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bets
Citizen
Username: Bets
Post Number: 292
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 6, 2003 - 9:40 am: | 
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Mr. Matthews:
Thank you for your Privateline. I have just one more question for you: if Chris Hartwyck didn't bill the village directly for hours over the 20 specified in the redevelopment counsel position, did he bill any village-related work through your law firm?
Thanks. |
Edwin R. Matthews
Citizen
Username: Edwinrmatthews
Post Number: 6
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 6, 2003 - 10:03 am: |
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No he did not. He received no additional compensation either directly or indirectly from the Village. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 340
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 6, 2003 - 10:29 am: |
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Lamppost: You are a piece of work. Parking permits have been given to the BOT for years. Every member of the BOT has one. Every member had one before I was on the board. They were given so the trustees did not have to pay to park when going to a meeting. The Parking Authority initiated the trustee permits on their own years ago and not while Jimmy Cryan was the chair.
If you are making an accusation that I have done something improper, then admit who you are, make a public statement and turn over any evidence that something was done wrong to the proper officials.
So I guess you ran for trustee four years ago so you could get a parking permit.
Trustee election is on May 13th.
www.leadershipwithvision.org
Vote Line A
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Brian O'Leary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 1334
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 6, 2003 - 5:12 pm: |
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For a moment, I thought we were heading back to the arts center....
www.opensouthorange.com
Vote Line B on May 13th
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lamppost
Citizen
Username: Lamppost
Post Number: 25
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 6, 2003 - 8:39 pm: |
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mrosner: I will ignore the rude tone of your reply. For some reason this ATM/Parking subject made you lose your temper. Very interesting. Now getting back to the arts center, if it was formed as a not for profit corporation, how is it going to make money FOR THE TAXPAYERS? How is it going to repay the debt it now owes (and will owe) to the taxpayers? If it operates at a loss, will it become something else in the future, something that none of us want? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 347
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 7, 2003 - 10:59 am: |
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When you say that "none of us want", whom are you referring to?
As I have said before the Arts Center has it's own board of which I am a member, but not the spokesperson. I must ask that any questions regarding the kind of specifics that you want answers to must be addressed to the SOPAC board. This can be done by in writing to John Gross or at a SOPAC meeting.
I am not being evasive, but this is the procedure that is desired by that board. I have to abide by the wishes of the SOPAC board.
As for me "losing my temper", I think your comments were way off base.
Trustee election is on May 13th.
www.leadershipwithvision.org
Vote Line A
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Brian O'Leary
Citizen
Username: Brianoleary
Post Number: 1355
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 7, 2003 - 11:40 am: |
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Lamppost, while I have concerns about the openness of the government in South Orange, I think tackling Mark on this ATM thing doesn't add up. If I could draw a Board of Ed analogy.. I'm serving and my brother-in-law asks a principal for a specific teacher for his child. It's known that he is my brother-in-law, and he gets the teacher he asks for. Undue influence? I don't think so.
Politics can be a contact sport, truly, and I am probably an idealist. Nonetheless, I'd rather we talk about the differences that clearly exist on development, inclusion and accountability and stay out of debates that start to feel more personal.
www.opensouthorange.com
Vote Line B on May 13th
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doublea
Citizen
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 191
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2003 - 2:56 pm: |
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Mark: In this week's issue of the News-Record in the Public Notice section, the Village advertised that a bond ordinance for $4.4 million had been passed on the first reading. Included as one of the improvements covered by the bond was "Theatre Improvements". What is this item - I assume it realates to SOPAC. And if in fact it does relate to SOPAC, should it be in a bond ordinance passed by the Village or should it be a SOPAC bond ordinance. |
Washashore
Citizen
Username: Washashore
Post Number: 28
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2003 - 10:07 pm: |
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Amen. |
nwyave
Citizen
Username: Mesh
Post Number: 73
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2003 - 10:25 pm: |
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What does this mean exactly - the bond ordinance. Does it mean that village will now go out and borrow $4.4 million or does it mean that when necessary it can go out and borrow this money. Important distinction, as I would think that we wouldn't want to go out and actually borrow any money now until the plans are final. Otherwise we could start spending what we should not. Secondly, why would we want to incur any interest expense charges (which would surely exceed any interest income, even if these proceeds are simply put in separate bank account awaiting disbursement). The interest rate environment does not seem to be an issue, and if anything may improve with the next fed meeting. |
doublea
Citizen
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 192
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 15, 2003 - 11:12 pm: |
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Just to be clear, the "Theater Improvements" are just one item in the package which includes many items. I'm sure there is an easy explanation but raised it because of the relationship between the Village and SOPAC. I'm sure there is some explantion, but I would like to know what it is. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 444
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 10:54 am: |
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There will be a full explanation of the ordinance at the next trustee meeting (6/23).
There are actually many items in the theater improvements. We do not have to go out and get the money until those funds are needed.
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doublea
Citizen
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 194
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 11:11 am: |
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Mark: My question was directed to the the status of SOPAC. Is this what will be done in the future-any future bonding for SOPAC will be done in the name of the Village? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 447
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 16, 2003 - 4:07 pm: |
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yes for the immediate future. |
doublea
Citizen
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 195
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 10:24 am: |
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Why is the Village bonding for "Theater Improvements?" Wasn't all the money supposed to come from block grants and other sources? At one Trustee's meeting not to long ago, Bill Calabrese said there was $15 million in place for SOPAC. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 448
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2003 - 11:34 am: |
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"other sources" is the key phrase I guess. We are expecting to pay back the bonds and loans with the block grants and funds raised from the other sources (fundraising, Seton Hall, other grants, etc).
