Plainfield's Journey of Transformation Part 1 |
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Dear Friend,
Pre-2014 the City of Plainfield was labeled "difficult to do business with." No developer wanted to navigate the expensive and arduous process that epitomized the approval process at City Hall.
Typically, it would require an innumerable amount of appearances by hired professionals before the Planning Board, which resulted in mounting costs for the developer. The costly process was exacerbated by a litany of paperwork that would send individuals from one end of City Hall to the other as they followed an inscrutable, archaic process. It was easier and less costly for developers to go elsewhere to invest their dollars. The development train was not stopping at Plainfield.
Over time, Plainfield had been labeled "untouchable" by serious developers. Like so many other issues, administrative leadership had been unwilling or unable to address this burning economic development crisis. We became vulnerable, to the point where some of the more affluent municipalities saw this as an opportunity to "sell" their social Mount Laurel obligations to a more than willing Plainfield. They offered their twenty pieces of silver in return for Plainfield’s compliance in accepting some of their affordable housing obligation as mandated by the Mount Laurel housing decision that was handed down by the New Jersey Supreme Court in the 1970s and 1980s. Unfortunately, previous administrations took the money and in the process relieved other municipalities of their social and human obligations. This was the thinking that passed for economic development.
It was clear that Plainfield needed a drastic intervention. The Queen City seemed to be dying a painful death. She was slowly choked by indifference, incompetence, and inattention.
One of the first things I did when I became Mayor in 2014 was to form a Technical Review Committee to meet with potential developers. We streamlined the process and eased the burden faced by those wanting to do business with Plainfield. I met with other Mayor's and studied their Economic Development process to understand how such a committee should operate and be most effective. My administration had a clear understanding of the vision for a transformed Plainfield. We worked assiduously to realize that vision.
In the ensuing years since 2014, Plainfield’s reputation changed from a place where it was hard to do business, and to avoid at all costs, to a place that became friendly and welcoming to developers and investors. The way the redevelopment process was transformed bred new hope and confidence that led to an influx of projects in all four wards of the city. Partnerships now thrive here, and most importantly, our City is epitomized by progress and filled with energy, hope and excitement. By simplifying and streamlining the planning and approval processes while ensuring that projects are thoroughly vetted, applications move quickly and efficiently through the pipeline.
Today Plainfield has over one billion redevelopment dollars invested in the City. Every ward has seen growth and infrastructure changes that include the resurfacing of over 100 miles of roads, transformation of recreational spaces, and new business and housing choices. The improved outlook for our City is not accidental; we didn't just get lucky; we were very intentional. Developers didn't change their minds overnight and decided Plainfield was their place of choice, they had to be wooed.
Instead, the Plainfield we see today, full of so much promise, bustling with energy and vitality, grew from careful and intentional planning and flawless execution. My administration pursued every single action resulting in a positive outcome with determination and focus. Every partnership solidified is the fruit of our rebranding efforts, meaningful negotiation, and a cooperative city council. Today the sparks of our joint efforts are dotting the city’s landscape; the crown is taking shape and the Queen is poised to reclaim her throne; after all, we are "The Queen City"
The journey these past seven years has not been smooth, there were many obstacles to overcome. In the ensuing weeks, I will share that journey with you. I want every single Plainfielder to understand the thought process that went into transforming our City and the vision that has been the driving force behind its success. Plainfield is my City, your City, our City. Its success is shared; it represents progress for EVERYONE and not just a select few.
I remain as I was when I was first sworn in as Mayor of this great City, committed to progress, focused on good government, intentional about inclusiveness, passionate about education, and still dedicated to the vision of One Plainfield, One Future.
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El viaje de transformación de Plainfield Pt.1 |
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Querido Plainfield,
Antes de 2014, la Ciudad de Plainfield fue etiquetada como "difícil para hacer negocios". Ningún desarrollador quería navegar por el costoso y arduo proceso que personificó el proceso de aprobación en el Ayuntamiento.
