Asphalt Ordenance Goes Flat

Gary Moore Speaks Against the Asphalt Plant!

Before I begin on the proceedings at the City Commisson and my flat. I want to comment on the Planning Board Meeting. I got a call to see if I was going. I could not due to previous engagement. I did get this report from a friend:

As far as Wawa, the City Commission was completely surprised by Wawas proposal. Wawa did not submit it to them ahead of time, as generally the accepted standards, and the plan was a far cry from what the City/residents/organizations had worked out a balanced compromise between development and open space. Tedesco on numerous occasions inaccurately represented the current Open Space Plan which is in draft form right now. Fortunately several members who sit on that committee were there to set the record straight. The meeting started at least an hour early - many of us missed that small notice in the paper - and we left at 9:30, as Rocco was just getting up to speak again after the public comments. It would have been really helpful to have more residents there, but I think everyone was blindsided.Wawa never gave the city a packet ahead of time so they were surprised by the plan, and wawa completely ignored the recommendations by the city and residents.

So it looks like WAWA just wants to clear-cut this land and just build on it and Commission and residents be damned. We have to keep an eye out on this. Wish I did not have to work or work so far as to miss this stuff.

Flat Tires Suck!

Anyhow, a funny thing happened on the way to the Commission meeting. I want to Harr's to pick up some food and other items. When I went back I could hear air hissing out of my right rear tire. I then went towards Millville. Affordable Tire was closed,NTB had an hour and a half wait and the man was very dismissive. I then turned around while the tire was losing air towards the Sears or the Pep Boys. I never made it. Instead, a man helped and plugged the hole. It took an hour but it was done and I paid him for the trouble.
At the Commisson meeting that I missed, was packed and they had to open up another room for folks to see the meeting. There was mention made of the postcards sent to every resident of Millvile from "Concerned Citizens of Millville" This was NOT created by anyone from Millville. A source who did see the meeting gave me this:

Stavola has about 25% of the area asphalt business, and South State 75%.
I don't know too much else but will say that MWW, the group ...that was circulating the original petition and I suspect is affiliated with DeCotiis/Concerned Taxpayers of Millville (see information on the principals (DeCotiis and Kempner of MWW) of "The Group" - democratic funders 2008, filed paperwork in 2009 listing Stavola as a client. Certainly not evidence but suggests the possibility of a connection.

A presentation was made by Noah Bronkesh, attorney for Arawack Paving Co., the company connected with the project and John Barratt, president of Arawack. They acted like it was a planning board meeting. They were somewhat rude to the Commission and the Audence was trying to get them to shorten their presentation. A person who went to the meeting gave this report on this:

We got to watch an 8 minute movie with children and school buses. The developer's attorney gave a presentation on the proposed plant, which, btw, has technically NOT been proposed. Which begs the question - why is the developer giving a planning board proposal of a proposal that has not yet been proposed, and doing so not at a planning board meeting, but at the public hearing for an ordinance. Is the tail wagging the dog?

As the presentation by Arawack went on and on here is what happened

The commission gave them leeway under the circumstances but the attorney just went too far. I brought it up to Jane, who said something to the solicitor, who finally said something to the attorney. By this point all of the commission was visibly upset. Mayor Shannon on several occasions tried to get the attorney to discuss the ordinance rather than being site specific. He refused, insisting Shannon was wrong in how he was handling the meeting.

Mayor Shannon had heard enough!!!

Went on like that for a bit until Shannon finally told him "It's my meeting and I'll handle it my way".

There went the Asphalt Plan. Just like this Tire

Boy, I wish I had been there to videotape THAT exchange for sure. Well, there will be more where that come from that is for sure.

City Commission Meeting: New Asphalt Plant in Millville?

Attendance at the March 1st City Commission Meeting

I attended last night's City Commission meeting.  Folks came out in droves to comment on a proposed ordinance that would allow new asphalt production facilities to be built in an industrially zoned area. The city has an asphalt plant. The city permitted asphalt plants. As stated in the Daily Journal article of March 1st, the proposed ordnance would be more strict then current law.

Vice Mayor Joseph Derella, who also is a Planning Board member, said the city's land use regulations allowed asphalt plants until a few years ago. The pertinent regulation inadvertently was dropped during a reorganization of the city's codebook.


