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bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3282
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 10:29 am: |     |
Tjohn, check out the real estate listings with houses in College Hill in the $400,000 range and at least some properties in Hilton pushing $300,000.  Taxes? SA improvements? I really don't know, but it is happening.
I doubt if we will ever see a sufficient increase in tax revenue to cover the cost of the bonds. However, some increased revenue should be a goal of the project. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1717
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 11:05 am: | |
One thing at a time...
Bob, we all have some rights, but when it comes right down to it, those rights we think we have are mostly only privileges… It’s best when we don’t abuse them.
Look, next to our King Dave, you happen to stand out on this Board as one of the most opinioned and vocal posters in all of MOL. Therefore, as you are admittedly not very interested in the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, or maybe some other kinds of civic associations, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to attend the Maplewood Rotary meeting at Cryans tomorrow night as my personal guest.
I would also like to extend this invitation to anyone reading this who might be interested in learning more about what we do in Rotary; enjoy a free meal on the club, and have some good friendly fellowship with 30 some local businessmen and women. We all love to have new guests…. And it’s an open invitation to everyone. Come anytime and just say Art invited me.
BTW, concentrating on the threats instead of the opportunities is a tough job, but hey, someone has to do it, right? Look, we’re all pretty much in agreement that some very positive things are happening on SA, and yes, there is still a long way to go and a lot of money is being spent.
So why not get on board and help with the planning by offering a few positive ideas and some encouragement? I know you have it in you Bob... 
Oh yea, Lumpyhead, listen up. If we were to put the new Police Department on the Avenue, as I’ve said here in the past, we would have Police under foot both day and night on Springfield Avenue.
And, don’t you worry, our police won’t let us down. There are still trained and experience officers left to help with the new recruits. I believe some positive changes are coming in the very near future that will turn things around. Be patient friend, be patient…
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ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1718
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 11:47 am: | |
I just love all these conversations about SA... next.
I agree Tjohn. Well said, but…. you know how there always seems to be a but!
1. “Increased business tax revenues are NOT a major justification for improving SA.”
This is very true…
2. “the increased tax revenues will not justify the money being spent on Springfield Avenue.”
That’s not totally true… We needed to first start improvements on the Avenue. (one begets the other, see number 3 and 4 for the main justifications.)
3. “The justification for the spending can only be to spruce up the area so that small businesses will want to locate on SA and pedestrian traffic will increase and the general desirability for living in that area will increase.”
This is true... actually, very true.
4. “In a perfect world, the property value differences in Maplewood would be a function of size of lot & home and condition of house and not a function of the relative desirability of certain neighborhoods. It seems to me that the SA initiative needs to focus on closing the desirability gap.”
This is very, very, very true...
Thank you Tjohn, we all will be very pleased to see the foot traffic on SA that we see in the Village. It is a great indicator of success, and I believe it’s coming soon to a neighborhood near us…
“I doubt if we will ever see a sufficient increase in tax revenue to cover the cost of the bonds.”
Come on Bob, if we want to help the way people think about the Avenue, we all need to start working on this negative outlook problem.
How about saying, “I feel any increase in tax revenue would be good to help cover the cost of the bonds.”
You can do it Bob, I just know you can buddy.... |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 1359
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 11:54 am: | |
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lseltzer
Citizen
Username: Lseltzer
Post Number: 1661
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 12:59 pm: | |
>>do you think it is all over due to the primary results?
Yeah, pretty much. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1720
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 1:01 pm: | |
Where have you been , and who's your little finger pointing at this time ffof? |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1721
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 1:24 pm: | |
Larry,
Do you mean, "do you think it is all over, due to the primary results?"
Do you really think it's pretty much over? BTW, do you believe their support was really for K&K, or was it just against V&J?
I've heard that the majority of the force doesn't live in town anymore... and do you think that makes any difference? |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3286
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 1:58 pm: | |
Art, I am very proud of being the "Doubting Thomas" of MOL and almost always seeing the glass as half empty instead of half full.
