 |
|
Last Tuesday evening, on July 28th, over 200 Plainfield residents came out and demonstrated their support of a Plainfield community forum entitled Healing, Opportunities, Possibilities, and Education (H.O.P.E.). I was moved by this forum which was packed with residents who, in the spirit of One Plainfield, offered positive suggestions that will truly help transform our city. We are working together to overcome the barriers and challenges that keep us from closing the gap between the community and law enforcement. The Administration will be holding follow-up meetings to address some of the outcomes from this successful community forum - Stay tuned.
We are all part of a wonderful tapestry in a community full of diverse, relevant, and beautiful experiences. Let's keep the momentum going and take advantage of another opportunity to come together on National Night Out scheduled for Tuesday evening, August 4, 2015 starting at 7pm on the Front steps of City Hall.
Let's continue
building a stronger and more engaged community with a quality of life that everyone desires and deserves.
My staff and I look forward to seeing you at National Night Out. Please take advantage of the information and resources presented in the pages of this week's newsletter.
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
|
|
Plainfield Community Forum: H.O.P.E.
|
The Administration,
in partnership with the Greater Central Jersey Clergy Association, held a community forum on Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at Rose of Sharon Community Church. The primary goal of the forum, entitled Healing, Opportunity, Possibilities, and Education (H.O.P.E.) was to encourage "togetherness" and elicit suggestions from residents on ways to overcome barriers and challenges that will help close the gap between the police and the community. The forum was moderated by Evangelist Dianne Keel Atkins. In addition to the Mayor, the panel of guest speakers included Dr. Gary Kirkwood; Public Affairs and Safety Director Carl Riley; Rev. David Rodriguez; and Mr. Carlos Ponton, a community advocate.
Plainfield residents came out in force and spoke of the positive work done by the Plainfield Police Division and the need for continued relationship building with the community. Some participants addressed the need for better communications from our school system, community service days, the strength in our diversity, and several other topics. The community forum will be airing very soon on PCTV.
|
|
 |
|
Plainfield National Night Out
|
National Night Out Caravan
On August 4, 2015, the City of Plainfield will come together to enjoy National Night Out events and activities. In addition to the activities and entertainment in the front of Plainfield City Hall, there will be the Mayor's National Night Out Caravan. I will be joined by the Governing Body and other elected officials as we drive through all four wards of Plainfield to greet all of our residents, as we make our way back to City Hall to start the National Night Out festivities!
|
|
| |
|
Plainfield Road Closure Notice
|
Park and Watchung Avenues Bridge Replacement Milestones and Road Closures
- 8/10/2015 - Close Gavett Place to begin erecting new bridges. NOTE: North Ave. will be closed to WB traffic (eastbound only) in order to avoid U-turns due to the closure of Gavett Place.
|
|
| |
PSE&G Offers Tips to Stay Cool and Safe As Heat and Humidity Rise
(NEWARK, NJ - July 28, 2015) Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G) offers simple and easy ways customers can stay cool and safe as temperatures and humidity rise during the season's third official heat wave.
The state's largest utility is also monitoring weather conditions and has additional personnel on hand to handle any power interruptions. PSE&G's call centers also have extra personnel on duty to speak with customers. And appliance service technicians stand ready to quickly respond to an influx of air conditioning repair calls.
To stay cool, safe and save energy, PSE&G recommends the following easy, simple steps:
- Use a programmable thermostat to set air conditioners to your daily and weekend schedule. Consider setting air conditioners to 78 degrees, health permitting.
- Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep the sun's heat out and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently.
- Use ceiling fans set in the counter-clockwise position to feel cooler when in a room.
- Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home. With central air, close off vents to unused rooms.
- Turn off everything you're not using: lights, TVs, computers, etc. Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
- Delay heat-producing tasks such as washing and drying laundry or dishes until later in the day, and wait until load is full.
- Refrain from using nonessential appliances. Unplug or use only when necessary an extra refrigerator in your garage.
- If you should lose power, NEVER use a portable generator inside your home or in close proximity to a home, business or enclosed space. Proper ventilation is required. Improperly used generators can produce deadly carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, tasteless gas that can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms.
