From Plainfield City Hall
  Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
One Plainfield.  One Future.
 
My administration and I have been engaged in a number of productive activities that keeps Plainfield moving forward.

 This week we place a spotlight on the following areas:
  • PSEG Ambassador Program Honors Black History Month
  • Education Mayor's Playbook
  • Economic Development Update
  • Department of Public Works and Urban Development Update
  • Administration and Finance Update
  • Public Affairs and Safety Update
  • Arts and Culture
  • Resources

Creating One Plainfield - One Future,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
PSEG's Ambassador Program Honors Black History Month    
MAYOR MAPP PSEG AABE
MAYOR MAPP - PSEG Ambassador Program Honors Black History Month 

 

On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, I was honored to be one four New Jersey Mayors invited to serve as a panelist for the Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) Company's Black History Month Ambassador Program. Joining me at the table were Mayor Angela Garretson of Hillside, Mayor Lester Taylor of East Orange and Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark.  We had the opportunity to discuss, from a mayoral perspective, critical issues facing cities and towns in New Jersey, Black History in America, and the importance of public service. A question and answer session was held at the end of the discussion. Please click on the video for my opening remarks at the roundtable.

 

 
The Education Mayor's Online Playbook
I am doing my part in helping to secure a good education for the children of Plainfield by collaborating with our local Board of Education members and the Superintendent to ensure our children perform up to their potential.   

I encourage you to keep abreast of the Education Mayor's Online Playbook through your reading of the Educational Excellence Task Force's report and the reports provided by the Mayors of Albuquerque, NM, Arlington, TX, Kansas City, MO, and Louisville, KY.

 
Look Next Week for the Final Part of the Education Mayor's Online Playbook.
Economic Development Update
New Businesses are Opening and Transforming Downtown
Ribbon Cutting - Farmers Insurance   
I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of the Farmers Insurance Financial Services Company on Monday, February 23, 2015.  The company, located at 110 East Fourth Street, offers the following financial products: auto, home, life, business, renters, motorcycle, recreational and umbrella products.  If you have any questions, please call the company's office at 908-205-8822, or visit their website.  Please join me in welcoming Farmers Insurance to the City of Plainfield and remember, "think global but shop local."

Click Here to Visit Farmers Insurance Plainfield Website 

Office of Community Development Event
The Office of Community Development, in conjunction with Queen City Realty & Jersey Mortgage Company, will present Opening Doors...Your Key to Homeownership and More!, a seminar for first time homebuyers.  The seminar will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2015, at the City Hall Library. Join us and get the answers you need to make informed decisions about buying your first home. Space is limited.  To register, please contact the Office of Community Development, Elaine S. Dunn-Brown, Director, at 908-753-3610.
Service Provider's Meeting
 The Office of Community Development held their Service Provider's meeting on February 24th.There were thirty participants. The networking meeting  provides a forum for the exchanging of ideas and an opportunity to share current information between Plainfield's Service Providers. Numerous programs were explained and upcoming events, that are sure to enrich the lives of Plainfield residents, were discussed.

Department of Public Works Update
Planning Board Updates
As you know, economic development is crucial in helping Plainfield reach its potential.  My administration has been working closely with the Planning Board to help fulfill our goal to bring economic development to our city. 

To that end, I am please to share the following:
  • At the February 19th Planning Board meeting, the board adopted a resolution recommending that City Council adopt a new re-development plan for 1340-1426 South Avenue, across Old South Avenue from Plainwood Square Park.  The re-development plan calls for the City to vacate Old South Avenue in order to make way for a new residential development, with 212 potential units being permitted.  This area is the eastern corridor of Plainfield, and it is imperative that we be prepared to take advantage of the "One Seat Ride" to NYC.  The plan now proceeds to the City Council for their March and April meetings and a public hearing.  Any designated developer will then be able to submit site plans to the Planning Board for development.
  • NJ Future has notified us that the City of Plainfield has been selected as one of 12 finalists for a Smart Growth Award. The Planning Division nominated the new Transit Oriented Development zone centered around the Netherwood Train Station.  This zone has attracted the eyes of many developers as the city seeks to invigorate South Avenue with new mixed-use commercial/residential development. The plan is to transform the underutilized, former industrial buildings on North Avenue to a vibrant, moderate, and density mixed use residential/commercial area.  We will keep you apprised of NJ Future's final decision.
  • The Planning Board granted site plan approval to expand an existing childcare center at the corner of East Fifth Street and Roosevelt Avenue (Step One Academy) from 5 classrooms/79 children to 10 classrooms/ 162 children.  The applicant also agreed to make a number of site improvements in the areas of parking, landscaping and signage.
  • The Planning Board granted relief from city development standards to convert 7,300 square feet of vacant space in an existing warehouse to an automobile repair facility (Progressive Auto) at 1652 South Second Street.  The applicant is required to provide customer parking, a screened outdoor storage area, and improved landscaping including provision of street trees. It is important to note that this was a vacant facility that will now become a new business and add to our growing business community.
  • The Shade Tree Commission (STC) submitted their required 2014 Annual Accomplishment Report as part of the Community Forestry Management Plan.  This plan is the master plan for all shade tree planting/removal polices.  An approved plan provides for both the STC grant opportunities with the NJDEP Urban Forestry program and the city protection from potential lawsuits due to hazardous tree related damage/injuries.
Department of Administration and Finance Update
Tax Collection Reminders

2014 PROPERTY TAX REIMBURSEMENT (SENIOR FREEZE)

I have a great appreciation for our Plainfield seniors who are engaged in our community and passionate about moving Plainfield forward. There may be opportunities for savings or tax reimbursements for our seniors and my administration will do its part to ensure our seniors can take advantage of them.    

