Of course my senility shows since I am ignorant of the true name of agencies and organizations referred to by initials. Would it not be helpful if writers would at least once in an article in brackets give the complete name?
Yesterday's and today's local bloggers mention organizations that appear to be volunteer based but their local impact would be clearer if some information was freely available. What or Who is JSLP?. What organizations and unaffiliated individuals consists the nucleus of the "Youth Council"?
The same information would be of value about the Community/School Council. Is it a BOE (Board of Education) sponsored enterprise?
Thanks to Plaintalker II aka Bernice, we have a report on the too often ignored Planning Board's activities and decisions. This body can have an ultimate and permanent impact on Plainfield's future. The changes in the "commercial" plans for some of the center city redevelopment are interesting. Obviously the developer has a pseudo commitment for the proposed medical offices.
On the surface this seems to be a major enterprise that could be beneficial in a health care deprived municipality. It is not a substitute for a hospital but could be in some manner an acceptable replacement for physicians and facilities that have departed with the closing of the hospital. If possible more information is needed. If it is going to be a private mill competing for the Neighborhood Heath Center patient base, then it may not be an asset.
The Planning Board's impact is evident in its recommendation for implementing the " Shot Spotter" program at a cost pf $1,000,000.00. Despite the hypo for it, I still question its true effectiveness since it is proactive. I also have serious doubts that it can be a cost effective anti crime, anti gang measure. Would not that money be better spent on an increased emphasis on well run full time youth activities facilities and programs?
It is not November yet but the paramount political bloggers issue has been shifted from the actual Council candidates to proxy personalities with active participation by not only the faceless gutless anonymous defaming commentator, but also peripheral known participants. We can only look forward to two and a half months of pure mud slinging.
10:30 am: Just read in the online edition a 'letter?" re the Eagles Academy an organization dedicated to facilitating the reentry of youths into community life. See (http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20100819/GETPUBLISHED/8190339/Eagles-Academy) . Another organization we should have more info on. Perhaps the City site could devote an up to date page on all organizations government supported or/and volunteer/foundation based.
4:30 PM some typos noticed and corrected.
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I'm glad to see that Plainfield may be getting some business other than the mayor's favorites, latino Bars and dollar stores. If we get medical offices that compete with the Plainfield Health Center, I see no problem with that. Remember, greedy politicians put it so far out on the edges of Plainfield that many people cannot or will not go that far. Something more central in Plainfield would be a plus in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThe Neighborhood Health Center is where it is not because of "greedy politicians" but because its board, composed largely of high-status local people, felt they couldn't turn down the offer of the land for free. The building is ugly, too.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been a lot better if the Health Center had remained in the center of town.
It always helps to know a little history before jumping to conclusions, Bob.
Yes, the earlier site of the predecessor Health Center was om West 4th St. near Plainfield Ave. adjacent or behind a row of two story tenements since torn down.The Moreland Branch of the YMCA now siter of Neighborhood House was across the street. The Health Center had a board of well meaning mixed population citizens who werfe able to get Federal funding. I agree with you that the location was a very poor choice,but was near transportation (1 block) that was accessible from most of the city. There was a close relationship with Muhlenberg, and this was a way to centralize the clinics that were staffed at the hospitals by junior physicians pro bono. This was th time when medicaid had become a factor and the Hospital was pocketing funds for the doctors. Federal money went for staff physicians at the Health Center.
ReplyDeleteSome of these organizations are rising up to take a positive stance to combat issues in the city. As a close observer, several groups you mentioned have had open meetings for those who want more information to come out, here whats going on, and pitch in. School Community Council was founded by board members to make more community connections with the schools. Youth Council is working with several agencies to get options for young people besides trouble. And the JSLP is the Jefferson School Leadership project - two teachers and several former students (one who is the president) that attempt the support the school and provide support to former students after they leave Jefferson. All sound like committed programs, we just need more membership and greater communication to move this city forward.
ReplyDelete8:03 PM: Thank you for the info.It appears that these groups are attempting to be doing something positive in combating the causes that lead do gang attractiveness. There should be municipal support or effort will be wasted.
ReplyDeleteThere also can not be any ego based turf conflict as in the Recreation Division/QCBL fiasco. Could the School Community Council be duplicating the function of what was the PTA in my very younger years?