The proposed ordinance contains stricter regulations than the old ordinance had because it allows such plants only as a "conditional use" instead of a "permitted use," Derella said.


The difference is that, as a conditional use, city planners have more leeway in setting requirements for construction and operation.

Resident Speaks Against Plant

The city is considering allowing a new plan for these reasons why this proposed plant would be a positive. It is more than a half a mile away from any residential area. They cite a ratable – the land is currently at assessed at $3000 ($240,000) an acre (raw land) add development and the assessed value increases to a minimum of $20,000 p/acre ($1.6 million). The potential jobs (20 -25) available are union and pay well with benefits
.

Listening to the Opposition

Opponents cite the following for their opposition. The area is a nationally recognized wild and scenic river supporting numerous species. The EPA, the DEP, and OSHA have all determined that asphalt plants are among the worst polluters of clean air and water for people. They are high health risks for people as well-numerous carcinogens, toxic fumes. The site is near an elementary school, residential developments, and wildlife reserves. There are 2 in the county, and one is within a mile and a half of the proposed site. Why should people have to subject their health and the health of their children to not one, but two asphalt plants? Not to mention the fact studies that the average house value within a mile will be affected by 27%, with houses nearest affected at well over double that percentage.
Commissioner Jim Quinn publicly spoke against the proposed 75 foot buffer as too little. I would agree with that assessment. It was a civil meeting and we should learn the exact wording of the change of this ordnance. The Commission will meet March 15, a Tuesday night at 6:30
Below are videos of Renee Brecht and Commissioner Joe Derella.

Related articles

• How Is Asphalt Recycled (energybloggers.com)
• MINI Countryman on it's way on asphalt (rallyperformance.wordpress.com)
• Manitoba paving company fined $33,500 over teen's asphalt death (canada.com)

Nov 9: TrackRacket, Cult of Mumia, and My Last Day of Work for a Week!

On the El Westbound Nov 9th

It was a normal kind of a day. I caught the bus just in time after writing about the party we had this past Sunday. Work was just was it was and that was work. I walked a dog and passed out several UC Pet Tenders cards to some folks. Hope business picks up soon, it would be quite good to have some $$ for the fast approaching Thanksgiving and X-Mas time of year.
Locally, the TrackRacket lawsuit drones on. A Superior Court Judge made a decision favorable for the City of Millville. It was made on October 29 but just was issued to the media in today's paper.

New Jersey Superior Court Judge Annie McDonnell on Oct. 29 ruled in favor of the city's motion to prevent officials from being deposed in an ongoing lawsuit between TrackRacket -- a local residents group -- and the racetrack.
City attorney Katherine Morris filed a motion to quash the depositions in Gloucester County Superior Court Oct. 1. Morris argued the plaintiff's lawsuit was too broad and an assumption can be made that the attorneys will ask the city officials about measures by the City Commission and the city's Planning Board that led to the creation of the park, or the officials' personal opinions on the subject. Those areas are privileged, Morris argued.
City Solicitor Rich McCarthy said Tuesday the judge ruled attorneys from TrackRacket had to narrow the scope of their questioning.
"You can't just depose city officials on any range of questions," he said. "They have to narrow their focus."

According to the article, The city authorized about $23,000 to spend on outside counsel for the lawsuit. The city has spent about $18,500 so it looks like the City Commission will have to authorize MORE $$ for this wasteful lawsuit. Wonder what recreation activities or economic development could have been paid for with this 23 GRAND? Should I ask Ms. Post?, the Philly lawyers?? Umm, that might be interesting or a complete waste of time.

The Cult of Mumia

I read in the Philly Inquirerthat the cult of Mumia was out in full force. I m sure the cult of Maureen Faulkner was out too. Boy both sides are so damned tiring. Its like no other cop was ever killed since 1981 and no other African-American is sitting in jail for no good reason. I guess since Mumia is smart and good looking and Maureen Faulkner is out in California collecting royalties to visit Philly to bask in her sorrow and leave the 2nd husband at home. Call me super cynic but just listen to Michael Smerconish sometime. Better yet listen to Pam Africa have kids spew trite rants. Y'all deserve each other. Most of us have to work and pay bills and get by and these cult members  have nothing better to do for 20 years.
Last nite I stopped by the Oar House for a moment, had a beer and left. I did see 2 friends discussing the issues of the day at the bar and several local beat reporters at a table. One had her birthday on November 4th.
Well, driving to work and shopping for Pat. My last day of going to work till NEXT Weds!!  See ya.

