The train of progress derailed

The city held a highly promoted, open invite session to discuss the development plan for the area around the train station.

In a flyer widely circulated to and through the city's various civic groups. The text of the flyer clearly stated that Trenton's Mayor would be present.

Brief Remarks by: Mayor Palmer & the Department of Housing & Economic Development

Interesting how, at the outset, Director of Housing and Economic Development, Sassa Montano announced to the gathering that Mr. Palmer would not be attending.

The crowd response was not, to be kind, understanding.

After all the recent fuss over the potential of losing two incredible Victorian mansions and a very busy and popular gas station for one of the proposed development schemes in the area, people had turned out to have their say about the hows and wherefores of any redevelopment in the train station area.

Interestingly, and not surprisingly, Mr. Palmer suddenly materialized while his Housing and Economic Development Director was foundering at the podium. Summoned, no doubt, by a text message or two from City Council President and Palmer protege, Paul "I never met a PowerPoint presentation I didn't like" Pintella, the Mayor made a very ill-prepared and feeble attempt to defuse some of the palpable tension in the room.

Too bad. Too late.

Mr.Palmer showed his true disinterest in true progress for the city he purports to lead. He alienated everyone from Walnut Avenue to Mill Hill and beyond with his callous and uninformed approach to this "key project" in Trenton's rebirth.

Do you need any more evidence of what is really important to Douglas H. Palmer?

It certainly isn't the well being of the citizens or a rationed approach to economic development.

Doug, your cover has been blown. Why not admit it, you no longer care about anything other than furthering your own career in the spotlight.

Looks like you missed the train on this one.

Don't just take our word for it

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again while expecting a different result."

The Sunday edition of the Times (of Trenton, not that other one) ran two interesting articles regarding development in Trenton's South Ward.

The primary article was an lengthy and sound piece focusing on the impact Waterfront Park and the Trenton Thunder have had on that part of the city.

In short, as the Thunder enter their 15th season, the touted positive economic impact on the neighborhood or city at large has been negligible.

Same can be said for the Sovereign Bank Arena, less than a mile away.

Note: we're happy that both of these venues are here in Trenton and try to support them by attending ball games and events whenever we can. But we are not for one minute fooled into thinking they have provided anything resembling the economic boom for the city as promised by those who proposed and promoted their construction.

The article clearly demonstrates that these large-scale projects are seldom the economic engines they are touted to be. Especially with sports and entertainment venues like the ball park and the arena, people come into town for specific events at that location. They can get their food and beverage needs met while attending the event and then they leave. Little to know spin-off business occurs in adjacent areas.

Yes...there have been some exceptions. Certain concerts at the arena have generated some extra business at local bars and restaurants pre- and post-show. But if it happens once or twice a year, it is not enough to be called an economic upturn.

At the end of the article, developer Bill Cahill offers up a solid quote:

"My philosophy is, take care of the small pieces and eventually you'll have a big piece," he said. "Their philosophy is, take care of the big pieces. Well, that philosophy isn't working."

As a companion piece to the larger article, the same reporter highlights the work of HHG Development in the South Ward. HHG is one of three groups developing first class housing along Centre Street in an example of just the type of "small piece" work that Cahill refers to.

This is the kind of work that needs to be encouraged if the city is to reverse itself from decline to prosperity. Working in small enclaves to redevelop the many wonderful but woefully neglected buildings (residential and otherwise) that exist; preserving and reusing what is already here; maintaining a distinctive "sense of place."

The more of this kind of work that is done, the more stable our neighborhoods will become. From this patchwork of redeveloped areas will grow a more vital city.

Those responsible for overseeing the economic development efforts in Trenton need to step back and assess their approach. For too long they have cozied up to the deep-pocketed developers with big dreams and we have little to show for it.

It's time that they honor and encourage the type of work that HHG, Mr. Cahill and others have been doing. Forget the headlines (and headaches) of dealing with a Hovnanian and sit down with the small developers who know how to capitalize on what is already here.

So many inside and outside of the development community can see this.

Why can't the administration?

Let's table the dreams of 25 story office towers and their fantastical promises of thousands of jobs and try something different. Let's concentrate on:

a) creating a diverse inventory of excellent and interesting housing stock and

b) developing the local retail and services that can support and in turn be supported by the residents attracted to that housing stock.

It figures

Newspaper reports indicate that the property swap, PILOT agreement and commitment of RCA funds to Maryland's Landex Corporation may just be approved. At the very least, the pending legislation will be on the docket for Thursday's Council meeting.

As we said before, it is another instance of a bad developer seeking help and money from the city to bail out their failed scheme.

Kudos to Councilmen Bethea and Coston for trying to inject common sense into the proceedings and questioning the notion of throwing good money after bad.

And Councilwoman Staton's concern about multiple exits from the properties is great...although current construction and occupation codes apparently don't require this.

Most telling though, are Council President Paul Pintella's comments. Lacking anything of substance to say on the matter, he is reported to have congratulated the developer on an "impressive PowerPoint presentation." The deep thinking Pintella concluded that he is inclined to support the proposal because "the current situation is unacceptable."

What else would we expect from him. Let's not forget how the City stepped in and bailed out the failed housing development initiated by the now defunct Urban League of Trenton. To Pintella, the City is apparently there to help struggling developers, no matter what their track record.

Let's take a pass on this deal and parcel out those properties to worthy developers who have proven their ability to provide decent home ownership possibilities. And let's work on getting Ms. Siegel and Landex to clean up their mess here in Trenton before they come asking for any further financial assistance or property swaps.