Economic Development - Courier - [Letter] Development could spark city growth

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Published in the Courier News, Wednesday, May 10, 2006

[Letter to Editor]

Development could spark city growth

Recently, the Courier News ran an article about possible transit village development in Plainfield. The article mentioned the downtown train station area was studied by the McWilliams administration. As a staff person at the time, I can report that under the mayor's leadership, we did more than study this North Avenue Historic District -- a redevelopment plan was prepared, and redevelopers were sought.

Through the efforts of Assemblyman Jerry Green, an award-winning developer who specializes in downtown redevelopment was recruited for this site. In 2000, the developer submitted a $25 million proposal to rehabilitate the block's historic buildings into market-rate residential units and renewed first-floor retail space and to construct a new mixed-use building on several lots that were not historically significant.

Unfortunately, the City Council at that time rejected this proposal due to an unwillingness to earmark $25,000 to cover the city's legal fees for contract negotiations. This occurred in spite of the fact that the cost could have been covered using UEZ escrow funds.

At the same time, we recruited a team of experienced New Jersey developers who would build a $15 million two-phase commercial project on the seven-acre Marino's redevelopment site at West Front Street and Plainfield Avenue. This full proposal also was rejected by the council, which did not like the half-acre anchor business for the first phase (a $2 million gas station, convenience store and cafe).

While these projects were being discussed, one of the council members stated for the record (as was reported in the media) that "there would be no more redevelopment in the city of Plainfield unless it is done by minorities." Neither was a minority developer.

These two projects would have created hundreds of jobs, market-rate residential units and nearly a million dollars in new real estate tax revenues for the city. It also would have established Plainfield's reputation as a place to invest and put the city on track toward sustainable, market-driven economic growth.

After these regrettable incidents, Mayor McWilliams made a strategic decision to hold off bringing major redevelopers forward until he could bring in new, pro-development council members. By 2004, we again began the active search for new developers, including hiring a consultant with extensive developer contacts and experience. Due to the change in elected leadership at the end of 2005, a list of developers interested in Plainfield redevelopment sites was turned over to the new administration.

I have faith that the council and the new mayor will thoughtfully pursue available options and that the city will continue to gain strength. Transit village-style development meets the city's Master Plan goals and capitalizes on the benefit of having two rail stations serving the community.

PAT BALLARD FOX
Plainfield [note: should be 'Scotch Plains']
The writer is the former Plainfield deputy administrator in charge of economic development.

http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060510/OPINION02/605100339/1010

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