Long ago there was the Plainfield Redevelopment Agency and a vision of a return to high-end shops of the sort that made downtown Plainfield a shopping mecca in the mid-20th century. Toward the end of that century, the cry was for some way to limit nail salons and dollar stores from moving in. But just as outside forces sent shoppers from downtown to malls, the shift to cheap goods here seemed inexorable.
But even dollar stores can fail. The subject of this 2009 post closed down and the site now holds fitness equipment and classes. The idea of a business registry to help regulate the mix dates back to the administration of the late Mayor Richard L. Taylor, but was never implemented. In this 2006 post, it draws criticism from merchants and the governing body alike.
Paramount Assets, which acquired 45 downtown storefronts, might have some valuable insight into what types of businesses have succeeded and how to improve the mix. The Special Improvement District board may be able to suggest strategies based on its experience in promoting the downtown and South Avenue business districts. The problem is not a lack of shoppers, it is fulfillment of the long-held wish for a higher-end tone to Plainfield's retail climate.
More homework for the next administration.
--Bernice
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