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Let us mark the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act by coming together and celebrating the courage of the hundreds of peaceful protesters who set out to march for voting rights on March 7, 1965. Five months after this extraordinary event, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act...a law created to ensure that Blacks will have the right to vote like any other citizen.
Fifty years later and the fight is not over. Recently, President Obama urged Congress to pass an updated version of the law. We must heed the President's entreaty to exercise our "precious right." He has also proclaimed September 22, 2015 National Voter Registration Day. I encourage all who read this newsletter to call upon your Congressional representatives to renew the Voting Rights Act. Thereby ensuring that all citizens of our great nation will continue to enjoy what is often times taken for granted, and that is the right to vote.
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Ceremony Honoring Ecuador Independence Day at Plainfield City Hall
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We embrace the diversity and
entrepreneurial spirit of our multicultural community which is so important to the vitality and energy of our great City.
On Thursday, August 13th, Plainfield City Hall hosted an Ecuadorian Independence Day Ceremony.
Attendees included members of the Plainfield Advisory Commission on Hispanic
Affairs (PACHA
), Flor Gonzalez and Maritza Martinez.
Councilman Cory Storch and Councilwoman Rebecca Williams were also present for this celebratory event.
Jose Ramos of La Bulla Ecuatoriana presented certificates of recognition to myself, Maritza Martinez, Diego Munoz from the Ecuadorian Chamber of Commerce, and international singer Gustavo Velasquez. There was music, refreshments, and an impromptu dance to celebrate the occasion.
Media representatives from the Ecuador News, El Cambio Press, and the Latin Street press were on hand to cover the 206th Year Anniversary of Ecuador's Independence. This event was just another example of how my Administration embraces the diversity that is part of the cultural fabric of Plainfield.
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8th Annual Plainfield Community Barbeque
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This is just a final reminder for Plainfield residents to come out and enjoy the
8th Annual Community BBQ on
Saturday, August 15, 2015,
from
4:00 pm until midnight, at the home of First Lady Amelia Mapp and me, at our home located at 535 West 8th
Street, Plainfield, NJ.
This year, we are requesting that attendees also bring some toiletries to be donated to our residents who are in need of them. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorants, soap, shampoo, sanitary napkins, lotion, mouthwash, and other sundries.
We hope that you will be a generous donor this year.
You may continue to drop off your donations today and tomorrow, or you may bring your contribution with you on Saturday. Please drop off your items on our front porch at 535 West 8th Street, right here in Plainfield.
We look forward to neighbors helping neighbors and making a difference wherever we can. A good time awaits one and all--constituents, neighbors, family, and friends.
With your help, we can make a difference.
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City of Plainfield Social Media Launch
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New City of Plainfield Facebook Page
Friend us on the new City of Plainfield Facebook page. The link to the City Facebook page is:
The New City of Plainfield Twitter Profile
It's official - they City of Plainfield has joined the world of Twitter!
What can you expect?
- And of course look out for Tweets from the Mayor himself
You can find and follow us at
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Economic Development Update
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Community Development Programs
CHAP Program
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Administration and Finance Update
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Plainfield Fire Hydrants Initiative
There is an initiative underway to replace at least 50 fire hydrants and paint almost 700 hydrants located throughout the City. Spearheaded by First Ward Councilwoman Diane Toliver and facilitated by Ronald West, Director of Administration and Finance, New Jersey American Water, the Fire Division and Public Works, using young adults hired for the Mayor's Clean Community summer project, are working closely together to ensure a successful completion of the project. Take note of the newly painted hydrants as you travel through town.
Delinquent Taxes
The City is preparing for the sale of tax liens for those properties with outstanding 2014 Municipal and/or PMUA taxes. In order to remove your name before the list of delinquent taxpayers is advertised, payment must be received in the Office of the Tax Collector by August 20, 2015.
