Summary of Woodbridge Redevelopment Article
The article titled “Woodbridge leads Central Jersey in redevelopment, mayor says” by Bob Makin (2021) discusses a speech of Mayor John E. McCormarc regarding the redevelopment of Woodbridge, a municipality situated in the suburbs of Jersey City. The speech focuses on the number, the type and the impact of the projects that developers have undertaken in the area. Among the projects are construction of affordable and luxurious apartments, environmental restoration, construction of 700-megawatt energy Centre that is fired by gas, the mayor’s favorite Avenal; Performing Art Center that will form part of the project of Avenal station village, which consist of townhomes and 500 luxury apartments. Other projects include prism project, offsite parking space, New Rose Street School and a bottling company. According to the mayor another project that is dear to him is the $25 million housing project of Penrose that comprise of 100 residential units which aim to support the housing of people who are mentally disabled. Regarding projects that are on the planning process among them are two transit- oriented constructions across the railway stations. The mayor further explains the amount of revenue the project will generate by illustrating his claims through financial projections. Finally, John explains the impact of the projects on the economy and livelihood systems of the area.
Analysis of the Article
The information on the article is accurate and reliable as it constitutes the direct quotations of the mayor regarding the 50 mega projects, the funding of the projects, and the impacts the projects would bring. In my opinion, the project is viable due to its model of success, which constitute the PILOTs. Secondly, the new reporter, Bob Makin has reported the mayor’s speech in a reputable news article, “Courier News and Home News Tribune”. The news agency has no known case of reporting false information throughout its inception.
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The article inspires me or would inspire other individuals to develop a sense of the importance of developing sound economic and development plans as a leader. The revenues the mayor mentions the projects would generate are immense, thus the municipality would manage its own socio-economic issues without entirely depending on external funding. Also, the article has taught me that investors or developers can only undertake their respective projects in a thriving economy as depicted in the Woodbridge case. For instance, a multinational like Amazon has invested in the area due to the high number of people attracted to the area due to the large number of housing and industrial units the project has brought forth.
Reflection of the Article
The article would inspire the readers and the society to champion for better development projects in their area or vote for leaders with sound social, economic, and political policies. By voting such leaders, their areas are likely to develop like Woodbridge. The article makes me develop a perception that local government should get more revenue than state governments. The reason is that if more money is devolved to local government, several developments get closer to the community based on the needs of a given community. Further, it makes me develop a feeling that most state governments have failed to deliver to its citizens as public participation on the matters of development is hardly to come by. Many state governments seem to focus on development plans that do not suit the needs of its residents. Also, it makes me think a lot of money is lost in non-viable projects at state level. Nonetheless, the state governments should be scrapped off altogether.
References
Bob, M. (2021). Woodbridge leads Central Jersey in redevelopment, mayor says Retrieved from https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/development/2019/03/15/woodbridge-leads-central-jersey-redevelopment-mayor-says/3083239002 on 8th April, 2020.
