livelihood by following the sea, and developing considerable ability in this direction, he was early placed in command of a vessel, which position he continued to fill until about 1854. During his life at sea, he improved his spare time by reading and study, thereby adding to his knowledge and education.

In 1854 he settled in New York city and formed a partnership with Robert Porterfield, a firm which, until within a few years, carried on an exporting and importing business with the West Coast of Africa and a general freighting business to most parts of the world. The founders of the house retired in 1884.

In 1855, Mr. Yates married Susan Gray Jackson, a daughter of Samuel R. Jackson of Providence, R.I., and in 1865 moved to Plainfield, where he continued to reside for the remainder of his life.

He took an active part in public affairs, serving the city as a councilman and the State as legislator. He was among the first to organize the city government and secured for it much favorable legislation. He was one of the original trustees of the Plainfield Public Library and continued to act in that capacity up to the time of his death.

For many years he was a trustee in the New York State Colonization Society, and was one of the oldest members of the Chamber of Commerce, with which he became identified in the early part of his business career. In 1875 Governor McClellan appointed him a visitor of the State Agricultural College of New Jersey, and for many years he had been Consul in this country for the Republic of Liberia.

Mr. Yates always took an active part in the politics of his city, State and county, and was conservative in the expression of his views and consistent in his adherence to his principles and to what he believed for the best interest of the people. Although urged by his friends several times to accept the nomination for Mayor of this city, for Congressman from this district and for other offices in the state, he never felt that the time had come when he would be able; if elected, to do full justice to the public and at the same time to those dependent upon him in private life. He was up to the time of his death, a close student, keeping fully abreast of the age and was considered one of conservative, deep-thinking, well-read men of the present time, notwithstanding his advanced years, and his loss will be deeply felt.

He leaves a wife, three daughters, Mrs. C. Dudley Holman, of Pittsfield, Mass., Mrs. Harry V. Borden and Miss Margaret G. Yates, of Plainfield, and two sons, Sam J. Yates of San Francisco, Cal., and Frederick W. Yates, of Plainfield.

--Bernice

Artifact Found in Yates House

2010-04-28T04:48:00.003-04:00

Workers repairing windows found this lead sash weight dated 1869, the year original owner Joseph W. Yates became one of the first council members and Job Male became the city's first mayor.

By coincidence, as I was looking up information on the building online, so was a relative of J.W. Yates, who saw my 2007 blog post on the house and wrote from Florida to share information. He later sent a New York Times obituary for J.W. Yates and other family documents. In turn, I am attempting to get a copy of the Courier News front-page story on Mr. Yates' death, which tells more about his early life as well as his contributions to the community. He died on July 30, 1904.

The Yates house is now a six-family apartment building. In the early 20th century, the story goes, it was lifted on steel girders and turned sideways on the lot. A late 19th century map in the library's Plainfield Room shows its original placement with a circular driveway, dominating the block across from Grace Episcopal Church.

Once I get more information, I will share it with readers and also with the library.

--Bernice

Outsourcing in FY 2011?

2010-04-27T09:16:00.002-04:00

Because my newspaper was missing today, I logged on to the New Jersey Press Association web site to check for legal notices. There were two Request for Qualifications, or RFQ, notices for a wide range of professional services. Besides five legal specialties on one notice, there was a variety of engineering and planning services on the other.

The notion of outsourcing a planner's part-time job came up in talks on layoffs. Some speakers doubted the ability of an outside consultant to replicate the work of the in-house principal planner who was facing layoff.

These notices appear to be setting the stage for outsourcing a lot of work. Curiously, in past discussions of how RFQs and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are made public, officials last year said they were posted on the city web site and vendors knew to look there, but none of the professional services RFQs in the Courier News are on the city web site today.

As Plaintalker has often noted, a small legal notice is sometimes the first clue to a news story. The NJPA format is much easier to read than the fine print in the newspaper. To see the NJPA's Public Notices page, click here.

And stay tuned as the possible expansion of outsourcing unfolds.

--Bernice Paglia

Official BOE Counts, Upcoming Meetings

2010-04-26T23:12:00.002-04:00

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi has posted the official results of the April 20 school board election. No surprises, just confirmation that the Grand Slam team won big.

For three three-year seats:
Wilma Campbell, 1,455; Rasheed Abdul-Haqq, 1,130; Renata Hernandez, 1,021; Mahogany Hendricks, 765; Martin Cox, 652; Danielle Fletcher, 641; Mary Burgwinkle, 627; Jaclynne Callands, 593; Christian Estevez, 585; Catherine Crittendon, 349.

For one one-year unexpired term:
Keisha Edwards, 1,059; Clayton Tucker Sr., 679; Carmencita Pile, 494; Denise Riley, 187.

The only quirky thing about these numbers may be the spread among the winners, with the top vote-getter receiving 30 percent more than the running mate with the lowest tally. Don't know what it means.

Tonight's special meeting is an executive session starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Administrative Building, 1200 Myrtle Ave. There may or may not be any action taken.

Next up is the Reorganization Meeting, 7 p.m. on May 4 at the same location. At this meeting, the school board will choose a president to serve until next April and will designate official banks, newspapers, attorneys and such for the year.

The new board's first work and study session will be at 8 p.m. May 11 at 1200 Myrtle Avenue and its first business meeting will be held at 7 p.m. May 18 at the same location.

The new board will have, by all accounts, a 5-4 majority of like thinkers. It remains to be seen whether these members will act as a juggernaut toward the beleaguered current administration or whether there will be a measured approach to change. Except for interim Superintendent Peter Carter, the last several chief school administrators have been people with no prior experience as superintendents. Tossing out the incumbent, if possible, may just put the district in a holding pattern again while a search is made for a new superintendent.

The turmoil at the top is working against positive moves such as the K-8 configuration to retain students in district schools. The quest for accountability has, in some ways, become conflated with the wish of some to see Dr. Steve Gallon III personally humiliated. The language of the attacks on Gallon goes to extremes that could make any possible successor wary of setting foot into the district's well-known revolving door.

There is much to be done in the weeks ahead. How it will be done and what tone will be set is up to the new majority.

--Bernice Paglia

Closed Meeting Tuesday: Another Mystery?

2010-04-25T17:58:00.003-04:00

The Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at 1200 Myrtle Avenue for a closed session on personnel and legal matters. (Correction: Although the district web site says the time is 6 p.m., the agenda and the legal notice both say the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.)

Although it is a public meeting, it may be deja vu all over again for those who attended a similar meeting in January. Click here for Plaintalker's post on that meeting.

The exact topics for Tuesday's meeting are not indicated. People could spend hours waiting for an outcome that may not be made public.

My advice is, if you go, bring a project like crocheting an afghan or cleaning out all your cell phone addresses and messages, because it is not bloody likely that you will get any news on the spot. At least you will have something to show for your time.

Have patience and sooner or later all shall be revealed. Me personally, not sure I will volunteer to endure another evening of tedium (not that it wasn't fun to chat with folks).

--Bernice

Yoo Hoo, Inspections!

2010-04-25T10:08:00.004-04:00

This broken window is in the former Thomas Furniture building, a highly visible spot near Park & East Second. If I am not mistaken, it is part of the North Avenue Commercial Historic District. A developer received approvals to put apartments and retail space in the building.

Here's how the same window looked in November 2009. Someone decided it was a good place to put up posters, never mind the broken glass.

And here's how it looked in August 2009.

Development experts have told city officials many times that a city is less desirable to developers if there are obvious signs of neglect, like weed trees, trash and broken windows downtown. Can it be that the city and this developer think the opposite?

--Bernice

What Happened to Parking Plan?

2010-04-24T01:56:00.002-04:00

The owner of this building won city approval in July 2008 to use 45 parking spaces in Municipal Lot 7 and the permit fees were to go toward fixing up the parking lot.

Click here to read Plaintalker's post on the subject.

However, time has passed and nothing has changed at Lot 7, which has dozens of permit-only spaces and only a couple of permit holders. Meanwhile, parking lots at the refurbished building
at Cleveland Avenue and East Fifth Street are full.

It is disappointing that the plan to gain revenues and fix up Lot 7 did not happen. The municipal lot is full of potholes and really needs improvement. It is heavily traversed by high school students and people taking a shortcut to the Plainfield Public Library. The current six-year capital improvement program only includes two other parking lots..

The proposal to receive revenues for 45 parking permits sounded so promising in 2008. Maybe employees of the agency didn't want to walk two blocks to park for the day or maybe other conditions put them off. If the plan is still viable, perhaps the public could receive an update from the City Council.

--Bernice Paglia

Is "The Board" a Monolith?

2010-04-23T18:49:00.007-04:00

Image with 2008 board election results.

All this talk about getting rid of "the board" made me go back and look at past results.

Since 2008, there have been many faces on the Board of Education, with some appointees having only a brief tenure. For example, Vickey Sheppard resigned after winning re-election for a three-year term. Joseph Ruffin Sr. was appointed to succeed her and ran in the 2009 election, but was defeated by Katherine Peterson for the two-year balance of the term. So three people have held that seat over three years.

In 2009, Bridget Rivers resigned after winning a City Council seat and Sandra Chambers was appointed to serve until the April 2010 election. Chambers did not seek the unexpired term, which was won this year by Keisha Edwards, who will have to run again in 2011 for a full term. Again, three people have or will have occupied this seat.

Next April, incumbents Peterson, Edwards and Agurs Linward "Lenny" Cathcart Jr. may face challengers. But how can voters heap blame on "the board" when some members have had only short tenures?

So right there, four new people have served or will serve in two of the board's nine seats. It is unlikely that appointees had time to take the mandated board member training or to understand their roles.

Of the 2008 original slate of Rivers, Sheppard and Cathcart, only Cathcart remains an incumbent to run in 2011. Peterson and Edwards would be the two other incumbents.

Another new face on the board is Brenda Gilbert, who won a full three-year term in 2009, and of course Renata Hernandez will be serving for the first time.

So where is this implacable, monolithic board?

--Bernice

TV Board Plots Improvements

2010-04-23T08:56:00.002-04:00

Members of the Plainfield Cable Television Advisory Board envision lots of positive changes for local channel programming, a meeting Thursday revealed.

Among the projected changes are a new logo, more up-to-date programs, increases in funding fees and a new approach to staffing.

The city formerly had one community access channel, Channel 74 on the Comcast of the Plainfields cable system. A conversion to digital broadcasting expanded offerings and put local programming on Channel 96. Verizon’s state franchise has provided Channel 34 now that FiOS penetration in the city has reached 60 percent. The same programs are now available both to Comcast and Verizon subcribers. The new logo will have the city’s colors, blue and gold, and will include both channels.