Volunteers Make a Difference
Are you interested in community service? Then why not volunteer at a Food pantry? Volunteers are vital to the work of food pantries. There are several opportunities in the City of Plainfield to help people in need, they are located at houses of worship, social service agencies and food banks. Food pantries desperately need individuals to assist with food collection, food distribution, stocking and client check-in.
Please contact Plainfield Action Services at (908) 753-3519.
Senior Center Events:
Senior Citizens' Annual BBQ
Please sign up now to attend the annual Senior Citizens BBQ from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 20th. All members should keep in mind that the cookout will be pot luck. This means you should bring a prepared covered dish that can feed at least twenty-five people. Please inform Colin Baptiste of what you will bring by Thursday, August 13th. The staff will provide the hot dogs and hamburgers. Please Be Advised: Bingo will not be played on that day.
Watchung Square Mall
Looking for new ideas to spruce up your home for the fall? Well, join the center membership as they travel to Watchung Square Mall on Monday, August 17th at 11:00 a.m. for an afternoon of shopping.
Paterson Falls Historical Park
The center will travel to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park on Wednesday, August 26th for a tour of its plantation, museum, and gift shop. The van leaves the center promptly 9:30 a.m. This trip is limited to ten members only. Please sign up now. We recommend that you bring a bagged lunch and money for souvenirs.
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Public Affairs and Safety Update
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Missing Person
Plainfield Police Division continues to seek the community's help in locating a missing "at risk" person, Mildred Buggs, who was last seen on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at approximately 11:00 pm by her family. Multiple media outlets, area hospitals and law enforcement agencies are continuously being contacted in an effort to locate Ms. Buggs.
The following description of Ms. Buggs has been provided: Black female, 5'6", 120 lbs., brown eyes, grey hair, possibly wearing a lavender jacket, tiger print shirt and a black skirt. Ms. Buggs may be attempting to get to Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ. She suffers from a mental disability and is considered to be "at risk". If you have information that can assist in helping to safely locate Ms. Buggs, please call 9-1-1 immediately or contact the Plainfield Police Division directly at (908) 753-3360.
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GNC is Hiring
On Wednesday, August 26, 2015, GNC Will be conducting ON-THE-SPOT INTERVIEWS for positions throughout the central NJ Market. Positions include:
INTERVIEW LOCATION: DOUBLETREE HILTON HOTEL, 700 HOPE ROAD, EATONTOWN N.J. 07724
PHONE:
732.544.9300
Jersey Job Club
The Jersey Job Club gives you the tools and support you need to find a job. We will help you develop new skills and build upon skills you already have. There are 23 local Job Clubs and six statewide industry-specific talent network Job Clubs throughout New Jersey.
To find a good job in challenging times, successful job seekers look for opportunities to get an edge. The Jersey Job Club is just such an opportunity - and the sooner you start, the sooner you'll get results.
Click Here for More Information
Job Seekers - Click on Link Below for a Listing of Local Job Fairs
Doing Business with the US Department of Interior
The US Department of the Interior (DOI) manages America's vast natural and cultural resources and relies on the help of America's businesses to maintain roads, bridges, schools, office buildings, irrigation systems and reservoirs.
Each of the DOI bureaus and other major organizations within DOI has its own procurement office. The DOI procurement organizations contract with the private sector for a variety of supplies, equipment and services.
DOI's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization is committed to providing a full and open competitive environment for procurement opportunities. If you are seeking a contracting opportunity with DOI and want to learn more about the roles small businesses play at the Interior, this is the workshop for you.
Date:
August 20, 2015 @ 8:30 am -
1:00 pm
Location:
1085 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 United States
Click Here for More Information
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Department of Public Works and Urban Development
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Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program
The Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program was very successful. Participants were provided with excellent work and learning opportunities. The youth did a great job as they took advantage of an opportunity for exposure to professional administrative tasks such as: coordinating meeting requests, filing, sending faxes, composing/writing complaints, and assisting the staff with their general day to day tasks. They will be missed!