PJM, the regional grid operator, expects to have sufficient power supplies available to meet the increased demand for electricity. PSE&G expects today's electric demand to reach 8,905 megawatts, with demand increasing tomorrow as temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-90s.
If you experience a power outage, it is important that you call PSE&G's Customer Service line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Customers who are registered with My Account can also report power outages online. To do so, Log In now or register. During this extreme weather, follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/psegdelivers.
|
|
| |
|
Economic Development Update
|
Community Development Programs
CHAP Program
Another quality job being started for one of our residents under our Comprehensive Housing Assistance Program (CHAP). Please see next week's newsletter for the finished photos. See flyer for details of this program.
|
|
|
|
Administration and Finance Update
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Public Affairs and Safety Update
|
Heat Advisory
The National Weather Service has announced a heat advisory for our area. Above normal temperatures are expected with afternoon highs in the mid-to upper-90's which will lead to dangerous heat index values of 100 degrees Fahrenheit to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Please take precaution, with special concern for children and the elderly.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp has announced that the Senior Center (400 East Front Street) will be opened as a cooling station during the summer whenever there is a heat wave. Additionally, the YMCA (518 Watchung Avenue) has also been designated as a cooling station. Anyone experiencing challenges with heat can report to any one of these cooling station.
|
|
|
|
Department of Public Works and Urban Development Update
|
Brush and yard waste collection continues through the summer months
Remember to follow these rules:
- Place leaves and yard waste at curb loose or in biodegradable paper bags ONLY. Plastic bags will not be picked up.
- DO NOT contaminate with litter, dirt, grass, garbage or any other foreign objects.
- Grass will not be picked up at any time during the program.
- DO NOT MIX BAGS WITH BUNDLED BRUSH!!!
- Mixed leaves and brush will not be picked up.
- Brush/branches must be less than four (4) feet long. All brush/branches must be bundled tied in groups no heavier than 50 pounds each.
- Unbundled brush WILL NOT BE COLLECTED.
- Nothing should be placed at the curb more than 24 hours prior to pick up. Have items out by 7am of your collection day at the latest.
Potholes can be reported using our hotline at 908-753-3427
The Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program is in full swing
Plainfield's youth are learning valuable lessons in many areas and are helping to improve the quality of life in the city. Young men and women are assisting Public Works staff with:
- Litter removal.
- Park maintenance.
- Painting of curbing 'YELLOW' for traffic enforcement.
- Painting of Fire hydrants.
- Removal of advertisements on utility poles.
Summer Parking Enforcement hours for the downtown business districts are in effect:
- Monday through Wednesday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Thursday 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturdays 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sundays and Holidays are free
- For more information please call the Parking Bureau at 908-753-3426.
Update on the Mayors light up the city campaign
- Over 190 light outages were reported since the program started in early spring.
- 52 new light fixtures have been added to poorly lit areas to assist with Public Safety concerns.
- Residents can report light outage by calling the Division of Public Works at 908-753-3427. When possible, please provide a pole number that is located on a metal strip attached to the pole or nearest property address.
For additional information on any of the programs listed above, you may call the Public Works office at 908-753-3427 or visit us at the Public works yard 745 South Ave. Office hours are Monday through Friday 7:00AM to 3:30PM.
|
|
|
Jersey Job Club
The Jersey Job Club gives you the tools and support you need to find a job. We'll 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 Veterans Affairs (VA)
The VA is responsible for the overseeing the operation of a nationwide system of hospitals, clinics, regional offices, data processing centers, etc. that require a variety of goods and services. These goods and services are purchased on a national and regional level as well as on a local level from small businesses. At this seminar, we'll cover:
- Best Ways to Market and Sell Your Products/Services
- Bidding Opportunities
Learn what opportunities are available for your business with the VA at this event.
Date: August 6, 2015 @ 8:30 am -
1:00 pm
Location:
1085 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 United States
Click Here for More Information
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
|
|
|
|
Division of Parks and Recreation is Working for our Youth and Seniors
|
A group of 30 Active Older Adults traveled with the Division of Parks and Recreation to attend the Celebration of the 50
th
Anniversary of the Older Americans Act, which was hosted by the Union County Division on Aging and the Union Senior Center. Our seniors had the opportunity to interact with United State Senator, Cory Booker.