Viewers used to seeing re-runs of events that took place months ago will soon see more current programming, although consultant Parris Moore cautioned that there must be a flow of new content to avoid stale re-runs. Late in the meeting, PCTVAB Chairman Lamar Mackson introduced Les Wormack, whose documentary “Personal Stories: Walk to Live” may just be the harbinger of more interesting local content. Wormack gathered stories of people who walk or run at the Hub Stine track, including a cancer survivor and a nonagenarian.

“Our stories are magical,” Wormack said, calling them “stories of transformation.”

Wormack, a photographer for 30 years, said he will be submitting more of his video work to the cable station on the theme, “the journey, whatever our journey is.”

Charles L. Smith III, Comcast’s area director for community affairs, explained system changes and answered board members’ questions Thursday. Now that FiOS has reached the 60 percent capacity mark, he said, franchise fees will likely double in 2011. Comcast’s 2 percent franchise fee for 2009 was $92,197, paid in January.

Comcast has a 10-year franchise, with a five-year automatic renewal. The city is now in the renewal period and next year will begin a three-year “ascertainment” process toward a new franchise agreement. Verizon does not have to negotiate with the city, as it has a statewide franchise.

Board members expressed interest in having Comcast provide more programming, but Smith said, “I’ll respond by saying Comcast is not in the production business.”

At present, the city may seek use of a mobile truck with one Comcast staffer to record events such as parades, concerts and sports. Volunteers may receive training in use of equipment, but the single truck serves Union, Essex and parts of Middlesex County and its use must be booked far in advance of an event.

Meanwhile, the city’s only television station employee is facing a layoff by May 26. The city has had two rounds of layoffs due to budget constraints. But Chris Payne, the city’s new IT director, said the city is “aggressively working” on an alternate plan that may involve bidding for services. Payne said the city guarantees “no loss in service” to viewers.

Smith’s parting words to the board were an invitation to join in “Comcast Cares Day” from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, when employees and others will work on the city’s community garden on Berkeley Terrace.

--Bernice Paglia

Bard's Birthday, Shakespeare Garden Paired

2010-04-23T08:13:00.002-04:00

The Philadelphia Inquirer today features an article on Plainfield's own Shakespeare Garden. Click here to see it.

And make sure to visit the garden in June, when it is at its peak!

--Bernice

About "The East Enders"

2010-04-22T21:36:00.002-04:00

This is a message for the person who wanted to get hold of "The East Enders" by A. J. Wood. I can't find your request for information in any of my e-mail. Perhaps you left it in a comment.

Anyway, I am working on it, but now I need your contact information. Please respond to bernice.paglia "at" gmail.com

Thanks.

--Bernice

Mercury Retrograde

2010-04-22T07:15:00.004-04:00

Communication is affected when Mercury is retrograde.

In memory of the late Pepsi Charles, I am noting an astrological condition that she felt was significant. Whether it was a projector that wouldn't work while a roomful of people waited or just a phenomenal mixup in communications, Pepsi would attribute the lapse to Mercury being retrograde.

She would have understood the current air travel shutdowns in that context, because the condition affects transportation.

So let us agree with Pepsi that sometimes there are unseen forces that can affect our daily life and we just have to accept them or work around them. For one explanation of Mercury retrograde, click here.

I miss Pepsi and her outlook on life. She was attuned both to worldly and other-worldly influences like no one else I knew. She herself was a great communicator, as a WBAI programmer and as a friend and colleague to many in Plainfield. I never once saw her try to do emotional harm to another person. I wonder what she would make of the vitriol that passes for public discourse these days.

Pepsi didn't say goodbye, she said, "Peace."

--Bernice

Budget Clarification

2010-04-21T17:29:00.006-04:00

"Voters rejected the budget, 942 to 1027, according to City Clerk Laddie Wyatt. However, under terms of the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, the district is mandated to accept annual increases until it reaches 33 percent."

Some readers found this part of my blog post on the election confusing. My apologies.

Here is how I responded to one reader by e-mail:

"Up until the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, the proportion of state aid to the local school tax levy was about 80/20. The goal is to get more like 60/30, although the funding formula is highly complex. In most districts arround here, taxpayers come up with 80 percent or more and the state only kicks in 20 percent or less.
Christie accelerated the projected 4 percent increase per year by imposing a 10 percent increase on the school tax levy."

From 1992 to the 2007-08 school year, the school tax levy was unchanged. For the 2008-09, it was increased from $17,683,906 to $18,391,262. In 2009-10, it was $19,862,563. For the coming year, it is $21,848,819.

To see the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, click here.

To see former Department of Education Commissioner Lucille Davy's article on the legislation for the League of Municipalities, click here.

Here is a list of frequently-asked questions answered by the New Jersey Education Association.

Sorry if I summarized this complex issue incorrectly.

--Bernice

Grand S.L.A.M. Team Wins BOE Election

2010-04-21T01:49:00.003-04:00

A school board slate that proclaimed itself the winning team in campaign rhetoric proved to be just that when unofficial results came in Tuesday evening.

The Grand “S.L.A.M.” team, or School Leadership Advocacy Movement, came in with four-digit numbers, while two other slates and two independents garnered only three-digit totals.

Unofficial results Tuesday put incumbent Wilma Campbell at the top with 1,455 votes, followed by former board member Rasheed Abdul-Haqq with 1,068 and parent group activist Renata Hernandez at 1,025 for three three-year terms. Former district teacher Keisha Edwards won 1,057 votes for an unexpired one-year term.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will release certified results next week.

The Grand S.L.A.M. team ran a vigorous campaign, with door knocking, several campaign events, T-shirts and other paraphernalia and a blog.

“I think that we just made history,” Hernandez said, in that an entire slate won.

Hernandez said the slate thanked all of their supporters and added, “We hope to have their continued support as we work to move the district forward.”

As for other slates, the “Change Our Schools, Change Our City” slate candidates’ unofficial totals for three-year terms were 762 for Mahogany Hendricks, 639 for Danielle Fletcher and 590 for Jaclynne Callands, who sought three-year terms. Running mate Clayton Tucker Sr. received 677 votes for the one-year seat.

The Coalition for Better Schools slate received 650 votes for incumbent Martin Cox, 626 for Mary Burgwinkle, 584 for incumbent Christian Estevez, all for three-year terms,
and 441 for Carmencita Pile for a one-year term.

Of the two independent campaigners, Catherine Crittendon won 347 votes and Denise Riley won 186.

Voters rejected the budget, 942 to 1027, according to City Clerk Laddie Wyatt. However, under terms of the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, the district is mandated to accept annual increases until it reaches 33 percent. (Please see clarification in post above.)

The turnout was about 12 percent, according to Wyatt’s staff.

To make his choices among the many candidates, resident George Smith said, “I was thinking two things, vote for the right person and make sure that the one that I vote for is for real.”

Another voter who declined to be named said he included local blogs in gathering information about the candidates. He said his primary interest in choosing candidates was “changing the current situation with the superintendent” and selecting “people who were going to commit time and energy to turning round the schools here.”

The district has been rocked by a state report that found Schools Superintendents Steve Gallon III recommended hiring former Florida colleagues when they were not qualified for the administrative posts they sought. The state Department of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance called for a “Corrective Action Plan” which was adopted last week.

--Bernice Paglia

North Avenue Cleanup Continues

2010-04-20T03:00:00.003-04:00

Oveter's Construction was still excavating the basement of 187 North Avenue last week. The 1886 building was demolished after bricks started falling from a parapet. The city allocated up to $200,000 for the emergency demolition, but the amount of debris makes one wonder what the disposal cost will be.

The party wall with the building to the east still has to be sealed off and stabilized.

This is the second building to be lost from the North Avenue streetscape between Watchung Avenue and Gavett Place. The site is directly across from the main train station and has been the subject of several redevelopment schemes, none of which materialized.

But North Avenue is no stranger to failed plans. The doorway to the Chotola building is flanked by two beautiful terra cotta figures that were vandalized back in the 1980s. A New York developer had converted the building to condos, but basically walked away after a long dispute with the city. The building became infested with squatters and fell into ruin until another developer fixed it up. But the figures were never restored.

If you get a chance, take a close look at these figures before they are further destroyed. The details are exquisite.

--Bernice

Have Your Say Today

2010-04-20T02:03:00.002-04:00

Coin purse from Sausalito Ferry Co.

Polls are open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. today for the school board election. Voters will pick three people for three-year seats on the Board of Education and one for a one-year unexpired term. The $21,848,819 school tax levy is also up for a vote.

Ten candidates are seeking the three-year term and four are vying for the one-year seat. The winners will be serving at a very crucial time for the Plainfield school district and for education in New Jersey, so choose thoughtfully.

--Bernice

$22M School Tax Levy on Ballot

2010-04-19T08:20:00.003-04:00

Voters on Tuesday may reject a 10 percent increase in the school tax levy, from $19,862,563 last year to $21,848,819 this year. If that happens, the budget will go to the governing body, but under terms of the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, state Commissioner of Education Bret Schundler must restore any cuts made by the City Council.

From 1992 to 2007, the local tax levy was always the same: $17,683,906.

The new legislation meant the district had to increase the school tax levy for 2008-09 by 4 percent as a start toward taxpayers shouldering more of the burden of school costs. Previously, Plainfielders paid about 20 percent of school costs and the state paid 80 percent.

From previous Plaintalker posts:

March 11, 2008
The $5 million shortfall is due to a state mandate that Plainfield, one of 31 needy Abbott districts, must begin to pay its “fair share” of property taxes toward school costs. The district has paid only $17,683,906 annually in local school taxes since 1992, even as state aid increased to $99 million. In most suburban districts, the proportions are opposite, with property owners paying most of school costs.
For 2008-09, the state is requiring Plainfield to increase the local tax levy by 4 percent, to $18,391,262, as a step toward contributing about $33 million for a fair share.

May 4, 2009
State Education Commissioner Lucille Davy met with the City Council Monday to discuss the council's role now that voters have rejected the 2009-2010 school budget.

The bottom line: The council can attempt to study the budget and make cuts, but Davy is statutorily obligated to restore them to the amount of the mandated local school tax levy that appeared on the ballot on April 21, namely $19,862,563.

Polls are open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Voters will also choose board members to serve three three-year terms and one unexpired one-year term. Look at your ballot ahead of time to study the 14 choices. You may review Plainfield League of Women Voters questions and candidates' responses here.

--Bernice Paglia

No More Comments

2010-04-18T16:37:00.002-04:00

Plaintalker will post no more comments on the school board election.

It is interesting that the three posts drawing the most comments in Plaintalker's history have all been about the school board.

The Star-Ledger Plainfield forum seems to be exclusively about the school district, so I expect to see more comments there before Election Day. May the best four people win!

