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It has been a very busy and productive week at City Hall.
One of the leaders who influenced and shaped who I am as a person is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we celebrate Dr. King's birthday we should all take time to reflect on his life and legacy.
Below are updates from my administration as well as other useful information. Let's continue to serve our community, in the spirit of Dr. King, as we strive to move Plainfield forward.
Creating,
One Plainfield - One Future
 Mayor Adrian O. Mapp City of Plainfield
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First Lady Michelle Obama - African-American Community ACA Week of Action
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The White House Office of Public Engagement issued an invitation to join a conference call with First Lady Michelle Obama to discuss the benefits of the Affordable Care Act for the African-American community. Mrs. Obama highlighted the important work organizations have done to date within the African-American community during the current open enrollment period, which closes February 15, 2015.
- Because of everyone's hard work to date, millions of Americans have health insurance, some of them for the very first time. This is particularly true within the African American community.
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There has been real progress on this issue of health insurance for all Americans. In the last year alone, the uninsured rate among African Americans dropped by 30% -
a 30% drop in just one year.
- There are still millions of people without health insurance in our communities and we must work hard between now and the open enrollment deadline of February 15, 2015 to identify them.
- All of our community leaders are urged to raise their voices to reach our communities, congregations, and networks to have people enroll as soon as possible.
- For the people who enrolled the last time around - make sure you visit www.healthcare.gov or you can call our very own Plainfield ACA Navigator at 973-500-6031 to review your plan options to possibly reduce your premiums by shopping for possible savings.
My administration cares deeply for the well being of our residents. If you have any questions or concerns, call our Plainfield ACA Navigator at 973-500-6031.
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U.S. Department of Labor Update - Conference Call with Secretary of Labor, Thomas Perez
One of the most important issues facing the nation and the City of Plainfield is employment. As we all know so well, many Plainfield residents have been challenged with the task of finding employment over the past several years. However, the unemployment rate has dropped nationally and in Plainfield. Below are key updates as presented by the Secretary of Labor, Thomas Perez:
- The labor market lost 4.5 million jobs in the year before President Obama took office in 2009.
- 2014 was a real turning point in the labor market.
- Job growth started in early 2010 and there has been almost five consecutive years of private sector job growth.
- Growth - Nearly a quarter million jobs per month on average in 2014 for a total of nearly three million added over the past year - the fastest pace of job growth since 1999.
- The national unemployment rate is now down 5.6%.
I'm proud to note that Plainfield's unemployment rate has shown vast improvement, dropping 4.6 percent from Jan. 2014 to Nov. 2014. My administration will continue to focus on improving this important quality of life issue for Plainfield residents through our partnerships with the New Jersey Department of Labor, Edison Job Corp, US Postal Service, FedEx, and the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick. Stay tuned for further job fairs and announcements.
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The President's Executive Order on Immigration - Seminar
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Announcement - Date Change
New Date - January 28, 2015
My administration will keep residents connected with federal issues that impact our Plainfield families. On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced an
executive order on immigration. This executive order can have a profound impact on some of the over 40% Latino population here in the City of Plainfield.
I am proud to announce my administration will be holding a free seminar on:
The President's Executive Order on Immigration
Topics to be covered include the following:
- Who is eligible for a work permit
- Parents of U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA)
- Changes to DREAMERS -Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Avoiding illegal and unscrupulous people and organizations
- Preparing a timely application
When: January 28, 2015 Time: 7PM Where: City Hall Library - 515 Watchung Ave., Plainfield, NJ 07060 |
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Putting Plainfield on the Mapp
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Governor's State of the State Address Reception:
Interview
On Tuesday, January 13 2015, I attended a reception prior to the 2015 State of the State Address. Among the attendees were: elected officials, business leaders, labor leaders, and policymakers. I was asked by NJ Advanced Media to participate in an interview. During this interview, I had the opportunity to share with viewers some of the wonderful things that are going on in Plainfield, such as: economic development, fiscal improvements, and a reduction in crime.
