Group Homes

I thought it was important today that I share with you an email that I received from Bill Hatfield. Just last year when issues like this were brought to my attention we were able to stop the sale of real estate because these types of transactions do not help the City of Plainfield. I shared my concerns with Councilman Cory Storch, and obviously, he has done nothing about it. Councilman Storch professionally knows all of the players and how the process works and my concern is he more concerned about his relationship with these groups than what is good for the City of Plainfield. So today, I am asking publicly that Council Member Stroch give me a complete investigation of this matter so I can speak to the appropriate authorities in Trenton. For these are the kinds of issues where council members who have experience in these matters should step up to the plate. Since he has been a councilperson, I have yet to hear him challenge these organizations who have taken advantage of the City of Plainfield.

That is why I sponsored new legislation, which deals with affordable housing in every community. So organizations cannot say they cannot afford to purchase these properties in other municipalities. For the record, I have no problem with organizations that offer these types of services but I have a problem with these organizations targeting Plainfield as a community that they can afford to purchase properties. Therefore, what I am doing is including the message that was emailed to me concerning this matter. I am looking forward to people of the City of Plainfield holding the Councilman accountable for dealing with this issue. Because everyone in the State of New Jersey knows that, he is very aware of this issue and understands how decisions are made. So far, the decisions that have been made have not been favorable toward Plainfield.

Referenced Email noted above:

From: whetfield@comcast.net

Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 7:40 PM

Subject: Rashid Burney; Cory Storch; Green, Ams. D.O.; HANW Committee

It is imperative that this communique be forward to Assemblyman Jerry Green immediately. Follow-up with a phone call. I would aslo reach out to Storch & Burney as well.
Bill Hetfield

-------------- Original message -------------- From: "HANW Committee" hanw@plainfieldwatch.org

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: (no subject)
From: MEChanda2@aol.com
Date: Mon, August 18, 2008 6:56 pm
To: hanw@plainfieldwatch.org

Dear Neighbors,

Bill Kruse of Hillside Ave has recently brought the following to our attention, and we thought that you too would want to know.

The Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey has recently purchased the house at 1025 Hillside Ave. This organization is in the process of converting the former private home into an institutional / residential / nursing home. Since the CP organization is non-profit the property will not be responsible for paying property taxes. According to Ms. Cathy Leiber of CP, the organization has also purchased a residence on Field Avenue in Plainfield which will enjoy the same tax free privileges.

As of last week when Bill Kruse visited the Code Enforcement, the City Clerk, and Tax Department at the City Hall, the sale had not been recorded and the records still list the name of the previous owner. However, it appears that the State has passed a Statute that enables organizations having the character of CP to pu rchase, without limitation, any and all residences they may elect in any municipality in the State. As to the protection of a Historic District (this house is not part of the District, but is adjacent to houses that are) it appears that CP can alter the interior to construct as many bedrooms as Code permits, and there are no restraints as long as they do not modify the exterior of the structure. CP has engaged Monarch Construction to perform the alterations and that organization has already applied for permission to install ramps for the handicapped. This application will be approved.

The home will be serviced by vans transporting the patients to and from vocational jobs and medical services. There will be a daytime caretaker. Relatives and friends can of course visit.

It appears as though the 2 homes acquired by CP will diminish Plainfield's tax rolls by about $24,000. It is possible that this organization will want to continue to purchase homes for a similar purpose in Plainfield.

Bill has requested a list of the number of residential properties which already have exempt tax status, and will advise you of the number when received, and what the implications are to our taxes.

HANW Committee