--Bernice

Comments Will Be Cut Off

2010-04-18T13:12:00.002-04:00

Sometime this afternoon I will stop taking comments on the school board election. I will pick an arbitrary time and that's it.

All y'all can continue your back and forth on the forum.

I hope readers will review the comments and think about what board service means. It is not a mission from God nor is it carte blanche to settle scores or foment insurrection. Whoever gets elected will have to abide by terms of the School Board Ethics Act, which is a state law. Think about what you have heard and seen in recent days and consider the same in the light of the code below:

18A:12-24.1 Code of Ethics for School Board Members.

A school board member shall abide by the following Code of Ethics for School Board Members:

I will uphold and enforce all laws, rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, and court orders pertaining to schools. Desired changes shall be brought about only through legal and ethical procedures.

I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing.

I will confine my board action to policy making, planning, and appraisal, and I will help to frame policies and plans only after the board has consulted those who will be affected by them.

I will carry out my responsibility, not to administer the schools, but, together with my fellow board members, to see that they are well run.

I will recognize that authority rests with the board of education and will make no personal promises nor take any private action that may compromise the board.

I will refuse to surrender my independent judgment to special interest or partisan political groups or to use the schools for personal gain or for the gain of friends.

I will hold confidential all matters pertaining to the schools which, if disclosed, would needlessly injure individuals or the schools. In all other matters, I will provide accurate information and, in concert with my fellow board members, interpret to the staff the aspirations of the community for its school.

I will vote to appoint the best qualified personnel available after consideration of the recommendation of the chief administrative officer.

I will support and protect school personnel in proper performance of their duties.

I will refer all complaints to the chief administrative officer and will act on the complaints at public meetings only after failure of an administrative solution.

--Bernice

Go See Mattson Exhibit

2010-04-18T03:35:00.003-04:00

If you were not among people who attended Saturday's reception for the Jean Mattson photography exhibit at the Plainfield Public Library, you still have until June 30 to see it. The exhibit will be open to the public during library hours until that date.

The reception coincided with Jean's 83rd birthday and those present sang "Happy Birthday" and shared a cake.

Asked to say a few words, Jean described her amazement when she saw her first photo develop.

"Photography really represents to me the best thing I did in my life," she said.

The exhibit includes photos taken in Ireland and a large number of informal portraits of Plainfielders. Longtime residents will recognize the names: Mills Barnes, Anne Louise Davis, Freeman Whetstone, Ruth Dobson, Victor King, Dr. Merton Griswold and Mary Vic, O'Celia Nevels, Malcolm and Flora Dunn, Julia Russell, Harry Ailster, Nellie Dixon, Mayor Paul O'Keeffe,, Barbara Sandford, Oliver Anderson, Westry Horne and a group shot with Dan Damon, Nancy Piwowar and Sonny Wood.

If you go soon, you can enjoy the library's beautiful cherry blossoms, an annual spectacle worth taking time to see.

The masses of flowers send pink drifts of petals down before all the foliage emerges.

The library is also facing deep cuts that will affect services. Learn more and let your legislators know how much you value the library.

--Bernice

Commentary on School Board Election

2010-04-16T21:47:00.004-04:00

As if there was not already enough brouhaha preceding Tuesday's school board election, somebody called my attention to a flier from a New York-based union that endorses one of the four slates, while disclaiming any connection with the candidates or their supporters.

I had not really looked at the flier and had to fish it out of a wastebasket for a closer look. It was followed by another one today, both with the disclaimer in a box below the recipient's address. It says, "Paid for by Service Workers United, 330 West 42nd Street, Suite 900, New York, NY 10036. This expenditure was not made with the cooperation or prior consent of, or in consultation with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate, or person or committee acting on behalf of a candidate."

The primary message to voters appears to be criticism of Gov. Chris Christie's tough stand on education costs. The cure is portrayed as sending Christie a message on election day by voting for the indicated slate.

At the LWV forum Wednesday, candidates were asked whether they had received contributions from any political organization or union and members of the slate in question said they were not. That may well be true, because Service Workers United put the wrong polling hours on the fliers and also told recipients to bring them to the polls, where campaign literature is not allowed.

A call to the union was not answered today, nor was an e-mail to the slate pictured on the fliers.

The only link Plaintalker could see here was that workers for the district food provider, Sodexo, are members of the union.

Whatever the union's intention, the net effect was to roil further the turbulent waters of this election.

This election has 14 candidates, with three slates and two independents. The level of accusations, name-calling, derisiveness and incivility is unprecedented in this writer's memory and echoes what seems to be a nationwide trend affecting discourse. Even the children are perplexed.

My post on the forum resulted in a flood of comments, only a couple of which called for moderation. I am letting them stand so far as a mirror of the situation, but plan to cut them off at some point over the weekend. The fray can continue on the Star-Ledger forum, if that's what people want.

I am hearing that people are having a hard time deciding who should get their vote among the 14 candidates. Three three-year terms and one unexpired term are up for election on the nine-member board. Whatever you decide, remember to go to your polling place between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tuesday and cast your votes.

--Bernice Paglia

Just DoIT

2010-04-16T07:59:00.004-04:00

The city's new information technology manager set forth an ambitious agenda Thursday for the new Division of Information Technology, cleverly dubbed DoIT.

At a mayoral forum at Washington Community School, Chris Payne said objectives for the next three to six months include creation of one central network to connect all departments and divisions, overhaul of the city's web site, migration to a "plainfield.gov" address instead of "plainfield.com," an auto attendant for the city's phone system, a citywide telephone notification system and more.

Payne left the Plainfield school district to take the new city title this year. He is in charge of media and communications, meaning he also leads operations of the city's original Comcast local Channel 96 and a new Verizon FiOS Channel 34. Payne called on Lamar Mackson, chairman of the Plainfield Cable Television Advisory Board, to comment on new television initiatives.

Mackson said the board has reorganized and now has its own web site at http://www.pctvab.wordpress.com/ with updates. He said the new Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies has a television production program and has submitted work for viewing on channels 96 and 34.

The board wants to update the channels' bulletin board functions, upgrade its production studio equipment and expand the program schedule, he said.

The forum was also slated to provide updates on roadway projects and public safety crime prevention tips, but this writer decided to call it a night and walked home.

--Bernice

BOE Candidates Meet Public at LWV Forum

2010-04-15T07:33:00.005-04:00

In less than a week, voters will choose four school board members from a field of 14 to deal with issues that have catapulted the district into scrutiny by print media, radio, television and most recently, the governor’s office.

Not only has the district lost hundreds of students to charter schools, it has been rocked by controversies over certification of top employees and doubts over Superintendent Steve Gallon III’s leadership. This week, Gov. Chris Christie said he will direct Education Commissioner Bret Schundler to look into the situation, which was already the subject of a report by the state Department of Education’s Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance.

Of the 14 candidates, 10 are seeking three three-year terms. They are incumbents Wilma Campbell, Martin Cox and Christian Estevez and challengers Rasheed Abdul-Haqq, Mary Burgwinkle, Jaclynne Callands, Catherine Crittendon, Danielle Fletcher, Mahogany Hendricks and Renata Hernandez.

Those seeking a one-year unexpired term are Keisha Edwards, Carmencita Pile, Denise Riley and Clayton Tucker Sr.

The election will take place on April 20. Polls will be open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. All registered voters should have received ballots by now indicating their polling place.

The candidates took part Wednesday in the traditional League of Women Voters of Plainfield Candidates’ Forum at Emerson School. Each candidate was permitted an opening statement and then questions from the audience were presented by moderator Louise Ballard of Hillside before closing statements from the candidates. Organizers said 135 people attended the forum at Emerson School.

Among the themes that emerged Wednesday were a need to bring more accountability to the board and superintendent, as well as more dialogue with the Plainfield Education Association, which is still without a contract after many months of talks. The district also lacks a curriculum, speakers said. In addition, the district is losing students to charter schools and is using programs such as specialized schools and a new K-8 configuration to draw them back.

Candidates formed three slates of four, with two independents. Groups included Abdul-Haqq, Campbell, Edwards and Hernandez; Burgwinkle, Cox, Estevez and Pile; and Callands, Fletcher, Hendricks and Turner. Riley and Crittendon are the independents.

Among quotes from Plaintalker’s notebook on the forum:

Denise Riley: “Stop the corruption that has been going on too long.”

Rasheed Abdul-Haqq: “The biggest problem is that the superintendent does not want to be held accountable, the board does not want to be held accountable.”

Danielle Fletcher: “As a community, we need to demand a curriculum now.”

Renata Hernandez: “A curriculum is the infrastructure of a district and the lifeblood of the children.”

Catherine Crittendon: “Our schools need to be as attractive for learning as the charter schools.”

Keisha Edwards: “The concerns were out there and people just didn’t listen.”

Mahogany Hendricks: “At this point, their questions are not being answered.”

Clayton Tucker Sr.: “I will not make promises I can’t keep.”

Mary Burgwinkle: “We grownups in Plainfield have a responsibility to see that children graduate with the tools they need in the workplace (and beyond).”

Christian Estevez: “Prior to the OFAC report, I knew we had a problem with our hiring practices.”

Carmencita Pile: “I have fresh ideas and can add to an already improved Plainfield school district.”

Jacylnne Callands: “As a wife, mother and youth mentor, I know the value of a good education.”

Martin Cox: “With PEA and PASA (unions), we need quarterly meetings to discuss collaboration.”

Wilma Campbell: “Yes, I took part in the hiring (of Gallon), but I didn’t have a crystal ball.”

--Bernice Paglia

City Owns Two Condos

2010-04-14T07:39:00.003-04:00

Now that Dornoch has called in the condo fees for the senior center, let us contemplate the other city condo situation.

In December 2004, the city took ownership of a basement in the former Tepper’s department store building, which was redeveloped with commercial space on the first floor and with 75 affordable housing apartments on floors above.

The basement had been proposed as a possible senior center, but seniors were having none of it. Seniors had also rejected politicians’ suggestions that they occupy the former armory at Leland and East Seventh Street. They wanted a brand-new center of their own design.

The problem was that politicians had sought a nearly half-million dollar grant sponsored by Sen. Frank Lautenberg for the senior center, but it was tied to the Tepper’s site. After seniors rejected the site, alternate plans called for a police communications center, city offices, an alternate City Council meeting site and more. To date, nothing has been situated in the basement, but the grant was expended just before it expired to create what former City Administrator Marc Dashield called “a plain vanilla box.”

Meanwhile, condo fees were accruing.

Asked about the situation now, developer Larry Regan said the amount owed was not that much, but payment would help the company accomplish certain city requirements, including improvements to a grassy lot on Somerset Street.

