Christie’s last push for flawed Trenton redevelopment

Gov. Chris Christie will slip into his Santa Claus suit one last time to push through a union-driven downtown Trenton redevelopment project.

This latest effort could include helpers.

Union members have implemented pressure on Assembly member Liz Muoio (D15) to help push through the Christie project while other suitors wooed support from Trenton North Ward Councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson.

Apparently, outgoing, term-limited Gov. Christie will not move quietly into the good night with his flawed state office building plan which legislators put on hold three weeks ago.

Christie’s plan calls for the demolition of three downtown state office buildings to be replaced away from center city, an exodus that will negatively impact Trenton’s future.

Christie’s people return on Thursday to petition two joint administration and legislative committees to approve his plan.

Joint may serve as an operative word here as Mr. Christie appears to have reached a reefer madness state with a city plan that opponents describe as bad news for Trenton’s future.

Stakeholders Allied for the Core of Trenton (ACT) had claimed victory when the State House Commission tabled approval for Christie’s attempt to imprint Trenton with a project lacking significant public support.

ACT requested more public input and time, hoping that Gov.-elect Phil Murphy could be more amenable to citizens’ concerns.

The group, which lobbied the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to rework the plan, promotes public/ private partnerships and mixed-use development.

EDA missions as an independent State agency that finances small and mid-sized businesses and administers tax incentives to retain and grow jobs.

The Trenton redevelopment project would be funded by an estimated $220 million in bonds issued by the EDA.

The project awaited blessing from Capital City Redevelopment Corporation, an organization that formed to ensure that state development projects do not negatively impact the redevelopment of Trenton.

Fred B. Dumont, EDA board member and business manager of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local #89, argued vehemently for moving forward this Christie attempt to feed suburban union members.

Dumont apparently helped Caldwell-Wilson kick off her reelection campaign. The union rep serves a mixture of hysteria, good intentions about hiring minorities plus, Kool Aid about 1,000 union jobs lost by waiting.

Christie and Dumont offer Camden redevelopment projects as proven game changers despite the fact that monies and job opportunities for development rarely flow toward disenfranchised residents.

Dumont identified the Christie project as bipartisan although Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson had no significant input.

Christie, Dumont and other project backers should understand that residents invested in the city’s future want and deserve more time.

We know Gov. Christie owns a history of bullish behavior, especially when people challenge his authority.

Do not allow this governor who in almost eight years never spent a dime or minute in downtown Trenton leave his blemish on the capital city.

Trenton deserves smart growth moved forward by citizen and community partnership input.

Let’s wait for Murphy and during that period of contemplation, unions should initiate apprenticeship programs which prepare Trenton minority members and women for employment opportunities.

What’s the rush, Gov. Christie?