Click here to to watch this video interview.
New Jersey League of Municipalities Appointment
On January 6, 2015, the League Executive Board appointed me to the League's Legislative Committee for 2015. My appointment is key to the formulation of the League's position on legislative proposals - these proposals may impact Plainfield and surrounding municipalities. Stay tuned for further updates.
Plainfield Fire Officers Association (FOA) Award I recently received an award from the Plainfield Fire Officers Association. I am honored to have received this award from this wonderful organization. However, I believe the men and women who serve our great City of Plainfield everyday by getting in harm's way to protect us - should be the ones receiving this award. Thank you, for all that you do everyday to serve the residents of Plainfield.
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Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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 As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr , I believe it is prudent for all of us to take some time to reflect on Dr. King's accomplishments by celebrating his life and legacy. Now more than ever, his words "I have a dream" not only bears weight in light of what we have witnessed nationally, but also for events that have unfolded around the globe. There will be various events honoring Dr. King in Plainfield over the weekend through next week: Activities celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: - 1/17/2015: Hubbard Middle School MLK Day of Service sponsored by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The program runs from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm; it includes a coat drive from 11 - 12:45 pm and a talent hunt from 1 - 3 pm. There will be performances by Inspira Performing Arts Academy, Maximum Athletics and The New Jersey Orators. Free books will be given to all students in attendance at the close of the program. Hubbard Middle School is located at 661 West 8th Street, Plainfield.
- 1/17/2015: 7th Annual Potluck and canned food drive hosted by First Lady Amelia and Mayor Mapp at their home, 535 West 8th Street, starting at 5:30 pm. Bring a dish to share along with some canned goods and other non-perishables to be donated to a local food bank. The entire community is invited.
- 1/18/2015: Greater Central Jersey Clergy Association Annual Dr. MLK, Jr. Worship Service, at the Greater Refuge Church of Christ, 600 Grant Avenue, starting at 5:00 pm. The host Pastor is Bishop N. Leon Harrell and the keynote speaker is renowned preacher, Reverend Dana P. Owens, Pastor of the Messiah Baptist Church of East Orange.
- 1/19/2015: The 39th Annual Frontiers Breakfast at the Plainfield High School Cafeteria and Auditorium; the keynote speaker is the Honorable Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark NJ. The breakfast begins at 8:30 am followed by the official program in the auditorium.
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Public Affairs and Safety Update
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Letter of Support from Senator Booker
Your safety is paramount to my administration. Acquiring updated equipment and technology is key to this objective. The Public Affairs and Safety department recently applied for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). This grant will allow our 105 Plainfield firefighters to acquire updated equipment that is greatly needed. Our administration received a letter of support from Senator Booker to help our Plainfield Fire Department meet their operational needs and to assist them in keeping the City of Plainfield safe. I thank Senator Booker and his office for their support.
Quality of Life Issues - Park Avenue
My administration is working on solutions to help improve the quality of life issues that are occurring on Park Avenue between 5th and 7th Streets. Director of Public Affairs and Safety, Carl Riley, designated this area to be a daily mandatory post between the hours 9:00am through 10:00pm until further notice. Officers have been instructed to keep any crowds moving, positively engage the residents and business owners and take any appropriate enforcement actions as deemed necessary. Officers will only leave the area in the event of an extreme emergency and upon supervisory approval. We will continue to monitor this area and will adjust accordingly.
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Economic Development Update
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Community Development
 I am pleased to announce that the Office of Community Development will be holding a First Time Homebuyers Seminar. This seminar is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2015 (snow date 3/28/15) at the City Hall Library from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. Please call Elaine S. Dunn-Brown @ 908-753-3610 to register.Comprehensive Home Assistance Program (CHAP) In an effort to help improve quality of life issues, such as housing - during calendar year 2014, the CHAP program completed the rehabilitation of Eight (8) Single Family dwellings. All 8 dwellings were low to moderate income, 5 were female heads of households, and 1 homeowner was elderly. There are three additional cases underway and will be completed this year.