“We both have objectives we need to fulfill,” Regan said.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson said the city was at an “impasse of sorts” with the developer.

More than five years have elapsed since the city took possession of the basement. The city has committed another $345,000 to improving the space, yet years of talks have not led to payment of the condo fees.

Even if the developer does not want to make an issue of it, the condo fees represent a debt that at some point must be paid.

The fine points of the city being a condo owner deserve further discussion. As Councilwoman Linda Carter pointed out Monday, condo fees can be increased or may even double.

“And we’re right back where we started,” Carter said.

After the city’s 10-year lease on space at 305 East Front Street expired in 1999, the rent began to escalate from $66,333 annually to more than $100,000. The condo fees at the new location will be $33,000 annually.

--Bernice Paglia

Yum, It's Almost Wednesday

2010-04-13T18:04:00.003-04:00

A new restaurant, The Family Soul Spot, opened last week on my block at Park & Seventh. It features traditional favorites such as fried whiting, chopped BBQ, smothered pork chops and sides of collard greens, yams, string beans and macaroni and cheese.

I found myself dropping in often for some of its tasty specialties. In our household, we seldom cook meat, and vegetables tend to be blanched, steamed or lightly sauteed, with little or no seasoning (thanks to a late '60s-early '70s foray into spartan vegetarianism - for years, we never even had salt or pepper in the house). The wonderful panoply of flavorings in soul food, so close at hand, became an irresistible temptation.

But after Sunday's take-out dinner, I had to drop back to the usual at home, because the restaurant would not be open again until Wednesday.

The owner wants to wait a while before doing an interview for Plaintalker. But they are there, and they are dishing up some really, really good food. I ordered the fried whiting with collards and yams Sunday before I realized there was a special of the day, pot roast and mashed potatoes, a family favorite of my childhood. Stop in at 108 East Seventh Street and check out the menu and daily specials. No steamed broccoli here.

--Bernice

Council Tables Dornoch Resolution

2010-04-12T23:27:00.002-04:00

A resolution to add more than a quarter-million dollars to a $1 deal for a senior center was tabled Monday after both citizens and the governing body raised questions.

Developer Glen Fishman's company, Dornoch Plainfield LLC, received a large parcel of land on East Front Street for $1 in January 2007 in return for adding a senior center and veterans' center to a project dubbed "The Monarch," which was to have 63 two-bedroom condos on three upper floors. The senior center had a one-day temporary opening in May 2009 in advance of the June primary, where Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs was seeking a second term. It opened for good in November 2009, just after the mayor won re-election. However, according to Monday's resolution, the city took occupancy before attaining ownership.

The resolution Monday was to convey ownership to the city for $1, but also included common condo fees dating back to November and costs for fitting out the senior center space with rooms for various activities.

Objections began with public comment on the resolution by Dr. Harold Yood, resident Jim Pivnichny, a 2009 mayoral candidate who just filed Monday for a City Council seat representing the Second & Third Wards, and community activist Rasheed Abdul-Haqq, all seeking more details. City Council President Annie McWilliams asked City Administrator Bibi Taylor to explain. Taylor said she understood that modifications were needed to make the space more "user-friendly."

Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson said the plain "vanilla box" space led to a need for an "expansion of uses" and so a decision was made to " enhance the value of the asset."

But council members questioned who authorized the expenses.

"Who looked at the actual bill?" Councilman Cory Storch asked. "I would like some assurance that this was looked at carefully."

Storch called for tabling the resolution until the May meeting, which passed with only Councilman William Reid voting "no."

Before the resolution is brought back to the governing body, council members said they want many more details, included itemized bills and who approved and reviewed expenses.

"This is brand-new on my radar and everybody else's radar," McWilliams said.

She said she did not understand "why this is coming back before us," unexpected and unannounced. The item was added to the agenda on April 5 without explanation.

A further unresolved problem has to do with parking, Williamson said, adding the developer still needs to go to the Planning Board to resolve the issues.

As McWilliams expressed frustration at not knowing the facts and questioned whether the deal was related to the developer's pitch last year for a tax abatement, Williamson said, "It's hard to put your brain around the kind of plum the city got," and denied there was any quid pro quo related to the denied tax abatement.

The "plum" analogy set off reactions, including Mapp's remark that the plum the city expected was not what it got with the vanilla box.

"We thought it would be a juicy plum," he said.

The funding source for the renovations also came under fire, as it was described as a 2004 bond ordinance to build a senior center in the Tepper's basement, a notion that seniors had heartily rejected in favor of a brand-new center. Mapp said the funding could not be repurposed without amending the bond ordinance on two readings.

The next agenda-fixing session is May 3 and the regular meeting will take place on May 10.

--Bernice Paglia

One Primary Race Emerges from Filings

2010-04-12T17:07:00.002-04:00

Candidate filings today point to a three-way Democratic primary contest in June.

Incumbent Councilman Rashid Burney will face former Councilman Don Davis and veteran campaign organizer Rebecca Williams in the June 8 primary for the Second & Third Ward at-large seat. The winner will go on to the November 2 general election.

Republican James Pivnichny, a 2009 mayoral candidate, filed for the Second & Third Ward at-large seat today and will face the Democratic primary winner in November.

For the First Ward seat, incumbent Democratic Councilman William Reid is unopposed in June, as is Republican Sean Alfred. The two will be on the November ballot.

Independents may file on June 8 to be on the November ballot.

Winners in November will receive four-year terms starting Jan. 1, 2011.

--Bernice Paglia

Senior Center Costs: More Than $1

2010-04-12T12:15:00.004-04:00

Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs visits the Senior Center Nov. 10 after winning re-election.

The City Council will vote tonight on paying Dornoch $287,371.97 for various costs associated with the new senior center on the ground floor of the condo development, The Monarch.

The meeting is 8 p.m. in Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Ave.

The item was added to the agenda on April 5, but not discussed. According to the resolution up for a vote tonight, costs include $30,250 in payments broken down as follows:

-$16,500, representing $2,750 per month in common fees for November 2009 through April 2010
-A non-refundable three-month maintenance charge of $8,250

-$2,750 security for payment of common fees

-$2,750 for a full-month assessment payment in advance.

In addition, Dornoch is requiring $257,121.97 in costs to build out the center, which were approved by the governing body.

Together, they make the total of $287,371.97.

The resolution states that the city took occupancy before ownership transfer. The $2,750 common fee will obviously be ongoing, for an annual rate of $33,000.

Perhaps there will be a fuller explanation tonight of the costs.

--Bernice

BOA Approves 25 Apartments

2010-04-12T02:37:00.004-04:00

Corrections: The approval was for a use variance only. The applicant must return for site plan approval. Apartments are permitted, but not at the density proposed, therefore the need for a variance.

Not only did I miss the Feb. 20 legal notice about a proposal to build 25 apartments on South Avenue, I missed last week's Board of Adjustment meeting where it was approved.

TJC & BVR LLC received approval for the 25 two-bedroom apartments with 38 parking spaces at 916-926 South Avenue. The "Netherwood Pointe" project is in a mixed-use zone where residential uses are not permitted, thus the need for a variance. The site is a former nursery.

Despite the view that the city has too many renters, several recent proposals for apartments have received approvals from the land use boards. They include four separate projects on Park Avenue and one on West Front Street. A proposal for 100 apartments on the PNC Bank block has also been floated, but the developer has not yet applied to land use boards.

At the same meeting Wednesday, the Barack Obama Green Charter School received approval to locate in the Boys & Girls Club building on West Seventh Street. Click here for Plaintalker's report from last month.

--Bernice

Update on PayPal Experiment

2010-04-12T01:28:00.002-04:00

A dear reader nudged me into setting up a PayPal account for donations in February. So far, three donations have totaled $110, including one check sent by mail.

Jim Hopkins has resumed publishing Gannett Blog and is also taking donations. As a former Gannettoid, I find his blog very interesting and I have sent him money in appreciation.

If you are so inclined, you can send donations for Plaintalker via PayPal to bernice.paglia "at" gmail.com or inquire there for a mailing address.

There is a small controversy in the blogosphere over whether aggregators should get paid for assembling other folks' original content. I tend to come down on the side of originators over aggregators, but both are here to stay, so let all monetize as they wish.

--Bernice

Seen Around the City

2010-04-12T00:56:00.005-04:00

It's good to know that hopscotch lives, even in these times of video games and texting.

It's not your nonna's pizza at Ferraro's - broccoli, spinach, BBQ chicken, chicken parm - creative and colorful.

This guy was just singing his heart out on North Avenue. Starlings are among the funniest of the invasive bird species, full of enthusiasm and joie de vivre.

A lovely tree in bloom by the main train station. Check out the cherry trees at the Plainfield Public Library, too.

These are trout lilies or a close relative, on the grounds of City Hall.

What interesting sights have you seen lately around the city?

--Bernice

Don't Miss Mattson Exhibit

2010-04-10T12:43:00.003-04:00

Jean Mattson is one of Plainfield's cultural assets. Plaintalker urges all to take time to see her photographs, either at the opening Saturday or when visiting the library through June 30.

--Bernice

From Plainfield Public Library Director Joe Da Rold:

A retrospective exhibit of the works of Plainfield photographer Jean Mattson will open on April 17, 2010, at the Plainfield Public Library, with a reception from noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Room 2 Gallery. The exhibit will run through June 30, 2010.

Thirty black & white portraits have been selected to showcase the people of Ireland and Plainfield. Her photography captures the essence of each person as an integral part of his or her culture, family, and town. Every face holds a story.

Through her portraits of Irish children and families in Dublin, she illuminates the texture of the city’s substructure with its vibrant street life and people of all ages.

Her Plainfield images document the city changing from the old guard to the African-Americans who rose to prominence in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Jean Mattson, photographer, genealogist, and college professor, was born in Plainfield in 1927. She holds two Masters degrees, one from Columbia University in African History and the other from Temple University in Educational Media. She became interested in photography when working at Kean in their Media Department. She taught at Kean until her 80th birthday.

In 2008, she donated 52 of her Plainfield portraits to the Plainfield Public Library. Those images not in the exhibit may be seen by appointment by calling the Local History Department at 908-757-1111, ext. 136.

The library is located at 800 Park Avenue at the corner of 8th Street in Plainfield. The exhibit and reception are open to the public. All areas are handicapped accessible. Call 908-757-1111 for open hours, or go to the library’s website at www.plfdpl.info.

Read BOE Candidates' Responses to LWV

2010-04-10T02:56:00.002-04:00

The Plainfield League of Women Voters has compiled answers to three questions posed to school board candidates in advance of the April 14 candidates' forum.

Click here to read the questions and candidates' responses.