Vote Quinn, Shannon , Derella and Finch

This is the day before election and elections have consequences. I read that the new City Commisson will decide the fate of the Millville Gardens Site. As reported in today's Daily Journal:
"It would be a shame if a future commission decided to go against the desire of the community and all that extra effort" for the plan, he said.

Emil Van Hook, a former commissioner who is among the candidates in Tuesday's election, has stated repeatedly he feels the property could be used best as the site of a new elementary school.

Van Hook said he has not reviewed the full details of BCM's proposal, but a new commission should examine all of its options for the site. That is the commission's right, he said.

"The commission will need time to review in detail and evaluate what kind of benefits to the community this would bring," Van Hook said.

Commissioner Tim Shannon said demolishing the complex and selecting its replacement would be a top goal if he's re-elected. The commissioner said he keeps a sledgehammer that the late Donald Cossaboon-DeGregorio, a neighborhood activist, presented to commissioners last year when he asked them to tear down Millville Gardens.

So it appears the Mr. Van Hook has his OWN agenda for the property!! If he is elected he will most certainly defy the wishes of the neighbors and the property will sit. Why? Building a school will take YEARS between approvals from the school board, state AND most of all the neighbors! Just last April 7th, many 3rd ward neighbors showed up to City Commission chambers to express support for tearing down the complex. Millville First questioned this and if they were in charge, the 3rd ward would STILL have this eyesore.

Remember vote the incumbents Quinn Derella and Shannon. Also vote Dale Finch.They will put the city first!

Route 55/49 Road Project

Well there was a protest about the 55/49 Project. I went to see what it was about and now Lou Magazzu has replied on the BEN column of today April 16 2009. He will be at the next City Commission meeting Tues April 21st. Here is just part of what the Freeholder Director said

"Further, it may be that the improvements at Route 55 and 49 may give the state incentive to move quicker on the other projects which require attention."I intend to be at the next city commission meeting on Tuesday, at 7 p.m., to ask the Millville City commissioners their thoughts on the Route 49 and 55 project."I have also asked DOT Commissioner Dilts to set up a meeting with DOT representatives and neighbors to determine if their concerns can be alleviated.

"When I am given a date and time, I will ask the city commission to make city hall available for the meeting.

"I have also asked the DOT to determine if there are other shovel-ready projects that could move forward in place of this one, if there is a desire to move away from this project."

This sounds ok to me but will it really happen? What about public transit like buses and trains???
Since this is not federal stimulus money being shovel-ready is NOT a requirement. How does a state that is BROKE just "find" $27 million?

Some Good Questons in BEN Column

In the News of Cumberland County, today April 13 2008, Millvile First invites Everyone to come out to meet the Candidates for City Commission and give its political platform. "BEN" gives a response:
Here it is in its entirety with no commentary.

officers and members of Millville First
"Please remind your readers of "Meet the Candidates Night," on Tuesday, at the American Legion, on Buck Street, in Millville."It's sponsored by Millville First."As with every meeting of Millville First, the public is welcome."We meet the second Tuesday of every month, same time and place."Come and bring a friend. Learning about your government can be fun!"Millville First is committed to informing taxpayers."We are concerned about Millville's financial health ($55 billion in debt)."We want to keep Millville affordable and a great place to live, work and raise a family."We want people to have a voice in city government."Many of us have become concerned about the drastic increase in local taxes during the tenure of the present commissioners."We have endured unchecked development (eminent domain) and community-changing projects (the motorsports park) without having the opportunity to vote on them."Part of the mission of Millville First is to present "the rest of the story" on each issue so voters can hold the commissioners accountable."The purpose of Millville First is to inform and educate voters and encourage citizen participation in city government."Our effort to encourage taxpayers to participate in their government has made some people uncomfortable."In an effort to discredit us, our critics have called us negative obstructionists."Nothing could be further from the truth."We believe it is positive to encourage public debate."We believe it is positive to hold elected officials accountable."We believe it is positive to disclose information officials do not divulge. We believe it is positive to point out the pros and cons of government action."We believe it is positive to require taxpayer protections in contracts, instead of protections for the developer only?"We believe it is positive to insist that tax abatements illegally granted be revoked."We believe it is positive to seek repayment of illegal payments to Sun Bank."Is it negative to expect all citizens and businesses to be treated fairly, equally and with respect?"Is it negative to expect a commissioner to read and understand an ordinance or resolution before he votes on it?"Is it negative to demand that a commissioner exercise his independent judgement instead of doing what a staff member tells him to do?"Is it negative to demand that our elected officials obey the law?"Are we obstructionists to object to spending $2 million for a bridge from nowhere, to nowhere, for no reason?"Are we obstructionists to suggest that inspection and review fees mandated by ordinance be collected from developers?"Are we obstructionists to expect the commissioners to put the interests of the citizens ahead of the developer when negotiating a project?"And I could go on."Join us and learn, so you will be an informed voter on May 12.