Safe Housing and Transportation Program (SHTP) - Grants available to qualifying senior citizens, aged 60 years or older, and will help in the following areas: - Plumbing and electrical
- Grab bar installation
- Structural or sidewalk repairs
23 senior households were served during 2014. All 23 senior households were low to moderate income. Stay tuned for further Community Development updates.
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Department of Public Works & Urban Development Update
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Recreation
Volunteer Recruitment for Plainfield's Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs Program (HOFNOD). Fishing is an activity that can be started at any age by any person regardless of gender, physical size or athletic ability. Fishing can also be enjoyed individually or with family and friends. A great way to introduce youth to fishing is through the "Hooked On Fishing - Not On Drugs" (HOFNOD) Program.
If you are interested in volunteering -
Click here for more information
Or you can contact the Recreation Division at [email protected] or by calling (908) 753-3097. Division of Public Works
Holiday Tree Collection: January-2nd - January 30th:
Residents can place their holiday trees at the curbside for pickup.
Crews are currently picking up in sections 1,2,3,4
Residents can bring their leaves, brush and holiday trees to the Public Works Yard located at 745 South Ave during regular business hours Monday thru Friday 8:am-2:30PM. No grass will be accepted.
Pothole repairs: Potholes are a year-round problem, the repeated periods of freezing and thawing during the winter months are especially hard on the pavement. Public Works crews report potholes when they find them while going about their regular duties. Residents may report potholes by calling the Division of Public Works at 908-753-3427. Please leave a message giving the location of the porthole as precisely as possible (street name, nearest cross street, side of street, etc.). The phone line is available 24 hours per day (response will be during normal business hours). Stump removal:
Crews are working in the 1st Ward removing stumps that are located in the City's right of ways, only. Residents may call the Division of Public Works at 908-753-3427 to report a stump that is located between the sidewalk and curb area.
Planning Division
- Reviewed five applications for development- at various stages of submission.
- Assisted a developer with Historic Preservation federal tax credit program.
- Reviewed the final Elmwood Gardens redevelopment plan, and the draft South Avenue redevelopment plan.
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Developed a new City of Plainfield Map indicating census tracts, voting districts and ward boundary changes.
Division of Inspections
The Division of inspections is hard at work for the residents of Plainfield. I will note, the division is currently working closely with the office of Economic Development, Public Affairs and Safety, Corporation Counsel, and Zoning, as they continue the following:
- Answer citizen complaints in a timely manner.
- Identify unsafe structures for demolition.
- Issue notices of violation in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code.
- Assist Corporation Counsel to establish a proper legal course of action towards unsafe structures.
- Continue to refer summonses to the Municipal Housing Court for violators.
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Taste of Plainfield
There is an exciting event planned for downtown Plainfield that will showcase our diverse culture, here in the City of Plainfield.
The Taste of Plainfield will give attendees the opportunity to sample foods from across the globe and will allow local Plainfield restaurants to promote their businesses. We look forward to seeing you at the Taste of Plainfield!
Date: January 21, 2015
Location: PNC Bank
202 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060
Time: 6:30PM
Plainfield Symphony Society One of the cultural gems here in the City of Plainfield is the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra - the oldest symphony in the state of New Jersey. There is some fun scheduled to warm up our winter months. We invite you to join the Plainfield Symphony Society for the After Dinner Dance later this month.
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10th Annual American Heart Association Day
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Health Screenings
Join me in City Hall on Wednesday, February 18th for a free B/P, Cholesterol, Glucose, and Stroke risk Screenings. Dress in red! Refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, February 18, 2014 12:00pm - 2:00pm City Hall Library 515 Watchung Ave. Plainfield, NJ Click here for more information
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Stay warm and have a great weekend!
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