There are 14 candidates this year. Those vying for three three-year terms are incumbents Wilma Campbell, Martin Cox and Christian Estevez, and challengers Rasheed Abdul-Haqq, Mary Burgwinkle, Jaclynne Callands, Catherine Crittendon, Danielle Fletcher, Mahogany Hendricks and Renata Hernandez. Candidates for a one-year unexpired term are Keisha Edwards, Carmencita Pile, Denise Riley and Clayton Tucker Sr. Tucker did not meet a LWV deadline for submission of responses.

The candidates' forum is from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 14 at Emerson School, 305 Emerson Ave.

--Bernice Paglia

June Primary Filings Due Monday

2010-04-10T02:27:00.003-04:00

Candidates for two City Council seats must file by 4 p.m. Monday for the June 8 primary election.

At a Democratic City Committee meeting on April 2, Chairman and Assemblyman Jerry Green announced support for incumbents William Reid and Rashid Burney and acknowledged two contenders for Burney's seat. Reid represents the First Ward and Burney holds the Second & Third Ward at-large seat. Rebecca Williams and former Councilman Don Davis announced their intention to challenge Burney at the meeting. The council term is four years.

Davis formerly represented the Third Ward and could have been an appointee to that seat if the current incumbent, Adrian Mapp, had accepted a position as the city's chief finance officer. However, an April 1 deadline set by Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs passed without the hiring of a CFO. The mayor said she expects to hire one soon. The city has been without a permanent CFO since Peter Sepelya retired in December 2007.

Councilwoman Linda Carter has Green's support to run for a three-year Union County freeholder seat. Incumbent Rayland Van Blake, also a former City Council member, did not get the county party's support for re-election.

Petitions for council seats must be returned to the City Clerk's office in City Hall, while freeholder petitions must be filed with the Union County Clerk. Winners of primary contests will go on to the Nov. 2 general election.

--Bernice Paglia

Can FY 2011 Budget Be Early?

2010-04-08T20:16:00.001-04:00

Monday’s City Council meeting included a discussion on how soon the FY2011 budget can be adopted and whether foregoing extraordinary state aid would speed up the process.

The city’s fiscal year begins on July 1, but budget adoptions have consistently occurred as late as the third quarter, meaning most of the money has already been spent through temporary or emergency appropriations, and savings can only be eked out in the last quarter of the year.

The process is that department and division heads make known their budget needs early on, and the administration then may modify them. The City Council introduces the budget as presented by the administration, and then may make more changes before adoption.

But then there is the question of extraordinary state aid. The city usually asks for millions of dollars, but may only receive thousands. In the last round, the city requested $3.5 million and received just $250,000. Under Gov. Chris Christie, extraordinary state aid may not even be available as he works to meet a huge state budget gap.

Councilman Adrian Mapp, a certified finance officer with experience in dealing with Trenton, said Monday he strongly recommended not relying on state aid. Mapp said the benefits of early budget adoption “far outweighed” the state aid benefits.

The wait for notice of state aid flies in the face of a state-recommended timeline for budget introduction and adoption.

Although some council members supported early adoption of a “draft” budget, Councilman William Reid is one who wants the budget in place at the beginning of the fiscal year, at least by early September.

Councilman Cory Storch also said he thought there should be a draft budget by early August. As it was this year, the council had just three or four months to deal with budget cuts and Storch said, “That’s a disaster.”

But City Administrator Bibi Taylor said there were documents such as the annual financial statements from city auditors that were necessary before a budget statement could be produced, and also noted that once a budget is adopted, it cannot be amended (thus making the idea of adopting a draft budget unfeasible).

Still, a council majority agreed to urge early adoption, while also noting the lack of a chief finance officer and a finance director are hindering fiscal accountability.

The city has not had a CFO since 2007 and has had many directors of the Department of Administration, Finance, Health and Social Services in the past four years. Taylor was the last one in 2009, and was to continue to Jan. 31, but no successor has been named.

--Bernice Paglia

Beijing Comes to PARSA

2010-04-07T21:28:00.006-04:00

Photo credit: PARSA

Plainfield Area Regional Sewerage Authority Director Rob Villee accepts a gift - a commemorative paperweight from the Beijing Opera - from Beijing Drainage Group Senior Engineer and Manager Kuang Nuo.

Photo credit: PARSA

Visitors from Beijing came to the PARSA offices in Middlesex Wednesday to learn more about a flow monitoring system that revolutionized billing for the eight Central Jersey municipalities served by PARSA.

Sewerage from Fanwood, Watchung, Scotch Plains, Plainfield, North Plainfield, South Plainfield, Green Brook and Dunellen passes through the PARSA system on its way to the Middlesex County Utilities Authority for treatment. Villee said the new flow monitoring system settled several questions of flow costs both from the participating communities as well as what was received by the MCUA.

The meeting Wednesday with a translator was facilitated by Teledyne Isco, manufacturers of the flow meter software which is so sophisticated that Villee said a system alarm can be received on his cell phone.

Villee, the authority's director since 1996, said PARSA , with a staff of only seven, was flattered at being selected for the visit. Other sites the group will visit include Atlanta, Orlando, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Teledyne Isco translator Leo Cho facilitated Wednesday's visit.

Villee said PARSA was proud to be selected.

"We're kind of this little, small agency," he said.

Beijing has a population of 13 million, in contrast with Plainfield's struggle to get up to 50,000 in the 2010 census. The information sought in the delegation's five-city U.S. tour is for a new project, Villee said. China is currently facing multiple challenges to modernize.

PARSA is the successor to the Plainfeld Joint Meeting, which formerly served the municipalities for conveyance of sewerage to the MCUA treatment plant. In Plaintalker's eyes, it is remarkable for being a very lean organization in contrast to other authorities.

--Bernice Paglia

Shakespeare Garden

2010-04-07T21:21:00.002-04:00

Shakespeare Garden Undergoes Renovations

2010-04-07T21:04:00.003-04:00

Grant awards are fueling improvements to one of Plainfield’s stellar attractions, the Shakespeare Garden in Cedar Brook Park.

A $3,000 grant from a division of the Garden Club of America and a September 2009 grant of $7,250 from the Plainfield Foundation are funding improvements including a new picket fence, a new boulder retention wall, a new pergola and many new plantings.

The Olmsted-designed park echoes Shakespeare Gardens around the world that feature plants mentioned in works of the Bard. For the renovation, Plainfield Garden Club members, who maintain the garden, studied hundreds of plant mentioned in Shakespeare’s work to come up with selections for the garden’s renewal.

On Wednesday (April 7, 2010), staff from Union County could be seen improving the grounds, erecting the new pergola and cleaning up the site. Plainfield Garden Club members were busy weeding and preparing planting beds.

Incoming president Mandy Zachariades said it was in her first week as a member that she noticed the main crossbeam of the old pergola was completely cracked, necessitating its removal for safety reasons. The new construction will feature a composite, rot-proof material that should last indefinitely.

The old pergola was covered in Trumpet Vine, not a Shakespearean species, but the new one will be planted with vines of Eglantine Rose, Honeysuckle and Hops, all mentioned in Shakespeare's works.

On June 5, the Plainfield Garden Club will host a “Shakespeare in Bloom” event beginning at 10 a.m. It will be a “working day” where members, guests and the community will install both hundreds of new plants along with annuals grown from seed by members.

Zachariades said the knot garden will feature boxwood, lavender and lilies and the club will plant poppies to “blanket the garden.”

Cedar Brook Park is on the National Register of Historic Places and so is the Shakespeare Garden, in a separate nomination.

Zachariades urged attendance on June 5, saying, “”You’re going to see a lot.”

Click on http://www.plainfieldgardenclub.org/ to learn more about the group and its work.

--Bernice Paglia

Addendum to Demolition Story

2010-04-07T08:14:00.003-04:00

New director of Public Works & Urban Development David Brown II told the City Council Monday that the cost of the North Avenue demolition could be as much as $200,000.

Councilman Adrian Mapp pointed out that although the resolution states that amount, the agenda item's wording is "in excess of $21,ooo."

"The public needs to know how much it is costing," Mapp said.

(At agenda-fixing sessions, members of the public can take a printed agenda to follow along with the council's considerations, but the actual resolutions and ordinances are contained in one large binder that is set out for public viewing. A copy of the agenda and the background material is also supposed to be on file at the reference desk of the Plainfield Public Library by Saturday morning preceding the Monday meeting. The binder is also available for viewing in the City Clerk's office on the day of an agenda-fixing session. Plaintalker customarily checks the resolutions and ordinances, as the agenda items are just summaries.)

City Administrator Bibi Taylor said it was a "three-part resolution," first to declare an emergency, then to award a contract and last to make an emergency appropriation for FY 2011.

The work was done by Oveter's Construction Co. of Plainfield and East Orange.

Councilman William Reid asked if anyone else was contacted and Taylor said due to the emergency, there was no time for quotes.

In a previous emergency demolition on North Avenue several years ago, Oliver Brown of Oveter's and a representative of Mazzocchi Wrecking looked at the site before Brown's company got the job. That building, at the corner of Gavett Place and North Avenue, was owned by the city, but deteriorated in a similar fashion to the one at 187 North Avenue that was privately owned.

--Bernice Paglia

Council Discusses Demolition

2010-04-06T19:10:00.003-04:00

The cost of demolishing a 19th century building on North Avenue now stands at $140,000, but could rise to $200,000, officials said in a City Council meeting Monday.

Built in 1886, the building was an integral part of the historic streetscape directly across from the city’s main train station. City officials declared it an imminent hazard after bricks fell off a parapet on March 23 and it was torn down two days later. Attempts to reach the owner were unsuccessful. Although a lien will be placed on the property, the city will bear the immediate cost, which will show up as an emergency appropriation in the FY 2011 budget.

City Administrator Bibi Taylor explained the events that led to the demolition, but Councilman William Reid said, “Someone should have been looking at buildings like this in the past so we wouldn’t have to demolish them.”

Reid said the building’s deterioration took a number of years and questioned the role of the Inspections Division, saying the administration should set up a team to study similar buildings.

Councilman Rashid Burney agreed, saying, “Enforcement – early, often and hard – is the answer.”

Burney noted another building in bad shape about half a block west. The façade is boarded up, but the rear is open to the elements.

Water damage over many years was also a factor in the demolition of the 1886 building, as it had no roof and floors had collapsed. It had been marked by the Fire Division some time ago as unsafe to enter. Although it had liens dating back to 1994, Taylor said, there was some thought that redevelopment would take place.

As Plaintalker has reported, former NBA star Jayson Williams promised in the 1990s to redevelop the North Avenue Commercial Historic District, between Watchung and Park avenues, but nothing transpired. In 2006, Landmark Developers agreed to redevelop the district and the Union County Improvement Authority was to oversee the plan.

