January 5
...serving up your daily dish.
Here goes the first part of the Marlboro Inn, tumbling down. From the camera of Liz George, about 9:30 am.
Unlike the demo of the Hahne's building on November 19, which proceeded with pomp and ceremony -- three Montclairs mayors (two past, one present), speeches, a viewing stand and seats for spectators -- this one goes down with a whimper. Could it be that Mr. Plofker didn't expect the kind of applause that the first swing of the wrecking ball elicited over on Church Street?
Neighbors are watching the demolition from their windows. No protests reported.
January 5, 2005 in Marlboro Inn | Permalink
Well, ok. I'll get the ball rolling (so to speak).
I almost thought I'd never see the day this tired relic came down. I am thankful we won't have another 12-year period of Hahne'ish blight.
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 5, 2005 10:16:56 AM
p.s. no Gnashing of Teeth at the watercooler yet. I guess we Barista-nistas have our fingers more quickly on the pulse eh?
Of course we have free speech here so maybe that is why.
p.p.s. My last few comments at the "cooler" seemed to evaporate into the ether. Not posted, not denied. 48 hours and counting. 2 comments, what are the odds of a double malfunction? Wonder if I am being 'airbrushed' out...
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 5, 2005 10:25:11 AM
-- she says while typing on her computer manufactured by some volunteer corporation and freely given out for the public good; in her warm home heated by energy donated by the virtuous benefactor shareholders of PSE&G; over the wires of the cable company provided as charity to the public; to arrive here where Barista donates her time and displays ads 'cause they are pretty!
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 5, 2005 10:46:42 AM
We got married in the Inn's parlor on January 6, 1996, so the wrecking ball's timing is a bit eerie....
Posted by: Cheryl and Bob | Jan 5, 2005 10:48:38 AM
Hey, that room that's cut in half and being consumed by the crane is definitley the one Sabine and I stayed in when we came here househunting!
TK
Posted by: Thom Kennon | Jan 5, 2005 1:06:37 PM
Ah, once again, the triumph of progress and good sense! Hurray!!
Posted by: onthesly | Jan 5, 2005 1:07:55 PM
dear right of center:
yes, yes, we know. the unfettered free market is the solution to everything. that's quite a fancy argument you have there, and original, too.
Posted by: left of center | Jan 5, 2005 2:09:26 PM
Left,
Well not EVERYTHING! That is quite a jump you are making.
But, in the derelict commercial property or internet service providing or personal retirement security departments, yes - I'd say the unfettered free market does pretty well indeed.
p.s. What happend to "as in Suzzanne Vega" or are you not that "Left of Center" who posts here?
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 5, 2005 2:34:23 PM
dear righty,
how does the unfettered free market fare in, say, community planning? not too well, i'd think, as we see in most of new jersey.
no, i'm a different left of center. apparently you've inspired others.
lefty
Posted by: left of center | Jan 5, 2005 2:37:58 PM
"how does the unfettered free market fare in, say, community planning? not too well, i'd think, as we see in most of new jersey."
I totally agree. There has to be a happy medium or Montclair will soon resemble Route 22!
Posted by: Miss Martta | Jan 5, 2005 2:58:33 PM
Left,
Well *community* planning is one of those areas where the *commnity* should be involved. As they are. As it is. As it should be.
Where is New Jersey is this not so?
I am not sure what you are getting at?
You say "most of New Jersey" as if "most of New Jersey" were what? route 22?
We'll it is not. Most of New Jersey (as is most of all states) is rural and quite beautiful.
The route 22's have their place in the world just as much as stuck-up elitist towns I'd say.
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 5, 2005 3:11:31 PM
and remember, mr. right, part of what's driving plofker's project is federal subsidies to homeowners in the form of the mortgage tax exemption.
by the way, and i may regret asking, what were your 2 comments that got caught int he watercooler filter? i'm curious...
Posted by: left of center | Jan 5, 2005 3:13:28 PM
Left,
Maybe you have some sway. It looks like my post was (just now, this minute) finally approved. (held up in their legal department looks like)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MtcWatercooler/message/25517
I disagree with their (implied) problem with quoting news articles. Seems to fit under 'fair use' doctrine to me. Besides, if people could not quote news articles online half the internet would disappear.
Glad all the thorny legal issues got worked out.