BEN's Response:

The only problem we see, Paul, is that the watchdog group spends a lot of time on what not to do, but doesn't offer a lot of suggestions on what to do. Are you watching over the city, or are you watching over city commission? There's a difference. If you're watching over the city, then your ideas should be to move the city forward. If you're just watching over city commission, you're trying to keep the city as it was. And what was so great about what it was? The tax rate? Was it going to remain stable in the face of increasing costs? How can you spend one-third of your budget on public safety, and we're up to what - 80 police officers? - whose health insurance costs alone have skyrocketed, and maintain a stable tax rate doing nothing? How do you pay energy costs that are out of sight by doing nothing? How do you stay in the same four-year period that Emil Van Hook was mayor and pay for all these rising costs? By becoming a distressed city, that's how, and praying Trenton will come through every year with a handout. And what about education costs? How do you keep them stable without all teaching being done by lecture in an auditorium? You can't stop the clock, Paul, or you'll just fall further behind.What is your plan for increasing ratables? Or do you want to just spend less?Can you get the ratables here without abatements? How many came here in the Emil Van Hook era? How many have come here in the last 12 years? Do you think Bridgeton's tax rate has remained stable by not attracting ratables? Maybe your candidates will tell us what they want to do on Tuesday. Not what to not do. But what to do. No reflection on you Paul, but we need some answers here more than opposition. Tell you what! Bridgeton is willing to buy the land that holds the motorsports park from Millville at a fair price, if you're interested. T hey understand that it has been a spot with a lot of non-forward thinking citizens. They'll take the chance that tax revenue from it will pay bigger dividends than its own Cohansey Hotel down the road.

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Millvile City Commission Meeting April 7th 2009

City Commission met last night. It started at 6:30 and there was some good news. First off, the city is nearing a deal to replace Millville Gardens. The city purchased the property for $2.7 million and took ownership last October. The proposed "Foundry Park" will have 36 market-rate homes, priced at $150,000, and six affordable housing units. Planning Director Kim Ayres said the plan would include a half-acre park for the neighborhood. This proposal had the smallest number of homes and there were no rental properties This is down from 120 Rental Units.
Next, Heather Santaro give a RAD report. 43 Home Rehab Projects have been completed and 13 folks have been helped in buying their first home. A total of 123 homes have been affected positively. 123,000 in investments. This is just after a year. The RAD was opposed by a few folks running to unseat the current Commission. I will be at the candidates forum being sponsored by Millville First. It is NEXT Tuesday April 14th 6:30 PM at the American Legion building on Buck Street. 9 of the candidates have confirmed that they will be there. I congratulate Millville First for holding this event. We can not hear what folks propose and get a public hearing.
The public hearing portion lasted as long if not longer then the meeting itself. A candidate for City Commission spoke and was informed by a sitting Commissioner.
Questions were raised about the Motorsports Park Financing. This went on till 8:25 as you can see the clock behind the speaker.

Various Goings-On April 2nd

On a rainy April 2nd, there were some goings on in my world. Last night only one resident came out for the special meeting of the Millville School Board to send the budget resolution to the ballot for voter approval on April 21. No one from the public spoke.