The Property Tax Reimbursement (Senior Freeze) program reimburses qualified applicants for the property tax increases they incur each year.

Applicants must continue to meet all the income eligibility and residency requirements and must file an application each year to receive the reimbursement.

The qualifications are as follows:

  • You must have been age 65 or older as of December 31, 2013, OR receiving federal Social Security disability benefits as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014. You do NOT qualify if the Federal Social Security disability benefits you or your spouse /civil union partner were receiving were on behalf of someone else; and
  • You must have lived in New Jersey continuously since December 31, 2003 or earlier as either a homeowner or renter; and
  • You must have owned and lived in your home since December 31, 2010; and
  • Your total annual income must have been no more than $84,289.00 for 2013 and $85,553.00 for 2014

The deadline for filing the application is June 1, 2015

There is a form in the application that needs to be filled out by the Tax Office. That form is PTR-1A for first time filers and form PTR-2A for applicants who received reimbursement checks for 2013 in 2014.

If there are any questions please call the following phone numbers:

For questions: State of New Jersey 1-800-882-6597 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday,except holidays)

City of Plainfield Tax Office 908-753-3214 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday, except holidays)

The Homestead Benefit and Property Tax Reimbursement ("Senior Freeze") Programs are separate programs and separate applications must be filed every year for each program.  As of February 26, 2015 the applications for the Homestead Benefit program have not been sent out by the State of New Jersey.

Plainfield Health Officer - Is Your Pet Licensed? IT'S THE LAW!

It is the law that all dogs and cats seven months of age or older are required to be licensed each calendar year. In order for the license to be issued, the owner must present proof that a licensed veterinarian has vaccinated your pet against rabies. Licenses can be issued in person or by mail. Either option requires the individual to provide:

  • Proof of Spay or Neuter (if done)
  • Proof of Current Rabies Vaccination
    • License Fees
      • Spay or Neutered Dog or Cat         $15.20
      • Non-Neutered Dog or Cat              $18.20

 

IS YOUR FOOD-RELATED BUSINESS LICENSED? IT'S REQUIRED!

All Food-Related Business Establishments doing business in the City of Plainfield must be licensed and certified to sell and/or handle food. Fees vary and are determined by the type of business and square footage. Contact the Plainfield Health Division to obtain your license.

THE ABOVE TYPES OF LICENSES CAN BE OBTAINED AT:

CITY HALL ANNEX BUILDING, 510 WATCHUNG AVENUE.

Pet Licenses                     1st Floor           (908) 753-3093

Retail Food Licenses       2nd Floor         (908) 753-3092

 

Public Affairs and Safety Update
Plainfield Fire Division Promotions
As you know, Public Safety is the conerstone of my administration.  I am please to announce, on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, The Plainfield Fire Division celebrated the  Swearing-In at a Promotional Ceremony for Walter Thompson and Thomas Scalera.  I swore in Battalion Chief Thompson and Captain Scalera in a ceremony held at the City Hall Library.  I appreciate the efforts of our men and women who serve to protect and keep our residents out of harms way, and the sacrifices of their families. 
Workforce Development
Arts and Culture
Plainfield Symphony Orchestra  

The Plainfield Symphony's 95th Season opens with the presentation of
 "Bernstein on Broadway" at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28th, 2015, featuring special guest Jamie Bernstein, conductor Charles Prince, Grammy Nominee Alexander Silber and Will Reynolds. The program includes symphonic dances and vocal selections from Westside Story, On the Town, Wonderful Town, and Candide.

  


Jazz in the Sanctuary 
Featuring the James Weidman Quintet and Vocalist Ruth Naomi Floyd
When: February 28, 2015
Time: 4:00PM
Where: Shiloh Baptist Church
515-517 West 4th Street
Plainfield, NJ 07060

For More Information Call: 908-754-3353 or

duCret School of Art - 36th Annual High School Art Show
Come and view a great art exhibit from New Jersey high school students in their junior and senior years.  Art categories include:  Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Pastel, Pencil, Pen & Ink, Printmaking, Serigraph, Mixed Media, Traditional & Digital photography and Graphic Art. [No hand crafts, sculpture or pottery] Prizes will be awarded at the reception.

Date: Friday, February 27th 
Time: 7pm - 9 pm 
Location: duCret School of Art (auditorium) 
1030 Central Ave Plainfield, NJ 07060  
(908) 757-7171

NEW CHILDREN'S LIBRARY HOURS

The Children's Library will now open at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday. 
Resources
Myths and Facts About Taxes

Tax season can be a confusing time of year. However, if you're informed with a few basic facts, you'll be able to resolve certain questions on your own.