Improvement: DPW Records Retrieval System
Retrieving records has been a serious challenge, especially with the multitude of OPRA requests we receive. In the past, documents were stored in multiple locations. John Louise's crew completed installation of a shelving system that will allow us to house our files/records in the Municipal building. With the assistance of summer help and the Union County WFNJ program, we begin the laborious process of combining the files into a block/lot order central system-which is required by law.
Vacant Properties Ordinance: Update
Since enforcing the vacant properties ordinance, we have registered approximately 127 properties for a sum of nearly $50,000 while holding the owners responsible for maintenance in the process.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
On August 5, the Zoning Board of Adjustment took action to advance the following matters:
Planning Board
On August 6, the Planning Board held an extensive hearing on the 'Gateway South' redevelopment at1340-1426 South Avenue & 1353 & 1355 East Seventh Street in furtherance of the Redevelopment Plan approved by City Council on April 13.
This application includes a minor subdivision, as well as preliminary and final site plan approval to consolidate 11 lots, and construct two (2) four-story residential apartment buildings totaling 212 units (114 units in one building, 98 units in the second building).
This application is the largest market-rate residential application filed in the city in at least 20 years. The development will contain 302 parking spaces, including 87 in first floor garages. On site amenities include an indoor fireplace with group seating, an outdoor patio with benches and outdoor grill area, indoor community room, a theatre, a dog run enclosure, a health and fitness area, a virtual gymnasium, key card entrances, inside lobby, business and postal areas, bike racks, a 'bike-share' program, and additional storage areas for the residents. The applicant also agreed to maintain Plainwood Square Park in perpetuity, and make an annual donation of $10,000 for park maintenance.
This development will remove existing 'blighted' conditions including vacant structures, and provide for new up-scale housing that does not currently exist in Plainfield. The city believes that this development will be the catalyst for similar highly 'amenitized' apartments that millennials and empty nester' generations are craving, and are being discussed with other developers for properties along the commercial/mixed-use corridors of the city.
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Division of Parks and Recreation is Working for our Youth and Seniors
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Hooked on Fishing not Drugs Program
Join the Division of Parks and Recreation for the " Hooked on Fishing not Drugs" program at Cedar Brook Park Pond every Saturday in August. The goal of New Jersey's program is to encourage school-aged children to avoid tobacco, drug and alcohol usage by providing alternative activities that involve learning to fish, appreciating aquatic and environmental resources, and developing positive life skills. The program will provide students with access to extracurricular outlets that utilize New Jersey's incredible outdoor recreational assets. Freeholder Linda Carter stopped by to try her hand at fishing.
Newark Museum Trip
Plainfield Active Older Adults traveled to the Newark Museum
to enjoy " Jazz in the Garden" with pianist Eric Reed. The next scheduled trip is to the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City.
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Plainfield Learning Center
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HISTORICAL PLACES OF NEW JERSEY STATE IN GOOGLE EARTH
John Green on Paper Towns and Why Learning is Awesome
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Plainfield Arts and Culture
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Community Appreciation Day
Second Street Youth Center Community Day
Service for Service Rummage Sale 
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Union County Update:
Union County Clerk Offers Training for Notaries Public
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Union County Press Release:
Union County, NJ - Due to overwhelming demand, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi has scheduled another special training session for persons who are interested in becoming a Notary Public, as well as Notaries who would like to hone and update their skills. The new session will be held on Friday, September 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Public Meeting Room at the County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, in Elizabeth. Coffee and a light breakfast will be served.
Attendance is by pre-registration only, with a nominal registration fee of $5.00. Attendance is limited to the first 75 persons to register by Friday, September 18.
"Notaries Public occupy a position of trust and integrity in our community, and this training session will help you engage in your duties as an impartial office of the State of New Jersey," said Rajoppi. "I encourage you to attend."