Recreation Programs
Click on any of the links below to learn more about these exciting recreation programs.
Teen Trips
Swimming Lessons
Rep Your Pool
Movie Night Thursdays
Hooked on Fishing
Soul Line Dancing
Please join the Plainfield Division of Parks and Recreation for the "FREE" Soul Line Dancing class, every Wednesday at the Plainfield Senior Center 6:30pm.
|
|
|
|
Plainfield Learning Center
|
How is Power Divided in the United States Government?
|
|
|
|
Plainfield Arts and Culture
|
Jazz in the Sanctuary
Union County Summer Concert Series Good Vibrations (Beach Boys Tribute) Wednesday, August 5, 2015 @ 7PM Echo Lake Park, Mountainside, NJ
|
|
|
Union County Update:
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
|
Excerpt from Press Release:
SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ - The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will sponsor a Household Special Waste Collection event on Saturday, August 1, so Union County residents can get rid of outdated or unwanted household chemicals, mercury thermostats, propane tanks, and automobile tires in an environmentally safe manner. The household hazardous waste collection will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools campus, 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains, near the John H. Stamler Police Academy.
Residents of Union County are eligible to participate at no cost. Pre-registration is not required for this special Saturday collection.
Click Here to Read Entire Press Release
Union County. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in Scotch Plains, August 1. Ucnj.org. N.p., 22 July 2015. Web. 29 July 2015. <http://ucnj.org/press-releases/public-info/2015/07/22/household-hazardous-waste-collection-event-in-scotch-plains-august-1/>.
|
|
|
|
New Jersey State Update: Avoid Dangers of Extreme Heat
|
NJ Health Officials Urge Residents to Avoid Dangers of Extreme Heat
With temperatures expected to reach into 90s over the next few days, the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging residents to take steps to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
"Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and heat exhaustion can also require hospital care," said Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd. "In extremely hot weather, it is vital to drink plenty of fluids, spend time in cool places and reduce or reschedule any physical activity. And please remember to check on elderly family members and neighbors to make sure they are safe." Prolonged heat and humidity can present a serious health hazard, especially for young children, the elderly and persons taking certain medications.
To avoid health complications from excessive heat:
- Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
- Make sure children and the elderly are drinking water, and ensure that persons with mobility problems have adequate fluids in easy reach.
- Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays
- Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB protection
- If you do not have air conditioning, spend time in air-conditioned places such as libraries, movies, malls or other public buildings during the hottest hours of the day. Check with your municipality to see if cooling centers are available.
- Wear loose and light-colored clothing. Wear a hat when outdoors.
- Avoid any outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day. Reduce physical activity or reschedule it for cooler times of the day (early morning or evening).
- Don't leave children, a frail elderly or disabled person, or pets in an enclosed car -- not even for a minute -- as temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels.
- Talk to your health care provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications -- such as tranquilizers and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease -- can increase the risk of heat-related illness.
People suffering heatstroke can go from appearing normal to extremely ill in a matter of minutes. Victims may have hot, dry skin, a high body temperature of 106 degrees or more, an absence of sweat, and a rapid and strong pulse. Victims may become delirious or unconscious. Persons suffering from heatstroke need immediate medical attention.
Heat exhaustion is a milder illness that may take several days of high temperatures to develop. Victims may have pale, clammy skin and sweat profusely. They may feel tired, weak or dizzy and have headaches or sometimes cramps, but their body temperature will remain close to normal.
"Department of Health | NJ Health Officials Urge Residents to Avoid Dangers of Extreme Heat." Department of Health | NJ Health Officials Urge Residents to Avoid Dangers of Extreme Heat. N.p., 20 July 2015. Web. 29 July 2015. <http://www.nj.gov/health/news/2015/approved/20150720.html>.
|
|
|
|
Senator Cory Booker: Changing America 1 on 1
|
|
|
|
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker joins Maria Teresa Kumar on Changing America to discuss criminal justice reform, inequality in America, and reaching across the aisle to tackle some of America's biggest issues.
|
|
|
|
The White House Hosts a Community Policing Forum
|
|
The White House and the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) host a Community Policing Forum, to discuss and share best practices on the implementation of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing recommendations.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