All things considered, I think at least one professional cynic is needed on this board. LOL
Rights and privledges are an interesting subject. Obviously this is a privately owned web site and Dave has been empowered to determine who has the privledge of posting here. So far, to the best of my knowledge, I haven't come close to being suspended. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1723
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 2:04 pm: | |
I think you're right on all counts. I'm sorry I can't say the same for myself, so carry on and keep up the good work.... |
mellie
Citizen
Username: Mellie
Post Number: 263
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 2:23 pm: | |
The part I enjoy is that I am being overtaxed to -in part - subsidize the SA development - whereafter the relative tax base near SA ought to go up - so my tax burden ought to relatively go down.
So, if the TC are so confident, why don't they go ahead and rebalance the burden now ? |
hello
Citizen
Username: Hello
Post Number: 42
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 2:37 pm: | |
ajc-
in my opinion, it makes a huge difference. many municipalities require their police officers to live in town as a condition of their continued employment. in fact, i believe NYC requires all mannersof municipak employees to live there as a condition of their continued employment. |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 197
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 2:46 pm: | |
In fact, police officers and fire fighters are exempt from the NYC residency requirement for municipal employees. Look at the population of NYC police and fire fighters living in the counties of Orange and Suffolk. |
Iaowks Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 365
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 2:49 pm: | |
Art, what is the purpose of the Rotary Club? If this is the organization that houses the committee (or one of several committees), then I'm interested in checking it out tomorrow. What committees exist? I'd like to ask what the goals are, because a lot of the discussion here is confused. It's confused because the people haven't yet agreed on what the goals are. Some think it's to increase the tax base, some to increase property values, some to improve traffic, some to decrease crime, some to provide better shopping, some to make the quality of life better overall. A lot of these criteria go hand in hand, and one results from the others. But I would hope that there's a primary focus on just one or two.
Speaking only for myself, I'd like to have better shopping and for the place to look better. Making it look better is a tall order because I can't advocate replacing buildings in good conscience. I live exactly between the village and Springfield Ave, and I'd like to be able to get an ice cream late at night or something like that.
To me, property values should be a result, not a goal. I bought my house to live in, not to cash it out. I'm glad that I'll probably make money on it, but if that were the primary goal, I'd be putting my money elsewhere.
But if I learn that, for example, property values are the primary concern, I can work with that. I'd like to start with the STATED goals of the township and any external committees.
Tom Reingold, and that is my real name. Well, OK, it's Thomas Reingold
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ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1724
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 2:49 pm: | |
I don't know about the TC's confidence being the primary factor in the success of the Avenue.
Mellie,
Certainly the township committee needs to stay the course, but the real confidence must come from the community as a whole. Residents will need to support the TC and the reasoning behind the value of saving the Avenue from further deterioration.
As more businesses are willing to invest again by moving to the Avenue, and residents throughout the town are willing to shop there, and when the Avenue finally does turn around, then, and only then will we begin to see the rebalancing I think you're referring to.
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lseltzer
Citizen
Username: Lseltzer
Post Number: 1662
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 3:02 pm: | |
Art,
I think I know enough about politics in this town to know that a Republican has no chance in current circumstances. I certainly mean this as no reflection on Ed (who I know and like) or Joel (who I don't know). I've voted for Republicans before and I expect to vote for them in the future.
Even if Ken and Kathy's support weren't well-organized and motivated a Republican would have little chance, but they do have well-organized and motivated support. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1725
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 4:23 pm: | |
Tom,
I'm very glad you’re interested in checking Rotary out tomorrow night.
The Maplewood Club has about 30 members and is going to celebrate its 75th Anniversary next year. We meet for dinner at Cryan’s Pub on First Street, corner of Valley Street, in South Orange, at 6:30 PM weekly. Try and get there a few minutes earlier. The members kind of hang out back at the end of the bar, next to the meeting room. If you get there ahead of me, just introduce your self and tell them I invited you to attend.
There are about 30,000 Rotary clubs located in over 160 different countries worldwide. Of the over 1,200,000 members, we all share the one common interest and ideal of “Service Above Self” – which is thoughtfulness and helpfulness to others.
The general objectives of the Rotary clubs in every country are the same – the development of fellowship and understanding among the business and professional leaders in the community, the promotion of community betterment endeavors and high standards in business and professional practices, and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace.
