Muhlenberg Site: Cooler Heads Need to Prevail

This past Thursday Solaris/JFK presented their vision of what could replace the now closed Muhlenberg hospital.  Solaris/JFK got to their vision through what looks private consultants, this by itself gives the impression of a biased vision.

Muhlenberg Hospital has been closed for four years and aside from the initial shock and community demonstrations when it was announced I don't think much else has happened.  Solaris mentioned that for four years there has not been any interest on the site, Muhlenberg supporters say Solaris has not gone far enough to look for investors.  No offense to anyone but it seems to me that both sides seem to be stuck in their own positions.

With the medicine world being turned upside down by politics, economics and new medical technology and preventive care one needs to seriously contemplate the real possibilities of Muhlenberg Hospital and its site. 

One must also find out what are the community's health needs and what is needed to address these needs.  That the city of Plainfield has not been proactive to this effect it doesn't mean that a community health needs assessment can not be accomplished by a dedicated group of citizens.  People concerned about the health of the community must organize and stop waiting for the city, the state, or even JFK, to do an assessment.  Residents taking a proactive role would go a long way changing the dynamics of this particular situation.

There were questions on the Muhlenberg's land ownership and the assets.  The concept of what belongs to whom seems to be rather complex and for the sake of the community it would be wise that those closely involved seek and give clarification on who owns what and to whom any results of a sale would go to.  Perhaps this is a case that needs to be resolved by the court and if that is the case then the community would do good by seeking independent legal counsel.

We must also be willing to look into, and assess, the environmental clean up of the site, this apparently has to happen before anything else takes place.  A cost of $22 million dollars was floated at the meeting and it was said JFK was going to cover the cost.  Clarity is needed here.

JFK's presentation gave the impression of urgency due to the fact that in 2013 the state mandate that JFK maintains a presence here in Plainfield expires, but I wonder if such mandate can be extended or renegotiated, those close to Muhlenberg matters could very well find out and let the community know.  It is also my feeling that such mandate should be dealt separately from any vision JFK presents for the Muhlenberg site, after all, JFK's presence seems to occupy a very small section of what the entire site is.

As for the vision presented by Solaris/JFK this past Thursday?  It is their vision.

If  Plainfielders want to see different results then Plainfielders need to produce their own vision.  We need to stop waiting for someone else to give us a vision of what Plainfield should be.

A must here is an independent study of the site as well as a realistic assessment of what could happen there.  A cold analysis of what health services the city needs and can support is also a must.

An independent study of the Muhlenberg site, for what I understand, will run anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000.  That is less than $2 per resident.  I believe that we residents deserve that our local elected officials seek an independent report of what would be the best fit for the Plainfield community when it comes to this site. 

And if we need to raise the funds for an independent study ourselves, then let it be.  Just think that collecting $2 minimum per person is not only possible but easily accomplished by a well-organized group of volunteers.

And just think of the statement that would be made if residents of Plainfield raised the money to bring in our own independent assessment of the site.  Count me in if such an effort and collection is to happen.