Redeveloping and Revitalizing Downtown
Pure Progress is committed to jump starting stalled redevelopment efforts, ending the "coming soon" era ushered in by the current administration, and developing a comprehensive vision for the Village and plan for downtown revitalization.
- Develop a comprehensive long-term vision for the Village and plan for downtown, aligned with N.J.’s Smart Growth initiative.
- Implement near-term solutions to get stalled redevelopment projects on track and improve appearance of South Orange's downtown.
- Utilize experienced, professional redevelopment management and legal counsel.
- Replace favored “designated developer” giveaways with open, multi-bidder Requests for Proposals.
- Protect Village’s interests by working with multiple developers for large parcels, not putting all our “eggs in one basket.”
- Enforce strict development standards, guidelines, and timetables for all developers.
- Establish downtown management organization to jumpstart business recruitment and economic development.
- Develop and implement design and environmental standards and guidelines for downtown development.
- Create and implement comprehensive plan for parking, traffic management, and transit alternatives.
Fiscal Management and Property Taxes
Pure Progress will implement disciplined financial management practices to put an end to the current "buy now, pay later" approach to spending and spiraling taxes.
- Establish timely, zero-based operating budget process with monthly re-forecasting, based on actual expenditures, and quarterly reviews.
- Evaluate alternatives for delivering municipal services, including sharing services, regionalization, in-sourcing, and outsourcing.
- Develop five-year plan and capital budget based on assessed lifespan and condition of major capital assets, infrastructure, and prioritize based on anticipated needs.
- Manage Village’s record debt burden to minimize bond transaction and funding costs.
- Improve efficiency and effectiveness of government through expanded planning and use of information technology.
- Install disciplined project management across all aspects of Village government to establish and communicate project objectives, costs, and realistic timelines.
- Aggressively identify and manage public and private sector grants tied to South Orange’s unique qualities and assets, including its historic residential and business districts, Transit Village designation, “smart growth” potential, cultural, recreational, and natural resources, and commitment to public safety.
Governing with Respect and Transparency
Pure Progress is committed to running a more open, transparent, and inclusive government with the interests of all residents at the center of the process.
- Maintain highest ethical standards in all aspects of governing to restore public’s trust.
- Conduct all public meetings in a respectful, orderly manner, based on rules of order.
- Treat all residents, students, and Village employees with respect and dignity.
- Solicit, encourage, and accept public and employee input.
- Provide timely, easy access to accurate information about the Village and its operations.
- Hold Village government and employees accountable to the public.
- Implement stringent "pay-to-play" restrictions for all Village contractors.
- Set terms and conduct performance reviews for all South Orange appointees.
- Implement timely, periodic performance reviews for Village employees.
- Improve dialogue with Maplewood, other neighboring towns, and Essex County.
Supporting Excellence in Education
Pure Progress will dedicate itself to excellence in education through open communication and creative use of resources among the regions education stakeholders.
- Establish a meaningful education dialogue with the Board of Education and Maplewood, including quarterly reporting from the Board President.
- Reinvigorate South Orange’s commitment to the BOE Liaison Committee and Board of School Estimate.
- Explore ways to support the school district with South Orange’s, Maplewood’s, and Seton Hall University’s resources.
Supporting Public Safety
A safe and secure community is a basic right of every South Orange resident, and Pure Progress will aggressively address Village public safety concerns.
- Support expanded traffic enforcement, especially in residential neighborhoods.
- Establish downtown policing strategy responsive to increasing evening pedestrian activity from SOPAC and nearby restaurants.
- Address each neighborhood’s specific concerns and implement suitable changes to meet their needs.
- Develop and implement plan to address police, fire, rescue squad, and public works equipment and facilities.
Supporting Recreation, Cultural Affairs, Open Space, and Historic Preservation
South Orange's beautiful natural environment, our historic treasures, and the remarkable contributions our residents have made to the arts are hallmarks of the Village. Pure Progress is dedicated to nurturing and protecting these priceless resources.
- Develop a comprehensive vision and plan for recreation and cultural affairs, including meeting the needs of students and senior citizens.
- Coordinate with greater efficiency recreational resources and athletic programming with Maplewood and the Board of Education.
- Support development of a community-based arts and cultural plan to showcase our community’s diverse talent and address its interests.
- Develop a comprehensive vision and plan for open space, land use, and historic preservation.
- Utilize Open Space Trust funds to acquire, improve, and maintain open space, not back-fill operating and capital budget gaps.
- Create public-private
partnerships to restore, preserve, and manage historic assets.