I don't remember Bill C ever saying there was $15,000,000 in place. The number needed was less and I think he counted the bonding as being in place. I will ask him though to clarify what he meant exactly.
If you want full details of the finances, please e-mail a note to John Gross (can be done on the village website). Since he is CFO for the village and acting exec. director of SOPAC, this information should come from him.
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mayhewdrive
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 331
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 7, 2003 - 9:33 am: |
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So...did anyone else catch the article in today's Star Ledger that the "Screening Room" in Montclair has closed.
I was under the impression that was one model that the proposed Arts Center in SO was trying to follow...ironically in addition to the Harms Center in Englewood...which also recently closed.
So, the question is: "Is there a sustainable market for the proposed Arts Center in South Orange?"
Personally, I feel we would be better served with a quality movie theater that showed first run movies in a high quality/high tech theater (i.e. nicer than the dingy & outdated Maplewood Theater and more "personal" than the large multiplex like Essex Green) Perhaps it's a hidden desire to re-live the glory days of movies that my parents once had and is not economically sustainable these days.
Then again, with the right marketing, a cool food/drink selection & a slightly higher ticket price, there might just be a niche market for this.
Anyone? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 542
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 7, 2003 - 9:55 am: |
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Mayhewdrive: Just so no one gets the wrong impression, SOPAC is planning on having five movie theaters along with the Live theater. We are hoping for just what you are expressing - a more personal and a nice movie theater than the other local movie theaters.
The Harms Center is so different than this venture it really should not even be mentioned. That was more in line with the Paper Mill theater. Most/all live theaters rely on public funding and private donations. The Harms center was having trouble raising money (economy, cuts from the state, etc).
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peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 196
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 7, 2003 - 10:02 am: |
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MHD --
I agree completely. My kids (and I) are looking for a place to see current movies, and before or after shop, get a bite to eat, have a drink.
The Maplewood movie theater may be a dump, but the movies are up to date.
I take my daughter and her friends into the village (MAPLEWOOD Village) several times a week. I go with my 7 yo son to eat, pet store, movies, etc. in MAPLEWOOD Village.
SOPAC and the other plans in place for our village will not change that -- and that's true for many of us.
We also seem to forget trying to make a village that will be inclusive of the Seton Hall community. Where do those kids, faculty, and staff go to eat, watch a movie, etc?
I feel like there is a great energy in SO (the people) -- but without something worthwhile to keep us here -- we'll go otherwise.
I mentioned before -- one of the older "art" movie places is in Rocky Hill NJ (near Princeton) -- always drew a crowd, eclectic folks and movies. Ultimately -- they became a small multiplex to remain in business (larger than Maplewood, not as overwhelming as Essex Green) -- showing the 1st run movies AND still able to show foreign/other films.
Right now -- the "entertainment" plans for the village won't draw families, teens, students, etc.
Anyone here know about Luna in Montclair? Seems like a cool place, I see crowds there frequently, perhaps that is another route for SOPAC?
Pete |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 543
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 7, 2003 - 10:47 am: |
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PeteGlider: I must not be understanding something. What do you mean when you say "the "entertainment" plans for the village won't draw families, teens, students, etc."
As I said before, there is going to be five movie theaters and there will be a private movie theater operator. My guess is that they will want/need to show first run movies.
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xavier67
Citizen
Username: Xavier67
Post Number: 228
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 7, 2003 - 11:25 am: |
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Mr. Rosner. I'm sure you mean to say it will be a single movie theater with 5 screens, not "five movie theaters."
I agree with everyone that it will need to show first-run movies to stay in business. But they also need to reserve at least one of the screens for "art/foreign/independent" films. Now that "The Screening Room" has closed, this is an opportunity for us. Having an art film screen will even draw folks from Montclair, not to mention all the cinephiles in SO and Maplewood. Sometimes we do need to dump the kids and enjoy ourselves without schelping all the way to the Angelika or the Lincoln Cinema Plaza. |
mayhewdrive
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 333
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, August 7, 2003 - 11:34 am: |
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I just still don't understand how they are going to fit FIVE movie theaters (PLUS a live theater) on that small property.
While we are on the subject...what is the latest status of the SOPAC anyway? |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 544
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 7, 2003 - 11:54 am: |
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Mayhewdrive: I can't figure it out either and I have seen the plans. And that is what is called for, as xavier points out, it is one theater with five screens.
No question at least one of the theaters should show art/foreign/independent films.
The redesign that is needed due to the Seton Hall partnership is still being done and the final agreement between SHU and the village needs to be completed and signed. For more information on SOPAC, please contact John Gross (jgross@southorange.org).
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peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 197
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 7, 2003 - 12:52 pm: |
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Mr Rosner -- perhaps I've misunderstood -- but I thought from previous discussion that it was not in the plans to show first run or block buster movies at the theater? that it would be more indie/art/foreign films and stage productions? i'm guessing that its still premature to have a contract with a theater operator -- and my 2 cents would be to get someone who will jump on the popular movies and then add some uniqueness with the "other" category of films. -- Pete
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 546
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, August 7, 2003 - 2:20 pm: |
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Pete: A theater operator has not been picked yet, but I would hope that there would be some first run movies although (maybe not block busters). I will try to keep every one updated as I get more info.
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doublea
Citizen
Username: Doublea
Post Number: 263
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 9:50 pm: |
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? |
scollins
Citizen
Username: Scollins
Post Number: 40
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - 10:05 pm: |
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There is no need to have programming that turns a profit what with the taxpayers on the hook for any operating losses.
Who needs blockbusters? |
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