Is Plainfield in a 'J - A - |¬ 7 ' ?
Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs is hosting a 'Community Forum' Tuesday, August 26. Bernice previously noted the forum and raised the issue of gun violence (see 'Nobody Cares') and Maria has already commented on issues she sees needing addressing (see 'Actions Speak Louder').
Three more issues that impact Plainfielders come to my mind:
- Her 'buyer' for Muhlenberg;
- The growing number of abandoned and boarded houses; and
- Budget issues -- especially receipts like parking.
1. MUHLENBERG BUYER
What has become of her 'buyer' for Muhlenberg, Dr. Reddy Dandolu? No mention has been made since the meeting of Commissioner Howard with the mayor and Assemblyman Green. What gives?
2. BOARDED HOUSES
As the mortgage crisis deepens, more and more Plainfielders are losing their homes. Abandoned, boarded up properties are springing up all over town (like the freshly boarded up one on Central Avenue near 7th Street, above). These properties quickly become eyesores, making things more difficult for those already trying to sell their homes. In addition, they depress neighborhood property values. What is the mayor's plan for dealing with this deepening crisis?
3. CASH RECEIPTS
Broken and jammed parking meters, like that above alongside the YMCA (the message in the window is 'J-A-M') and others littering the downtown business district have remained unrepaired for months. The lack of revenues being collected will impact the upcoming budget -- read: more money from the taxpayers' pockets. What is the mayor's plan to shore up cash receipts such as parking meters and traffic violations?
It would be refreshing if the mayor addressed these serious issues facing the community and her administration as she enters her final year. But will she?
Come out and see.
COMMUNITY FORUM
Tuesday, August 26
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Washington Community School
427 Darrrow Avenue
(Parking in Spooner Avenue lot)
Tuesday, August 26
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Washington Community School
427 Darrrow Avenue
(Parking in Spooner Avenue lot)
Posts
4 comments:
The Community Forum information is interesting on couple of levels.
Item 1. Date and time of the Community Forum - With one of the major topics of the Community Forum being “A Safer Plainfield initiative which includes an emphasis on continuity between city neighborhood watch programs and clearer street signs and traffic signal” why is Community Forum being held the same date and time as the monthly Block Association Liaison meeting. The Block Association meetings have always been the 4th Tuesday of the month. The Mayor is very much aware of the schedule since Barbara James, her Confidential Aide, is normally there representing the Mayor. When A.P. Tiffany Wilson, host of the Block Association Liaison Meetings, found out about the conflict, she sent an email to the Block Association Liaisons informing them of the situation and asking for their inputting as to best handle the issue. One of suggestions was to move the Liaison meeting to follow the Community Forum (very professional and consider for providing the Block Association Liaisons the opportunity to attend both events). Too bad the Mayor and City Administration did not have the foresight to work with the A.P. Wilson to come up with a join meeting. What happened to the City Administration’s motto…Growth Through Unity? (Maybe it we had a community calendar these types of conflicts could be avoided. An aside…it is August 25 and the calendar on the city website is still blank)
Item 2. “A Safer Plainfield” initiative. - Based on the brief description given in the press release, it doesn’t sound much different than the efforts of the Block Association Liaison Meetings. In fact the topics mention in the press release are just some of the topics that have been discussed at various Liaison Meetings. So why the need for the “A Safer Plainfield” initiative? Also the paper stated that the initiative was kicked off last month. How and when was the kick off information provided to the residents? I am the liaison for my block association and was totally unaware “A Safer Plainfield” initiative.
Update to comment regarding Block Association Liaison Meeting. Just received email from A.P. Tiffany Wilson, the Block Association Liaison Meeting will occur immediately following the Community Forum at Washington School.
The Mayor's Plan ? How about hiring a consultant to look into it ???
yes i have a comment-the meters on park and 7th are not working.and why dont i see a meter maid/man on lot 7? he drives in the lot.spend some time with a chick in his truck.or chit chats on the phone. and keeps going.lots of people in lot 7 are not permit holders.actually there is 1 permit holder.so how about someone checks on this fellow.who is paid by the city of plainfield.
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