Councilman Cory Storch asked whether the administration was aware of an abandoned property ordinance passed in 2005 that allowed the city to take property if an owner neglected it despite warnings and timelines for action.

“We have to get the clock running,” he said.

But Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson repeated the notion that someone was going to come in and redevelop the entire tract.

At this point, the main concern is to stabilize walls of adjoining buildings, one of which has a “party wall” that had been structurally connected to the demolished building. Part of the demolition cost will be to shore up both walls.

Council President Annie McWilliams asked why the façade could not be saved, but Remington & Vernick Engineer Wendell Bibbs said it was a question of “competing interests” and who would pay for preserving a façade on private property. Bibbs also noted that due to wear, the façade was essentially just a stack of bricks. This comment was borne out in the demolition, when just the tap of a machine’s claw brought down entire walls.

Reid disagreed, saying “Any façade can be reproduced with modern construction methods.”

--Bernice Paglia

Blowin' in the Wind

2010-04-06T16:19:00.004-04:00

A clanking sound made me look up as I passed Pingry Arms on my way to City Hall Monday.

It was a large piece of metal, dangling from the exterior of the third floor. Thinking it would be a hazard if it fell, I called Inspections to report it.

Later I wondered whether it belonged to the cell tower installation on the roof, as it appeared to be a cover for some wires or pipes. If so, it might take longer to sort out who should fix it.

Just be careful on windy days at East Seventh & Crescent.

--Bernice

Meeting Notes

2010-04-06T14:45:00.002-04:00

Redbud on East Sixth Street.

The City Council covered enough territory for several blog posts last night. Plaintalker will post separately on the demolition issue. Late into the meeting, the mention of having six horses used for a campaign event was enough to stop folks from nodding off. The permit with details is not yet on file in the City Clerk's office, but the concept seems curious, given what comes to mind when thinking of horses. City Administrator Bibi Taylor recommended that a council resolution granting permission for the use of horses should include a "pooper-scooper" clause. Councilman William Reid also wanted a clean-up required, as well as the customary liability insurance and reimbursement for any extra police presence. The applicant, former Councilman Al Hendricks, wants permission granted at the April 12 meeting for the April 16 event.

As Dr. Yood noted, Councilwoman Linda Carter took part via a phone connection and gave a report from the City & Neighborhood Services committee. Reports of council committees will be posted on the city web site. As previously noted by Plaintalker, these reports are a bit cumbersome to cover on a blog, so check www.plainfield.com for full reports.

The City Council is still looking for a free, local site for a retreat, since new rules from the state preclude out-of-town stays. Council President Annie McWilliams is leading plans for the retreat.

Corporation Counsel Dan Williamson gave statistics that, he said, show the city is not in violation of a residency requirement. Members of the Plainfield Municipal Employees Association questioned why workers who live in the city were laid off while outsiders kept their jobs.

Williamson said of 209 regular employees, 134 live in the city and 75 are non-residents. When the ordinance was passed in 2002, he said, six employees were given waivers and 15 others were exempt because they possessed special skills. Fire and Police division employees are exempt from residency requirements, he said, but of 100 firefighters, 53 live in the city and of 145 police officers, 57 are Plainfield residents.

"It appears the city of Plainfield is in good shape" regarding the ordinance, Williamson said.

There was also a discussion of the budget timetable for FY2011, which will require a separate post.

More later.

--Bernice

Revised Health Fees Coming Up for Vote

2010-04-05T23:02:00.004-04:00

Proposed Health Division fee increases that shocked merchants and others in January have been revised and will be up for a city Council vote on April 12.

The new schedule phases in many increases over three years and a couple have been dropped altogether. In seeking increases, Health Officer Mark Colicchio said fees had not changed in 16 years. But after the outcry over the original schedule, city officials met with business groups to hear their concerns.

In contrast to earlier proposed increases as much as 300 percent, the new schedule has many fees phased in at 30, 20 and 10 percent hikes over three years.

One section of the new schedule will retain increases proposed earlier, hiking $5 fees for certificates of birth, marriage or death to $25. Additional copies of such documents will be $5. Burial permits will go from $10 to $15 and a certificate of burial fee will change from $5 to $15 upon adoption of ordinance amendments. Marriage licenses will stay at the state-mandated fee, $28, and the city will add the same fee for Domestic Partner certifications.

Gone from the new schedule are fees for self-service laundries, including extra fees for each machine. But pharmacies and newsstands that sell snacks will be in for a new, phased fee starting at $50 in 2011 and rising to $78 by 2013.

Mobile food trucks were facing a new $250 fee under the old schedule, but will now start with $150 in 2011 and increase to $234 in 2013. New fees will be imposed on body art establishments, tanning salons, barbershops and massage parlors, but they are much lower than the original proposed fees. For example, the proposed fee for an establishment offering tattoos or piercings was reduced from $500 to $150 and will not take effect until January 2011.

Church and school kitchens will face a new fee of $75 in 2011, rising to $117 in 2013.

The proposed fees for food establishments without seating were compressed, so that places ranging from zero to 299 square feet, which now have three separate fees, will all be assessed at the top fee of $125. Similarly, those ranging from 300 to 599 square feet will face the highest of three former fees. But changes will not begin until 2011.

Dog and cat licenses will be increased, from $11.20 to $15.20 in 2011 for non-neutered animals and from $8.20 to $10.20 for neutered or spayed animals.

The full schedule may be obtained at the City Clerk’s office.

To see Plaintalker’s previous reports on the proposed fees, click here.

--Bernice Paglia

Forum Yields Candidates' Views of Gallon

2010-04-05T08:25:00.003-04:00

Twenty pages of notes on the Plainfield Education Association March 31 candidates’ forums have not yielded enough clarity for me to make a full report (my bad).

Part of my distraction was the presence of an embargoed OFAC (Office of Fiscal Compliance and Accountability) report at the meeting and perhaps some more was just my sense that this crowded field of candidates is confusing. Three slates have emerged, with some observers tacking “brands” on them, i.e. Green, New Dems, etc.

Overall, the forum was well-conducted, with a moderator fielding questions. The forum started on time and ended on the dot of 7:30, as advertised. There were individuals handing out campaign literature, which is not allowed at some other forums.

The one question that seemed to receive the most reaction from the crowd of about 70 people was whether candidates would vote approval on a contract for Schools Superintendent Steve Gallon III at this juncture. Gallon’s four-year contract began in July 2008. The OFAC report confirms that certain individuals were hired without proper certifications and calls for a corrective action plan to be worked out with Executive County Superintendent Carmen Centuolo. The controversy has brought adverse publicity to Gallon and the district.

Among the answers regarding Gallon’s leadership:

Denise Riley said the superintendent has “brilliant ideas” but then “went off the tracks.”
Riley said the district became “laughing-stocks” and said “credibility has been lost.”

Clayton Tucker Sr. said his vote would be “definitely be a ‘no.’ “

Carmencita Pile advised having a sit-down talk with Gallon “to see exactly where he is coming from.”

Renata Hernandez said she has had a lot of conversations with Gallon and said, “I would not confer another day on Dr. Gallon.” Her comment was, “Power unchecked runs amuck and Dr. Gallon has run amuck.”

Mahogany Hendricks said she felt Gallon came here and saw a school board not cohesive and in disarray, and “took advantage.”

Danielle Fletcher noted recent news reports on hiring issues and said she felt Gallon misrepresented qualifications, so needed to be evaluated not just as an employee but as the boss.
Christian Estevez commented on the frequent turnover of school superintendents in Plainfield and said he has seen some progress under Gallon. In terms of voting right now, he said, he was glad there was more time.

Keisha Edwards cited Gallon’s stated goals and declared they were “not tangible or measurable,” using Gallon’s own terminology for how progress would be tracked.

Catherine Crittendon cited the “astronomical cost” of mounting a new superintendent search.

Martin Cox said the district has “absolutely made progress “ under Gallon’s leadership, noted the district has had eight superintendents in a decade and proclaimed, “I continue to support Dr. Gallon.”

Wilma Campbell said she supported Gallon at first, but she now feels her trust was betrayed. Campbell said she “cannot support a leader who has taken us to such low levels.”

Mary Burgwinkle said although “it looks as though there have been improvements,” some Human Resources job descriptions seem to be messed up.

Rasheed Abdul-Haqq said the board did not realize Gallon lacked “people skills” and said it is too late to save the superintendent. He said he used to talk to Gallon about “unneeded friction” in his dealings with people, and now he would give Gallon a "D, because he can’t rally his troops.”
Jaclynne Callands was absent from the forum.

The Plainfield League of Women Voters will be holding a forum for school board candidates from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on April 14 at Emerson School. Try to attend if you want to assess the candidates for yourself. The school board election date is April 20.

--Bernice Paglia

Old Fave Rediscovered

2010-04-04T20:32:00.002-04:00

While prowling around the main train station during the demolition of the historic building at 187 North Avenue, I spotted a bumper sticker that made me wonder how I could have forgotten my love for WPRB.

This college radio station at Princeton University features student programming, but also a show I used to make time every week to hear. It is called "Music You Can't Hear on the Radio" and I am listening right now.

Click here for a description of this unique listening experience.

As many know, I am a radio person who does not watch television (sorry, Jackie!) because I like multi-tasking (gardening while listening) and TV just makes a person sit still too long. I always fall asleep in front of the screen.

Many of my favorite WBAI shows are on at odd hours and due to my love for WBAI, WPRB and a couple of Seattle stations, I may have to get one of those new-fangled things that let a person download radio broadcasts for later consumption.

Anyway, my fondness for "Music You Can't Hear on the Radio" goes way back and I recommend it to new listeners. Check out a playlist and see whether it's your kind of show.

--Bernice

LWV Forum on April 14

2010-04-04T18:32:00.002-04:00

The Plainfield League of Women Voters will hold its traditional candidates' forum for the school board election from 6:30 to 9:30 on April 14 at Emerson School, 305 Emerson Ave.

The school board election is April 20. Three three-year terms and one unexpired term are up for election this year. Those seeking the three-year terms are incumbents Wilma Campbell, Martin Cox and Christian Estevez, and challengers Rasheed Abdul-Haqq, Mary Burgwinkle, Jaclynne Callands, Catherine Crittendon, Danielle Fletcher, Mahogany Hendricks and Renata Hernandez.

Keisha Edwards, Carmencita Pile, Denise Riley and Clayton Tucker Sr. are vying for the unexpired term.

The League has posed three questions for candidates' responses, all of which will be posted on the Plainfield LWV web site. Sheets with the questions and answers will also be made available at key public locations. At the forum, questions will also be taken in writing from the audience and will be posed to candidates by a LWV moderator. Standard LWV guidelines for the conduct such forums will apply.