We have many different committees, and three annual functions in town that have become mainstays of the community. We run the annual Maplewood House Tour, the Christmas Tree Sale at the community pool, and each year we honor local resident volunteers at our “Affair of the Heart” Valentines Dinner Dance.
Just about everywhere you go in town, the fruits of our clubs labor are located in many untold ways. I’d like to also mention that we are a family type club that is socially active which always includes activities with the members spouse and children.
Thanks again Tom for your interest in Rotary, and I’ll look forward to meeting you tomorrow night. If anyone else is interested, just show up and introduce yourself as well. Art
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Iaowks Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 367
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 4:29 pm: | |
Thanks, Art. I hope I can clear the time out from my insane schedule, which is to say I'm not sure.
I am specifically asking if there are any citizen committees on the Springfield Avenue development projects. Surely, it's not all in the hands of the TC, is it? Or whatever. I'm interested in the process that involves all the changes occurring on Springfield Ave.
Tom Reingold
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Robert Little
Citizen
Username: Boblittle
Post Number: 35
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 4:42 pm: | |
Springfield Avenue is always going to be the place you go to get tires, paint and a used car. But the beautification campaign will bring in a nice mix of businesses and improve valuations. It's unrealistic to think it will ever look spectacular and become another downtown Westfield; the current work doesn't even include moving the overhead wires underground. But making it into something akin to the eastern stretches of Montclair's Bloomfield Avenue is a worthy goal.
The rub is, how much can the township spend to improve ratables? That is, at what point are we spending too much for what we're going to get back in increased ratables. As you walk down Springfield, it isn't that the stores are empty. There's rather little first-floor space that's unoccupied. Instead, people are disastified with the occupants of the spaces. So, we're not going to be taking zero-ratables and making them into high-ratables, but instead slightly increasing valuations.
A few things might transform particular blocks. A police station would improve a one-block stretch. A pharmacy akin to South Orange's, which would require the store to buy up most of one side of a block for parking, would invite several adjacent merchants.
Unfortunately, the township doesn't have the power to make restaurant liquor licenses more readily available. It's virtually impossible to attract high-value restaurants unless we can offer them the ability to make money off the bar. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1726
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 5:01 pm: | |
Thanks Larry... The odds sure seem to be against a Republican win, but hey, one never knows?
I said this before and people laughed, but if you look at the 1700 hard core Republicans that vote for just about anyone every year, against about 2000 votes K&K just got during the primary, then throw in the 1600, now disenfranchised voters that supported V&J, well, it still looks like a horse race to me.
Sure... sure, I know we're out registered 4 to 1, but stranger things have happened in the past.
One more thing, this year we have four very intelligent, professional, and motivated candidates. All of them are long-term residents; all of them have local experience, a vested interest, and their own ideas about how to make this a better community.
I think voters need to decide on whether they want a party running things like in the past, or are they finally interested in seeing some diversity of ideas. IMHO, I still feel that whether or not K&K get elected, Fred will more than likely be Maplewood’s next mayor.
Think about it…when you have this amount of talent come together in a local election, their party identification becomes less and less significant. Who's to really say that any one of them isn't as capable as the other of making a positive difference for our town?
Hey, may the best candidates win. I'm just glad it's not me running again this year... Look, maybe next year will be your turn Larry? I'm just here to tell you that once in a lifetime was enough for me!
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ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1727
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 5:57 pm: | |
You’re welcome Tom.
If all you’re interested in, is specifically citizen committees on the Springfield Avenue development projects, then you need to let the township committee know. They will see that the town clerk sends you a form where you can list your interests and what committee you want to serve on. You can also join the Chamber of Commerce. Chances are whatever you do; you need to become active in some form of civic activities.
I have one more suggestion if you’re really interested in Springfield Avenue. If you’re sure you know want you want to see happen on the Avenue, and you’re ready to mix it up a little with the powers that be, then I invite you to join the ASA/PAS.
(That stands for Art’s SA Political Action System.)
BTW, you know what they say about all work and no play.... Try your best, and I hope you can clear out some time for yourself. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1728
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 7:14 pm: | |
Robert Little,
Nothings wrong with that, we all need to buy tires, paint, and new and used cars.