The two-hour session will begin with opening remarks and a review of the application process by Rajoppi. Union County Freeholder Vice Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, who is a partner at the law firm of Krevsky, Silber & Bergen, will present the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.
"When we held our first training session earlier this year, the demand far outstripped our capacity. It was a clear demonstration that County residents value this opportunity to learn and grow professionally, and I would like to thank Vice Chairman Bergen in advance for helping to make this additional session possible," said Rajoppi.
Registration forms are available online at ucnj.org/county-clerk/new-jersey-notary-training. To register, send the form and a check of $5.00 payable to "Union County Clerk" to:
Office of the Union County Clerk
2 Broad Street, Room 115
Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207
For more information, or to obtain a registration form by mail, contact Donna Connell at the County Clerk's office by Friday, September 18, at 908-527-4999 or [email protected]. Inquiries are also accepted by fax at 908-558-2589.
Details on all Union County Clerk programs and services are available online at ucnj.org/county-clerk.
Union County Clerk Offers Training for Notaries Public. (2015, August 12). Retrieved August 12, 2015, from http://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2015/08/12/union-county-clerk-offers-training-for-notaries-public/
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New Jersey State Update: Atlantic City Recovery Costs Reach $1.7 Million and Growing
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By Hilary Russ
NEW YORK (Reuters) - New Jersey is spending at least $1.7 million, more than twice as much as previously known, on professionals mainly from the audit firm Ernst & Young LLP (EY) to turn around distressed gambling hub Atlantic City.
The city's tax base shrank by two-thirds in five years because of casino competition from neighboring states, prompting Governor Chris Christie, now a 2016 Republican presidential candidate, to appoint emergency manager Kevin Lavin in January.
Under Lavin, EY [ERNY.UL] billed $1.25 million for its second phase of work, currently underway, to develop a long-term recovery strategy, according to documents obtained through a public records request. Costs could keep growing as consultants determine how to rebuild the city.
The level of spending on outside professionals for a distressed city is "unprecedented for New Jersey," said Rutgers University senior policy fellow Marc Pfeiffer, who served for 26 years in the state's local government oversight agency.
Christie's office said in a statement that Lavin and his team are "working diligently with Atlantic City and other stakeholders to identify the solutions that will assist the city in establishing long-term fiscal stability."
View gallerySlot machines line the sidewalk outside Trump Plaza …
Slot machines line the sidewalk outside Trump Plaza Casino awaiting collection from trucks in Atlant ...
EY said it "does not have any additional insights to share at this time."
The oceanfront resort had the highest U.S. metro foreclosure rate in the first half of 2015, and Atlantic County lost a larger percentage of jobs last year than any other big county in the nation.
In addition to the $1.25 million, EY has billed $250,000 for the first phase of work on a March report that detailed the city's dire finances but disclosed little that wasn't already revealed in previous studies.
Lavin's annual salary added another $135,000 to the tab. Kevyn Orr, the ex-emergency manager of formerly bankrupt Detroit, who worked with Lavin in Atlantic City until April, received about $70,000.
Lavin's office, however, missed its June goal to provide an updated plan.
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services cut the city's credit rating three notches deeper into junk territory, to 'B', earlier this month because of the lack of updates.
Lavin spokesman Bill Nowling said the goal is still to put the city on a secure financial footing and close a $101 million shortfall in this year's budget.
"Once that process is complete, the city will be in a position to present a long-term plan that is both realistic and financially sound," Nowling said in an email. "The timeline for this process is driven by work required to accomplish those aims."
(Reporting by Hilary Russ; Editing by Alan Crosby)
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Senator Cory Booker: On the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act
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President Obama: Reaffirming Our Commitment to Protecting the Right To Vote
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Published on Aug 8, 2015
In this week's address, the President celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act by underscoring the importance of one of the most fundamental rights of our democracy - that all of us are created equal and that each of us deserves a voice.
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Please have family and friends sign up to receive these important weekly updates. They can sign up by calling (908) 753-3310 and providing their email address.
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