(Disclaimer: I am a LWV member.)

--Bernice

Out, Darn Shotweed!

2010-04-04T17:30:00.004-04:00

Photo by Susan Fraser

The Plainfield Garden Club members have begun their work on the Shakespeare Garden in Cedar Brook Park, but are finding they need extra weeding to deal with an invader with exploding seed pods. Every plant has a way of launching the next generation, but Shotweed is so aggressive that it is popping up all over the garden.

That's the bad news. The good news is that the garden just had its rocky border restored and plans call for replacement of the pergola. There is a lot more for people to learn about the Shakespeare Garden and the Plainfield Garden Club, so click here and see!

Also, click here for a shortcut to the latest photos.

The weather will be perfect in the next few days to pay a visit. It is open during park hours, dawn to dusk. The garden is at its peak in early June,. Remind yourself to visit then as well.

--Bernice

Good Wishes to All

2010-04-04T08:47:00.002-04:00

Have a happy Easter, Ostara, Passover, Spring!

Enjoy the season and its beauty!

--Bernice

Quoting Chairman Green

2010-04-04T08:12:00.002-04:00

At the risk of incurring the wrath of Assemblyman Jerry Green, also the Plainfield Democratic City Committee Chairman, I am posting some of my impressions of Thursday’s meeting to select candidates for the June primary.

The background for this meeting may include efforts (reported by Dan Damon) of progressive Democrats to mount a challenge to the Regular Democratic Organization of Union County. Green alluded to such efforts Thursday, warning “There’s consequences” for those who do not fall in line with the party.

Green warned against people who are organizing state- and county-wide whose only goal, according to him, is to “divide and conquer.”

The danger of such division is, he said, besides consequences, is that “There is not going to be no slam-dunk no more.”

Given Green’s traditional short-hand way of expression, the message appeared to be that all involved had to toe the party line or else.

Green took issue also with “members of the family” running against each other for school board seats.

(Plaintalker is still sorting out notes from the PEA school board candidates’ forum.)

In another cryptic comment, Green said, “This town has worked in a vacuum so long, people think it’s how you do things.”

Also: “This is a year that either we work together or we don’t work together.”

Oh well, all this is open to interpretation. If anyone present at the meeting has amendments or comments, feel free to submit.

--Bernice Paglia

Taking a Day Off

2010-04-03T08:56:00.002-04:00

I'll be gardening and doing spring clean-up chores today. Blogging will resume tomorrow.

--Bernice

Spring Clean-up

2010-04-01T21:56:00.002-04:00

The daffodils are from our yard, but the sentiment is from our "hood."

Thanks to Moorehouse Properties for having the shrubs at the Twin City plaza trimmed and mulched for Spring!

It looks good and we appreciate it!

--Bernice Paglia

Green Endorses Incumbents for Re-Election

2010-04-01T20:58:00.003-04:00

First Ward Councilman William Reid and Councilman Rashid Burney, representing the Second and Third Wards at-large, received support of Plainfield Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Green Thursday for the June primary.

Green announced his support at a meeting of the Democratic City Committee. The filing date for the primary is April 12.

Green also called on the committee to back Plainfield Councilwoman Linda Carter as a Union County freeholder candidate. Plainfielder Rayland Van Blake failed to get the party's support for a second term as freeholder.

While Green preached unity, he also allowed two challengers for the City Council seats to speak. They are Rebecca Williams and former City Councilman Don Davis, both seeking the Second and Third Ward seat.

In remarks to the committee, Reid traced his career from being an appointee in December 2007 to winning an election in 2008 and noted he has attended every council meeting except for a time in January 2009 when he was ill. Reid said he voted "no" on the FY 2010 budget because he felt laying off people in the present economy was "the wrong thing to do."

Burney highlighted his early involvement with the campaign to elect Barack Obama as president, saying his support preceded the Democratic Party's support. He cited Obama's insistence on having a plan as an example for Plainfield in proceeding with development. The city is currently engaged in a "visioning" process for Transit Oriented Development.

Williams detailed her extensive campaign experience, mostly with "New Democrat" candidates who were later subsumed into the Regular Democratic Organization.

"It's my time. I feel I have worked hard enough to earn a ticket to the show," she said.

Davis fervently expressed his love of Plainfield and said after he met with constituents on their concerns, "I was their voice."

No vote was taken on the candidates.

Green finished up by saying he opposed having any more affordable housing or low-income housing in Plainfield and that he would rely on builders' advice in the future.

An analysis of District 22, including Plainfield, he said, reveals that it is mostly "a working class district."

Green said the district, including Plainfield, may have to face budget realities, including cuts to police budgets.

--Bernice Paglia

Captain El-Amin Retires

2010-03-31T16:30:00.012-04:00

Flashing lights and sirens Wednesday highlighted a traditional farewell for police retirees, but this time the event was unique.

A crowd of about 50 officers and well-wishers gathered to await Captain Siddeeq El-Amin's exit from police headquarters. One of three captains faced with demotion to lieutenant for budgetary reasons, El-Amin decided to forego a planned terminal leave and go out as a captain rather than take the demotion.

Plaintalker reported on El-Amin's decision earlier this year and recounted highlights of his 30 years with the Plainfield Police Division.

As people applauded and recorded the event, El-Amin began a round of farewell handshakes and hugs with Emergency Management official Sheldon Green.

Captain Ruth Selzam, one of three who will remain at that rank, gets a big hug as Captain Steven Soltys looks on. Soltys and Captain Edward Santiago (the division's last police chief before the title was abolished) are the other two remaining captains.

Daughter Mahasin, who is a police officer, embraces her dad as granddaughter Imani looks on.

Faheemah El-Amin, a former City Council member, poses for the cameras with her husband.

Daughter Bayyinah records the ceremony for family memories.

Asked whether he will be doing teaching, consulting or other law-enforcement related activities in retirement, El-Amin said, "All of the above." He is also on the board of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE).

Imani strikes a pose - is she thinking of following the family footsteps into law enforcement?

All the best to Captain El-Amin and his family and thanks for all their service to the City of Plainfield.

--Bernice Paglia

BOE Candidate Forum Today

2010-03-31T02:30:00.005-04:00

The Plainfield Education Association is holding a candidates' forum today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Plainfield High School student cafeteria.

The field of candidates for three three-year terms includes three incumbents, Wilma Campbell, Martin Cox and Christian Estevez, and challengers Rasheed Abdul-Haqq, Mary Burgwinkle, Jaclynne Callands, Catherine Crittendon, Danielle Fletcher, Mahogany Hendricks and Renata Hernandez.

There is also an unexpired term caused by the departure of former board president Bridget Rivers to serve on the City Council. Candidates for the unexpired term are Keisha Edwards, Carmencita Pile, Denise Riley and Clayton Tucker Sr.

Although a dozen candidates have organized into three slates of four members each, Plaintalker urges voters to take a look at all 14 candidates as individuals first and pick the four people whom you feel will do the best job.

The three teams are Abdul-Haqq, Campbell, Hernandez and Edwards; Burgwinkle, Cox, Estevez and Pile; and Callands, Fletcher, Hendricks and Tucker. Crittendon and Riley are not on slates.

--Bernice Paglia

Free Easter Dinner

2010-03-30T19:03:00.002-04:00

Anyone who may be alone on Easter or who might need an Easter dinner is welcome to visit First Unitarian Society of Plainfield at 724 Park Avenue on Sunday, April 4 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Volunteers will be providing all the ingredients for a traditional dinner. I will most likely be continuing my service in the kitchen.

To learn more about the church, visit www.fusp.org

--Bernice

North Avenue Oddities

2010-03-30T18:56:00.003-04:00

When the light hits a certain way on this building facade on North Avenue, the cat face appears to float as all the bricks recede. Quite an effect.

--Bernice

Rahway Blog Tells of Dornoch Demolition

2010-03-29T17:32:00.002-04:00

Once again, it proves to be a good idea to check Rahway Rising, a blog devoted to development there. Plainfield and Rahway share some of the same developers and it is interesting to see how things play out in each municipality.

Click here to read about Rahway's decision to raze a Dornoch property which apparently has seen no action since 2007.

Plainfield entrusted many development activities to the Union County Improvement Authority in 2006, but nothing has been heard lately. Perhaps our new director of Public Works & Urban Development can check on pending projects and get a bottom line.

--Bernice Paglia

Update on North Avenue

2010-03-29T02:30:00.006-04:00

North Avenue was open on Sunday and taxis were at their usual spot next to the train station as the building demolition moved into final cleanup mode.

This wall from the building to the left of the demolished one has a solid wall that will just require removal of adjacent bricks at the rear.

But this wall on the right is a party wall, meaning it was joined to the next building, and it will require extra work to seal it off. Business owner Ivette Rovayo was on the alert Sunday for leaks from the roof in the building next to the demolition site.

The site has been fenced off at front and rear. Debris must still be removed from the basement.

The future of the site, which is directly across from the main train station, is not known at this time.

--Bernice

Mystery Solved

2010-03-28T09:43:00.003-04:00

On my May 2008 visit to Seattle, I saw quite a few plants that I could not identify. Seattle is in Zone 8 and has a range of vegetation that includes many plants we won't see in the Northeast unless global warming changes our climate a bit more. This plant was growing next to the breezeway at the house Audrey and Peter were renting. Audrey called a few days ago to say she found out it is a Fatsia Japonica. The umbels of black berries are very striking and according to plant references are preceded by umbels of white flowers. The large, glossy leaves and the size of the shrub make it a showy item indeed in the Northwest garden.

--Bernice

A Mixed Message

2010-03-28T09:14:00.003-04:00

This placard on Park Avenue explains in detail the features of a renovated property up for lease.

This building was a dentist office for many years. As I recall, that was its original use and it carried over through the decades. Some may recall Dr. Peter Pappas having his practice here. The building is on a list of historic sites.

However, the presentation is marred by this pile of garbage and also by the graffiti scrawled on the front walk and the adjacent walls by street people who may have been squatting here at one point.

Property owners have an uphill fight when squatters or street people decide to claim a site as their own. The blue-tiled building at Park & Seventh has suffered a similar fate and there are many more tucked away in other parts of the city.

Surely the building above, on the city's main north-south road, gives a mixed message to prospective renters, let alone the passing public.

--Bernice Paglia

Springtime Pix

2010-03-27T01:54:00.004-04:00

These colorful blossoms are on a Japanese flowering quince bush in front of City Hall Annex on Watchung Avenue.

Violets are in bloom on Brook Avenue along the banks of the Green Brook.

Sycamore seed balls are coming apart and drifting down from trees bordering Municipal Lot 8 along the Green Brook. Imagine if they all took root!

