On May 6, 2015, I was surrounded by 50 proud students from Maxson Middle School during the grand opening of the Plainfield-Maxson Community Garden.  Superintendent Anna Belin-Pyles and Dr. Davenport, Principal, helped me officiate this event. The Plainfield-Maxson Community Garden is a partnership between the City of Plainfield and Maxson Middle School. The students of the Maxson S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program have planted a wide range of produce in this community garden, located off Berkeley Terrace.  I am proud of the students who conducted the research. They have learned the importance of agriculture in an urban setting and how the benefits of healthy eating can be shared with the entire community.

On Thursday, May 7, 2015, eight students from Plainfield High School, including two seniors who have been accepted to four year colleges, and six juniors came to City Hall to participate in the Mayor's Cabinet Shadow Mentoring Program.  This is an excellent opportunity for Plainfield students to get exposure to city government and my administration.  Throughout the day the students met and learned about the following departments and divisions: Office of the Mayor, Corporation Counsel, Economic Development, Community Development, Department of Public Works and Urban Development, Department of Administration and Finance, Plainfield Action Services, W.I.C., Health Officer, Information Technology and the Municipal Clerk's Office.  

The students were also exposed to my administration's strategic plan that focuses on economic development, public affairs and safety, getting our financial house in order and quality of life issues.  The students observed a meeting with my Chief of Staff and representatives of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as they gear up for their joint job fair scheduled for May 20, 2015.  The students learned about the importance and need for strategic partnerships that will help Plainfielders get back to work, and the importance of logistics and planning for such an event.  

The students were not the only ones who learned something on this day... we were "schooled" on social media.  Only one of the eight students use Facebook, while the other six use Twitter.  We also had an opportunity to talk about the events that have unfolded in the City of Baltimore and the rest of the country.   They recognize the injustice and want to help pave the way in finding solutions that benefit all and justice that works for everyone.  This partnership with the Plainfield School system will continue throughout the years. We look forward to giving our young students opportunities for exposure to municipal government.

Please note the roadway closure schedule for Park Avenue and Watchung Avenue:

• Watchung Avenue - April 20 through July 20 (approximately 3 months)

Current Economic Development Initiatives

The Office of Economic Development is still offering free websites for your business through Google.  The Get Your Business On-Line (GYBO) Program is still looking for additional businesses to take advantage of this fantastic program which allows for the creation of a  "FREE" website for a year.  Please contact the office of Economic Development for additional details and for individual assistance in creating your new website. 

 The City of Plainfield Loan Fund Program, a public/private initiative with RBAC, is available to help Finance Small Business Growth & Development in the City.  Loan funds between $5,000 to $250,000 are available for start-up and/ or existing businesses for the development of commercial real estate, inventory, equipment, furniture, marketing and working capital.   For additional details, visit the City's website at www.plainfieldnj.gov or call the office of ED at 908-226-2513. 

 

 

Sign and Facade Program

We remind business owners that funds are still available from the Sign & Façade Grant Program. The program provides funding for the improvement and replacement of storefront signs and façade including new security gates, windows, awnings, entrances etc.  The Urban Enterprise Zone (UEPZ) Sign and Façade Program provides a  75% reimbursement of total project cost, up to a maximum of $25,000 per client.  Take advantage of this great program to help improve your store front today.  Applications are available on line or at the office of Economic Development.  For additional information call 908-226-2513. To qualify, you must be a member of the UEZ (Urban EnterpriseZone). 

 

Community Development

Initiatives

• The Safe Housing and Transportation Program is accepting applications for qualifying Senior Citizens, aged 60 and older. For more information or to get an application - call the Office of Community Development: 908-753-3610

• Comprehensive Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) applications are available for deferred, interest free loans (up to $ 25,000) that will be used for the rehabilitation of owner-occupied, one, two and three family homes. (Contact our office for more details)

• Service Provider Directories are still available in English and Spanish. Please pick up your copy today. Call our office for details or view online.

*Attention Service Providers: If you would like to be included in our updated Service Providers Directory or require a modification of the existing information,

please complete the attached form and submit it to the Office of Community Development, Room 205, City Hall or email it to:  

[email protected] or [email protected]