The following myths and facts will help you with the tax filing process.

  • Myth: If you're new to the United States, you don't have to file a tax return.
  • Fact: Taxes are not related to immigration status. You must file taxes if you live in the United States and if your annual income reaches a specified amount, among other requirements (video).
  • Myth: If you don't have a Social Security number, you don't need to file taxes.
  • Fact: Taxes are not dependent on Social Security numbers. If you don't qualify for a Social Security number, you must request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)to file taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues ITINs to residents and foreigners.
  • Myth: The IRS will call to say you owe money and demand a prompt payment.
  • Fact: If this happens, it could be a scam. The IRS does not request payments over the phone or by e-mail. If the IRS does need to get in touch, you will receive an official letter in the mail.
  • Myth: You don't need to declare tips as part of your income on your tax return.
  • Fact: Any tips you earn must be reported. If you're an employee and you earn more than $20 in tips a month, report it to your employer so federal income, Social Security and other taxes can be withheld. If your tips total less than $20 per month, they don't need to be reported to your employer, but must still be declared on your return.
  • Myth: If you don't file a tax return, the IRS will do it for you.
  • Fact: You must file your own tax return. The IRS doesn't prepare returns for any taxpayer. You will be considered a tax liability if you don't file, and the IRS may impose penalties if you don't pay before the deadline.

  


AARP Tax Preparation
AARP tax counselors will provide our members with free tax appointments from Monday, February 2nd to Wednesday, April 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Call 908-753-3506 for an
appointment.

Bring the following to your appointment:
* 2013 federal and state income tax return if you filed
* 2014 federal and state income tax  booklet
* 1099 SSA and/or 1099 Forms
* W-2 Forms per employer
* 1098 Form if you own a mortgage
* Social Security card for all dependents
* ID for anyone ages 18 and over.
* All child care and dependent care provider info, including employer's name, SS # or EIN #.
* Your 2014 Tax Receipt
* All rent receipts or total annual rent paid if you are a tenant.

If you're interested in having a PTR done, please have your proof of taxes paid completed by the City Hall Tax Office prior to making an appointment.
  

This America Saves Week: Take Action to Improve Your Financial Situation
By Katie Bryan, America Saves Communications Director.

  

America Saves Week, February 24 - March 1, 2014, is a time to review your finances, decide what you want to save for, and set up a system that will allow you to save automatically. That's why the America Saves Week theme is

Set a Goal. Make a Plan. Save Automatically.  Did you know that only half of Americans report having good savings habits? Even if you are already saving, it's good to take a look at your goals and decide if you can save more or start a new savings goal. Join thousands of others who are pledging to pay down debt, save money, and take financial action during America Saves Week.

 

Not sure what to save for or what to save for next?

Here are the most popular saving goals of those who have pledged to save through America Saves:�     
  • Save for Emergencies - Only 37 percent of low-to-moderate income households have a savings or money market account at a bank or credit union and nearly a quarter of savers who have pledged to save have chosen "emergency savings" as their first wealth-building goal. Learn more.
  • Save for Education - Saving for education is the second most popular goal savers select when they pledge to save with America Saves. There are many different things to factor in when saving and paying for college. Learn more.
  • Pay Down Debt - Getting out of debt is the #3 goal Savers select when they pledge to save. That does not come as a surprise since a 2012 survey found that 45% of families with annual incomes under $50,000 rely on credit cards to pay for basic needs such as rent, utilities, insurance and food. Learn more.
  • Save for a Home - For decades, home ownership has been the main path to wealth for most Americans. Today, home equity - the market value of a home minus the balance on any home loans - represents more than four-fifths of the typical family's wealth. Learn more.
  • Save for Retirement - Retirement savings is a top priority for many Savers. Saving for retirement now will ensure that you have enough money to maintain a comfortable standard of living when you stop or reduce the amount of hours you work. Learn more.

  

Not sure how to save for your goals? Here are some saving strategies to help:

  • Save Automatically - The easiest and most effective way to save is automatically. This is how millions of Americans save at their bank or credit union, and how millions of employees save through 401(k) and other retirement programs at work. Learn more.
  • Save at Tax Time - Do you spend weeks eagerly anticipating your tax refund? When the money finally comes in, is it gone tomorrow? Many people view tax refunds as unplanned bonuses. They see the money as a gift from the government, to use for splurges or treats. But a tax refund provides the opportunity to improve your financial situation.  Learn more.

Take the America Saves Pledge (or re-pledge) today to set your savings goal and make a plan to save. When you take the pledge you can also choose to receive text message tips and reminders to help you save for your goal. And don't forget to follow America Saves on Facebook and Twitter.

America Saves Week is coordinated by America Saves and the American Savings Education Council. Started in 2007, the Week is an annual opportunity for organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for individuals to assess their own saving status.



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Until Next Time

Stay warm and have a great weekend! 

 

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