Have you read the book from the 80's titled Megatrends? If you have not, you should. It is still a good read. Well, we are just starting to feel the breezes of a major mega-trend about to start blowing Plainfield around. This mega-trend is the end of cheap oil. The implications are simply astounding! This mega-trend will blow us around. We can simply flap in the wind or we can take advantage of it. The choice is ours.
First of All, We Need a Plan
Tired, government-oriented, or profession-centric programs are not the answer. A fresh thinking and a methodical approach, on proven strategies is the answer here.
The first step in this is to lay the groundwork - get the residents involved in the future of our community. As Council President, I spearheaded the train corridor visioning process and the NJIT Visioning study lays the groundwork for the revitalization of the train corridor.
Next we need a City-wide economic revitalization plan. To that effect, I have led the formation of a Citizens Economic Growth Committee. This Committee will get help from Rutgers and other regional think tanks. They will develop an over-arching, city-wide economic revitalization plan - the plan will take a year, but when we are done, we will have the blue prints of our work: a detailed tactical plan.
Plainfield Village - A Community of Urban Dwellers
Before - a picture from the NJIT presentation
After - a possibility - from NJIT presentation
First you need a base. In this case the base is a downtown community of condo/apartment dwellers. Not just 2 or 3 buildings - we need a critical mass of people living downtown. This critical mass is necessary to transform downtown into serving a much broader clientele.
We should offer free wi-fi downtown. Elizabeth did this a few years ago for only $30K. Also, we can attract a movie theatre showing latest releases. A movie theater is one of the pillars of a vibrant downtown.
What We Can Look Forward To
Done right, economic development will mean many benefits for Plainfield residents. These include:* New cafes
* New boutique shops*
* Weekend concerts in the parks and downtown
* Thursday would again, be shopping night
Niche Markets Plainfield Can take Advantage Of
Beyond downtown, which will primarily be filled with residents, and retail and service businesses, there is room for considerable growth of our non-retail sector. Beyond nail salons, and taverns Plainfield can once again become a center of bustling light-industrial activity. * Plainfield can become a center for Green Energy companies including Solar and next generation energy warehousing and distribution
* Warehousing and light assembly* Arts and garments
* Organic food preparation
* Call centers
The Results of All of this Economic Activity?
Jobs and lower taxes! We can create up to 3,000 new jobs in Plainfield and up to $8M in new taxes from the improvements and developments that will come our way. Our tax base would become significantly broadened, thus giving some relief to taxes weary residents.
How do I know all of this?
As a business student, I have spent many hours trying to think of what would make a community attractive to business. I have had the fortune to be able to travel the world. Finally I have life experiences of living in Zambia, Pakistan, Chicago and Peoria IL. Further, when I was in charge of over $700m of revenue for AT&T, I made many decisions that brought jobs to and away from local communities. I know what business look for and I know how to leverage our strengths.
This is one of the many differences between myself and my opponent Ms Williams. I have a solid business, enterprise and management experience. Today, I now run my own business. Over the years, I have learned how to manage people, how to build a budget, how to manage a business and how to make things happen in an organization. These experiences I directly apply to every day matters on the Council.
On June 8th, vote for the Democratic Party - The "A" team!