--Bernice

Next Up for Demolition?

2010-03-27T01:29:00.005-04:00

This boarded-up building between 130 and 140 North Avenue could be the next one in the North Avenue Historic District to require demolition, more than one person surmised while watching the building at 187 North Avenue being reduced to rubble.

It has been open to the elements for several years. The photo above is from May 2008.

Before it was boarded up at street level, one could look through an open metal gate and see that the floor was missing planks and the roof had holes.

This is what commuters on the Raritan Valley Line see. The rear of the building is open to squatters and vermin. Before the front was boarded up, piles of garbage could be seen inside.

Those who were predicting a dire future for this building may well be right.

--Bernice Paglia

Demolition Cleanup

2010-03-27T01:10:00.001-04:00

Green Brook Needs Check-up

2010-03-26T23:48:00.008-04:00

A look at the broken retaining wall that is endangering a North Plainfield building at 81 Westervelt Avenue prompted me to look further along the Green Brook, a natural border between the borough and the city of Plainfield.

Just past the collapsing house, another retaining wall on the North Plainfield side appears to be in precarious condition.

Recent heavy rains have washed away soil around tree roots and loosened various structures designed to contain the brook, which has been the subject of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study for decades. No work has yet been done on the portion of the brook between Dunellen and Scotch Plains. Eighteen bridges link Plainfield and North Plainfield over the brook and the border is the subject of a longterm plan to have a pedestrian and bike path along the brook.

As it is, the brook has many fallen trees and much trash on its banks. Some parts are silted up. Because decisions on the Green Brook involve Union, Somerset and Middlesex counties, action tends to be slow.

Here, debris has piled up under a building that spans the brook . There does not seem to be any cooperative clean-up plan for the brook.

This bridge on Watchung Avenue has a big crack. What would it take for authorities to assess the waterway once or twice a year and record its condition as well as the status of the many bridges between Plainfield and North Plainfield? The recent storms have made significant changes. In Plainfield, Councilmen Rashid Burney and Adrian Mapp are the 2010 liaisons to the Green Brook Flood Control Commission. Every year, the Commission holds a memorial service marking the date of a flood that caused fatalities at the Watchung Circle many years ago. But how soon will there be any action to inspect the brook pending major flood controls being put in place? Just asking.

--Bernice Paglia

Images from the North Avenue Demolition

2010-03-25T19:27:00.019-04:00

A prime centerpiece of the North Avenue streetscape was deemed in need of demolition Tuesday due to partial collapse of a parapet.

Today (March 25, 2010) my neighbor and I took a look in the early afternoon and saw this result in the rear of the building.

On North Avenue, a worker can be seen here detaching chains holding a marquee from
lion figurines on the facade.

The demolition attracted both members of the public and firefighters, police and media interested in documenting the event.

The demolition M.O. (modus operandi) seemed to be just pushing on things until they fell down.

A heavy-duty water hose sprayed debris as it fell.

News 12 was there to document the event.

The demolition claw was reminiscent of a Japanese film, with its insect ways of hovering and attacking.

As the demoliton progressed, another machine was brought in.

Both took bites at the structure as it began to fail.

A hard-hatted worker added his personal efforts to knock down the walls.

By late afternoon, the facade was destroyed.

By degrees, the building was reduced to rubble.

Here is the big claw machine getting ready to remove debris.

The final stages. Waiting for the the wall in the middle to fall.

The big and little claws still ready to attack.

The end of an era.

--Bernice Paglia

It's Done

2010-03-25T18:38:00.002-04:00

In the course of a day, the historic North Avenue streetscape was changed forever.

Plaintalker's photo gallery will follow later.

--Bernice

More on North Avenue Building Collapse

2010-03-24T17:20:00.009-04:00

Demolition may begin as early as this evening on an 1886 building in the North Avenue Commercial Historic District and could take a week or more. The demolition was ordered after a parapet collapsed, raining down bricks on the sidewalk across from the main train station. The view here is from the station platform.

A large street lamp had to be removed and utility workers continued Wednesday afternoon to seal off gas and electric service. At the rear, telephone wires must be removed before Oveter's Construction can begin dismantling the building.

Here is the head of the "cobra" lamp that was taken down.

This chimney at the rear of the building shows signs of collapse. Businesses on the block will be forced to close until the demolition is complete.

Taxis cannot park in front of the train station while the demolition takes place. North Avenue will be closed from Gavett Place to Watchung Avenue.

Several years ago, Oveter's took down a city-owned building at the corner of Gavett and North. It turned out to have a "party wall" with the building next door. Here, a fireplace mantel can be seen still stuck to the party wall. The wall was eventually cleared and gaps were filled with concrete. The building now in question is between two others, raising concerns about how the demolition will affect them. Plans call for demolition to start from the rear of the building.

While demolition of the corner building marred the streetscape, it was not as glaring as removal of a central building will be. The site was promised redevelopment during the administration of former Mayor Mark Fury, with former NBA star Jayson Williams as developer. Later Landmark Developers received approvals to redevelop the district, but refocused on individual buildings on Park Avenue, East Second Street and the vacant lot on Gavett Place created by the previous demolition.

Plaintalker will be following the story as details unfold. Check the Courier News for Mark Spivey's expert coverage.

--Bernice Paglia

Bulletin: North Avenue Building Collapse

2010-03-24T12:39:00.009-04:00

Bricks fell off this North Avenue building to the sidewalk below, directly across from the city's main train station. The top of the parapet on the left collapsed and the building's condition led Emergency Management Coordinator Sheldon Green to call for its demolition.

The building was already marked by firefighters years ago as unsafe to enter (note the square symbol).

Green said the building is privately owned, the owner may have just walked away from it as it became too expensive to repair. The sidewalk has recently been blocked as portions of a marquee came loose.

Utility workers were cutting off connections prior to the demolition.

This building to the right of the endangered one was evacuated.

Numerous police cars and the Mobile Command center were at the site. North Avenue was blocked off between Watchung Avenue and Gavett Place.

Oveter's Construction brought heavy equipment to carry out the demolition.

More later!

--Bernice Paglia

A Viewpoint on Health Care

2010-03-24T01:38:00.003-04:00

The promise of health care reform appears to be a victory for the average person who has been frustrated by arbitrary decisions of the medical insurance bureaucracy and other flaws in the delivery of care. But there is one big problem that legislation can't cure here in the Queen City and that is the flight of practitioners in the last quarter-century.

Park Avenue used to be known as "Doctors' Row" at one time, but the ranks have thinned considerably. This began even before the Muhlenberg troubles. We used to have an opthalmologist, neurologist, endocrinologist, general practitioner, dentist and other providers right here in the city, but as I have noted before, they have all moved out.

It is my belief that no matter how many new apartments or condos get built, no matter how many shops and restaurants open, unless people have better access to health care, Plainfield will be less attractive than a community that has an adequate array of practitioners. Sure, there is the health center, but my son's experience there invariably includes hours of waiting for service. I don't know why.

Transit-oriented development is a great concept and one that I personally embrace. I would not want to be living out in Somerset or Hunterdon county suburbs where each adult in a household needs a car to get around. The other end of the spectrum is New York City or Seattle, where one can live well without a car. Plainfield has a lot of people without cars, either by choice or necessity, but also many good transit links. There are many taxis as well, but they tend to be expensive and in my experience, drivers don't follow the rate chart.

So where do people go for everyday health care and how do they get there? A lot of people go to "doc-in-a-box" centers out of town. There is still a satellite emergency department at Muhlenberg which has recently advertised service for common ailments such as colds and earaches, which in a way makes it competitive with the Plainfield Health Center. It might be interesting to compare charges for visits to each for treatment of a simple medical problem.

Now that the medical buildings on Park Avenue have largely emptied out, it's unlikely that the city will enjoy another such concentration of health care providers. What might the future hold in the way of accessibility to general practitioners and specialists? If there is any way to entice a cadre of health care providers back to the city as an adjunct to development, it should be pursued as vigorously as the push to attract developers. Health care reform without reasonable access to providers will be a hollow promise indeed.

--Bernice Paglia

New Charter School Approvals Expected in April

2010-03-22T22:21:00.002-04:00

A new “green” charter high school seeking to locate in the Boys & Girls Club building on West Seventh Street fell short of getting speedy approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment Monday and will have to finish up on April 7.

Representatives for the Barack Obama Green Charter School and the Boys & Girls Club of Union County appeared at the special meeting Monday, giving testimony and answering questions for about two hours before ZBOA Chairman Scott Belin said the board still needed to hear from a planner. Belin recognized the applicants’ wish to expedite the approval, but denied their wish for a second special meeting and told them to find a way to wrap it up at the board’s next regular meeting.

In addition, Planning Director Bill Nierstedt said an expected report from the engineering firm T&M Associates had not arrived by the close of business Monday and board members needed to review it before making a decision.

The Boys & Girls Club building is in a former school connected to a synagogue on West Seventh Street. Sal Dovi, executive director of the organization, said the club carried out a $960,000 renovation of the dilapidated premises in 2001. The club now serves 45 to 50 “tweens and teens” per day in after-school and evening hours, but saw the school as a good fit for use in daytime.

The charter school expects enrollment of 6o students each in grades 9 and 10 in September and founder and principal Safiyah Sadiq said there would be no overlap in the usage, as school hours would be from 7:30 to 3 p.m. In keeping with the school’s philosophy of sustainability, students would walk to school and bring their own lunches. After school, the program calls for students to take part in internships with various higher education institutions.

The board questioned the use of the building, including where students would eat lunch, adequacy of toilet facilities, handicap accessibility, emergency issues, parking, traffic considerations and possible expansion of enrollment. Sadiq said there was a lunchroom space, but lunch storage would require an upgrade to a commercial refrigerator.

According to testimony, there are no separate toilet facilities for students and staff, but they are adequate for the projected population. Concerns about a handicap ramp exiting to a driveway could be resolved by a proposed repositioning of handicap spaces. Parking is sufficient for 18 vehicles, which would accommodate both uses.

The board also discussed parking space lighting and even roof access for planting. A lighting plan will be required so that neighbors in nearby residences are not affected, but Sadiq said there is no plan to use the roof for planting.

The Barack Obama Green Charter School already has 86 students signed up, Sadiq said. To learn more about the school and its concepts, click here.

--Bernice Paglia

Book Sale Starts

2010-03-22T02:02:00.002-04:00

The Plainfield Public Library will be selling books for $1 each to raise money for new book purchases.

Click here for details.

Spring is a good time to learn something new or get acquainted with a new author's work. For $1, how can you lose? Stop in any time the library is open from March 22 to April 9 and browse the selections.

--Bernice