Sculptures, mural lab jumpstart public art plan

 There’s one behind the Union County Performing Arts Center. Another pokes out of the shrubbery at Train Station Plaza and another is on loan in front of Hamilton Stage for Performing Arts.

The sculptures are considered “seeds” for a series of public art projects that Rahway Arts District is creating throughout downtown. The sculptures are by Woodbridge artist Glenn Murgacz, who also has pieces in Woodbridge, near the Avenel Train Station and the Avenue Fire House on Route 1.

There’s also the Rahway Mural Lab, a mural arts program for Rahway teens, that will be unveiled tonight at 6 p.m. at 1530 Irving St. The single-story former Public Service building was approved for a restaurant more than four years ago but later ran into a dispute with the city over sewer fees. It’s unclear what the status of the planned restaurant is today. The Arts District was granted permission to put the mural on the building facade until the owner is ready to start construction, Executive Director Rachael Faillace said.

Former Mayor James Kennedy hopes to get the public art initiative jump-started and eventually have 20 to 30 pieces in all. “With Glenn’s and J.D’s works kicking things off, we’re hoping to find more Rahway area sculptors who might be interested in contributing to the project,” he said.

Kennedy has talked about attracting more public art for years, including the idea of a sculpture walk downtown. The public art, he said, would be an ongoing process and might depend on what funding could be obtained. The Redevelopment Agency last month authorized $3,000 as partial payment for a piece inside Hamilton Stage featuring a ballerina, which is appropriate, he said since there are three ballerina troupes at the facility.

Redevelopment Agency commissioner steps down

Redevelopment Agency Commissioner Matt Dobrowloski resigned his seat on the Redevelopment Agency, effective Sept. 25.

In a brief letter dated Sept. 25 to Redevelopment Agency Chairman William Rack, Redevelopment Director Peter Pelissier and Mayor Samson Steinman, Dobrowloski thanked them for the opportunity to serve and said he looked forward to staying involved.

He is chairman of The Taste of Spring and also has served on the board of the Rahway Parking Authority. In response to an inquiry about the reasons for his resignation, Dobrowloski said his work as a Realtor for individuals and developers in the area could sometimes create potential conflicts of interest, so he thought it would be best to step down at this time.

Dobrowloski was appointed in January 2010 to fill the remaining term of Carlos Garay, who stepped down after his term after his term for personal reasons. The mayor said he hopes to have replacement candidates presented to City Council at its next meeting, which is scheduled for Oct. 15.

Redevelopment Agency commissioners, who are not paid, are appointed to four-year terms, with confirmation by City Council. Dobrowloski’s resignation leaves two vacancies on the seven-member board, which currently has five commissioners: Rack, Timothy Nash, Anthony Diege (reappointed May 2013), Paul Sefranka and Michael Staryak (appointed March 2012).

Proposal for Lot B grows to 196 units

Developers are expected to return to the Redevelopment Agency later this year to present an updated vision for two downtown buildings proposed for Lot B on Main Street.

Continue reading Proposal for Lot B grows to 196 units

Council chooses Steinman as interim mayor

The City Council last night unanimously selected Samson Steinman to serve the final 15 months of Rick Proctor’s four-year term. Steinman, the 6th Ward councilman and City Council president, had been acting mayor since Proctor resigned on Sept. 10.

Continue reading Council chooses Steinman as interim mayor

Plan is to demolish tower at Kings Inn

The not-so-iconic tower at the Kings Inn motel on Routes 1&9 will have to live on via the Internet — its claim to fame found in this video for a once-popular 1990s hip hop song — because its days are numbered.

Continue reading Plan is to demolish tower at Kings Inn

City Council approves PILOT for Metro Rahway

Lost amid the news of Mayor Rick Proctor’s resignation last week was the fact that the City Council approved a 15-year Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) and financial agreement for the Metro Rahway project.

Continue reading City Council approves PILOT for Metro Rahway

Interim mayor appointment expected soon

(Updates to original post in italics)
The City Council is expected to have a special meeting in the coming weeks, maybe even days, to appoint an interim mayor for the remaining 15 months of Rick Proctor’s term. As City Council president, Samson Steinman has assumed duties as acting mayor and is the odds-on favorite to become interim mayor, at least according to folks I’ve talked to.

Continue reading Interim mayor appointment expected soon

A blog about all things redevelopment