I agree with you that the beautification campaign will probably bring in a nice mix of new businesses, and should improve valuations over the long run. Will it ever look spectacular and become another downtown Westfield? I don’t think that really matters as long as it is kept clean and becomes functional for the community along both sides of the two mile stretch between Irvington and Vauxhall.
You asked if we are we spending too much for what we're going to get back in increased ratables? Again, what is paying too much when it comes to saving the community, and the reputation of the entire town as one of the best places to live in America?
There is no question that a new police station would improve conditions on the Avenue, and in the police department as well. But, I’m not so sure a major pharmacy is still as necessary with the prospects of an all-day jitney plan now in the works.
As for your statement that the township doesn't have the power to make restaurant liquor licenses more readily available, they sure seemed to have handled that problem OK with the new pub in town? Why not again? |
ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 1363
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 7:20 pm: | |
I believe the new pub got their license from the old liquor store near (in?) Pop-Pops. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1730
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 7:34 pm: | |
Wasn't that just a package goods license? Hey, if that's the case, the other package goods stores can all start serving drinks over the counter, no? |
mamatamu
Citizen
Username: Mamatamu
Post Number: 15
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Monday, August 11, 2003 - 11:25 pm: | |
Build the mini mall in the Verizon building for sale. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1731
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 12:09 am: | |
What mini mall are you talking about?
You must be joking. It will never happen. It’s a bad location, and there's not enough space.
Personally, I like it the way it is. Verizon pays its taxes, they own the building, and hopefully they'll find a reason to stay there and everyone will be happy....
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ffof
Citizen
Username: Ffof
Post Number: 1364
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 7:26 am: | |
With the Ring of Fire, how could there be a bad location? |
JGTierney
Citizen
Username: Jtg7448
Post Number: 8
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 11:57 am: | |
Wondering:
South Orange has, as part of their website, a link that clearly shows the development projects they have 'on the boards'. There are images, financial/ funding information, as well as info on progress and phasing.
I notice here on this website lots of people show interest - both optimistic and pessimistic about redevelopment. If indeed there is a plan in place for Springfield Avenue, why not advertise it? IMO these images stir the interest of residents and potential business owners. It presents a cohesive, professional approach.
Does something like this exist for Maplewood? Why or why not?
I'd like to hear your opinions???? If others support this, how do we make it happen? |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1733
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 12:56 pm: | |
Thank you JGTierney,
Another great idea, and I'll see what can be done to get it in the works...
BTW ffof, if it's not broken, don't try and fix it. As I said, IMHO the Verizon building is fine the way it is... The "Ring of Fire" I've been told needs another name less dramatic. Does anyone have any suggestions? |
ml1
Citizen
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 1189
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 1:20 pm: | |
How about "I Walk (Ride) The Line"? |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1735
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 6:13 pm: | |
I like the song, but no... that doesn't do it for me. What about "The Hook and Sinker, Line?"
Or, the "Don't hand me that, Line?".... |
Nlanzieri
Citizen
Username: Nlanzieri
Post Number: 155
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2003 - 9:51 pm: | |
What about "ARTS SHOPPING CART"
Well, it was your idea... |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1736
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 12:01 am: | |
No, can't you see I'm trying to be modest about all this...
We need a name that’s interesting, maybe an acronym? The truth is I really don't mind the "Ring of Fire", or ROF. How about COF, for "Circle of Friends.”
Lets see what names we have to work with:
Around, Bus, Community, Daily, Easy, Friendly, Jitney,
Light-rail, Local, Loop, Maplewood, Round, Route,
Service, South Orange, Town, Two-Towns, Transit, Tram…
BTW, anyone interested in signing a petition in favor of an all-day jitney, please e-mail me. |
JGTierney
Citizen
Username: Jtg7448
Post Number: 9
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 8:58 am: | |
My suggestion:
Two Town Tram....otherwise know as the 'Triple T'
I guess I'm into alliteration this morning. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 1740
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 - 3:18 pm: | |
Thank you... I like it! Any more suggestions before we close the name the jitney contest? |
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