Receiving no increase in aid from the state, the new budget includes no growth in school programs and several large cuts in programs There is a proposed 2-cent tax increase. This means a tax rate of $0.705 per $100 of assessed property value. The increase is expected to bring in $293,875 in revenue to the district. Dig this, the state considers Millville to be "under taxing for its public schools by $10,384,784."
Lauren VanEmbden is going to run against Gloria Noto in the Fall election. I wish her luck she is a good candidate who has a mind of her own. This will be youth vs experience. Just in time for the election the Freeholders are going to reduce taxes. Of course rateables are down so WATCH OUT FOR NEXT YEAR!!
The Zoning Board approved cell antennas to be added to the senior citizen apts at Main and High Street. Metro PCS and and another company are going to start businesses in Millville. The board denied a variance to a man who wanted to connect all the buildings in his property so that the 15 members of his family would not get wet.

Word from a Democratic insider has it that a "coalition" will be formed for the City Commission election. The candidates that will "help" each other are Jim Quinn, Rev. Dave Ennis, Charles Flickinger Dale Finch and Joe Derella.

Update March 19

Well, its down to the final day before our Gallery is opening. Lots of changes in the house and taking care of business. I just saw that John Fea mentioned our gallery on his blog. This is way cool!!
There are about 14 or 19 candidates running for the Millville City Commission. This election is going to be interesting. I heard a prediction from a reliable source that it will be Quinn, Shannon, Vanaman, Derella, and Finch. This is from a person who has lived here who has never been mentioned by name or reference. Its going to be hard fought. I agree that the incumbents have
earned re-election.

City Commission Meeting Feb 19 2009

The City commission Approved plans to build a senior center. This is good news for sure. The News of Cumberland County reported that an abatement was "stripped" from Millville business. These are worth writing about but there were other things that happened at this meeting if you were willing to sit there in the heat. The agenda items were completed in 30 min. The public comments were much LONGER!
Paul Porrecca spoke for at least 30 min about abatements. Also Commissioner Vanaman stated that he talked to the Vineland tax assessor and this tax assessor contadicted Vineland Mayor Ramano by telling Vanaman that the new Wal-mart did NOT receive abatements. Michele Post of Track Racket spoke for 15 minutes responding to critics. Some her statements were sarcastic but she got her points across. She stated that TrackRacket's goal was NOT to close down the racetrack. but Her Group, Commissioners, and the track folks will meet in the next 2 weeks. Post stated that there are no more public meetings planned. Another man complained about the costs of vandelism in the city and how much the insurance was going to pay and asked where are the video cameras. Atlantic City Elec is holding things up with delays. The city is waiting to get the proper paperwork and it was clear that they were fustrated with the delay.

Good Riddence Millville Gardens!

Its going to happen! Millville Gardens is to be emptied and demolished by THIS Spring!! All the work the residents of the 3rd Ward and community activists from across the city have paid off. The city rebounded after the developer Steve Durst of the new mall in Millville promised in May 2007 to buy and build and then bailed out.
After the city filed its claim under the 2004 state Abandoned Property Rehabilitation Act. which allows municipalities to deem a property a "nuisance" if it's dilapidated; plays a role in crime, drug or gang activity; and negatively impacts neighboring property values. There was a City Commission meeting on April 7 2008 to press this issue. Soon after, the owners sold it to the city and the city is doing a nice job of following though with their plan to demolish this eyesore. Congratulations Millville your hard work and persistence has paid off!!
Now lets open the Levoy!!

Levoy Theatre Receives Community Support

Last night the City Commission the City Commission stated its intent to approve the $2.95 million UEZ grant at next month's meeting. The move is meant to help the Levoy board secure money from its other sources. THe evoy Theatre Preservation Society board members presented piles of petitions with signatures of support. Also many stood up and gave their support

City Commission Meeting July 15 2008

Last night July 15 2008, the Commission used a power point last night to explain the easiest way for a tax payer to check their tax bill. The was a property assessed at $225,000. In 2007 the property owner paid a municipal total of $2,655. In 2008 the total municipal tax is $2,547. This is a decrease of $108. The same property in 2007 paid a county tax total of $2,589 and in 2008 paid $2,715. This is an increase of $126. The same property paid a school tax total in 2007 of $1,489 and in 2008 paid $1,543. This is an increase of $54.
Since the papers did not cover it I will. Here are some photos from last night.