(still think the original poster I was reffering to should be careful calling anyone a liar online, especially one whose commercial reputation partially hinges on being honest)
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 5, 2005 3:25:55 PM
"and remember, mr. right, part of what's driving plofker's project is federal subsidies to homeowners in the form of the mortgage tax exemption. "
(it's Mr. Right of Center)
I agree. In fact I'd say that the mortgage deduction is probably responsible for a large percentage of ALL home building or purchases.
Smacks of social engineering doesn't it? That's why I am 'agin it!
I think everyone should pay the same percentage of their earnings in tax and many 'social engineering' loopholes should be closed.
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 5, 2005 3:30:12 PM
some info on "fair use" for anyone interested.
http://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/fair_use.html
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 5, 2005 3:39:52 PM
what a coincidence. Mr. Poetess and I also celebrate our wedding anniversary tomorrow! and we had many (very happy) guests spend a night or two at the Marlboro this evening some years ago. now, if all goes according to plan, it ought to start snowing tomorrow sometime in our (and Cheryl's and Bob's) honor.
by the way, why do all you pave-it-build-it-and-sell-it types have nothing to say about that derelict building looming like another gosh-foresaken Hahne's over where Community Hospital used to serve the people? isn't it worse than the Inn, which at least was open for business within recent memory? or is it in your backyards?
Posted by: poetess | Jan 5, 2005 3:53:56 PM
Poetess,
Wasn't that sold to a developer and condos to be built?
http://tanzania.northjersey.com/publications/montclairtimes/page.php?page=172
(I am sure much to the dissapointment of many)
Did the deal fall through? If so, then wwe should all take up the cause.
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 5, 2005 3:59:18 PM
ah, but, see, that article is dated December 2001. my point being, the intolerable delay many felt poor Mr. Plofker suffered while awaiting his fellow citizens' due process is nothing compared with the length of time poor neighbors of the former hospital have been suffering blight. why, they're fortunate not to have been declared an area in need of redevelopment and finding their homes siezed. maybe we could be like White Plains yet. wouldn't that be fun?
Posted by: poetess | Jan 5, 2005 4:14:02 PM
no, ROC, i would never argue with you on this.
this is the one area you and i seem to agree on.
tear down the dump.
Posted by: Left Of Center, like Suzanne Vega | Jan 5, 2005 4:22:38 PM
I for one don't think Mr. Plofker had an intolerable wait. And looking at the unusual grace and respect he has shown through out this process it would seem he does not feel much put upon. (though who knows?)
But, I will say that the Marlboro Inn has been in an unsightly state of decline for some time *before* Mr. Plofker owned the property.
But the real issue I would take with you is that I don't understand the linkage.
Because one property has taken longer the other should wait?
Or, should we go and tap our foot where the other developer can see us?
How is the Marlboro inn connected with Montclair becoming White Plains.
I don't get it.
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 5, 2005 4:23:25 PM
ROC:
Plofker has been a completely condescending and arrogant ass in his comments about the Marlboro Inn. Apologizing on behalf of those who brought a lawsuit against him? Give me a break.
LOC (the second)
Posted by: left of center | Jan 5, 2005 5:07:07 PM
ROC (cont'd):
The nice towns in NJ are nice because they were built a long time ago, before Walmarts, before strip malls, etc, and are kept that way at least in part because of zoning laws and--heaven forbid!--historical landmark designations, which are tools a community uses to keep developers from putting up Burger Kings and so forth all over the place.
Fomr your comments about taxes etc, I'll bet you have a gross income of more than $500,000 a year, or a net worth exceeded $10 million. Am I right?
LOC
Posted by: left of center | Jan 5, 2005 5:12:27 PM
Left,
Isn't he going to put in houses? He couldn't put in a Burger King because of zonning restrictions. (thank heavens).
I think you are making a rather (sloppy) slippery slope argument. To wit: because of the Marlboro Inn's demise then Montclair will soon fill up with Walmarts and Burger King's.
One does not flow from the other.
As to my income level. 500k, 10 Million?
I wish!
Sadly Faaaaar from it.
Do you always presume so much?
I can tell you If I was worth 10 million I would be posting on a website in Italy! Not here.
Posted by: Right of Center | Jan 5, 2005 5:32:29 PM