Por lo general, requeriría una cantidad innumerable de comparecencias de profesionales contratados ante la Junta de Planificación, lo que resultó en costos crecientes para el desarrollador. El costoso proceso se vio exacerbado por una letanía de papeleo que enviaba a personas de un extremo al otro del Ayuntamiento mientras seguían un proceso arcaico e inescrutable. Era más fácil y menos costoso para los desarrolladores ir a otra parte para invertir su dinero. El tren de desarrollo no se detenía en Plainfield.
Con el tiempo, los desarrolladores serios habían etiquetado a Plainfield como "intocable". Como tantas otras cuestiones, el liderazgo administrativo no había querido o no había podido abordar esta candente crisis de desarrollo económico. Nos volvimos vulnerables, hasta el punto en que algunos de los municipios más ricos vieron esto como una oportunidad para "vender" sus obligaciones sociales de Mount Laurel a un Plainfield más que dispuesto. Ofrecieron sus veinte piezas de plata a cambio del cumplimiento de Plainfield al aceptar parte de su obligación de vivienda asequible según lo ordenado por la decisión de vivienda de Mount Laurel que fue dictada por la Corte Suprema de Nueva Jersey en las décadas de 1970 y 1980. Lamentablemente, administraciones anteriores se llevaron el dinero y en el proceso liberaron a otros municipios de sus obligaciones sociales y humanas. Este fue el pensamiento que pasó por desarrollo económico.
Estaba claro que Plainfield necesitaba una intervención drástica. La Ciudad Reina parecía tener una muerte dolorosa. La indiferencia, la incompetencia y la falta de atención la asfixiaron lentamente.
Una de las primeras cosas que hice cuando me convertí en alcalde en 2014 fue formar un Comité de Revisión Técnica para reunirme con desarrolladores potenciales. Optimizamos el proceso y aliviamos la carga que enfrentan aquellos que desean hacer negocios con Plainfield. Me reuní con otros alcaldes y estudié su proceso de desarrollo económico para comprender cómo debería funcionar y ser más eficaz dicho comité. Mi administración tenía una clara comprensión de la visión de un Plainfield transformado. Trabajamos asiduamente para hacer realidad esa visión.
En los años siguientes desde 2014, la reputación de Plainfield cambió de un lugar donde era difícil hacer negocios, y evitarlo a toda costa, a un lugar que se volvió amigable y acogedor para desarrolladores e inversionistas. La forma en que se transformó el proceso de reurbanización generó nuevas esperanzas y confianza que llevaron a una afluencia de proyectos en los cuatro distritos de la ciudad. Las asociaciones prosperan ahora aquí y, lo que es más importante, nuestra Ciudad está personificada por el progreso y está llena de energía, esperanza y entusiasmo. Al simplificar y agilizar los procesos de planificación y aprobación y, al mismo tiempo, garantizar que los proyectos se examinen minuciosamente, las aplicaciones se mueven de manera rápida y eficiente a través del proceso.
Hoy en día, Plainfield tiene más de mil millones de dólares de remodelación invertidos en la ciudad. Todos los distritos han experimentado cambios de crecimiento e infraestructura que incluyen la repavimentación de más de 100 millas de carreteras, la transformación de espacios recreativos y nuevas opciones comerciales y de vivienda. La perspectiva mejorada de nuestra ciudad no es accidental; no solo tuvimos suerte; fuimos muy intencionales. Los desarrolladores no cambiaron de opinión de la noche a la mañana y decidieron que Plainfield era su lugar de elección, tenían que ser cortejados.
En cambio, el Plainfield que vemos hoy, lleno de tantas promesas, lleno de energía y vitalidad, surgió de una planificación cuidadosa e intencional y una ejecución impecable. Mi administración llevó a cabo cada acción que resulto en un resultado positivo con determinación y enfoque. Cada asociación solidificada es el fruto de nuestros esfuerzos de cambio de marca, negociaciones significativas y un ayuntamiento cooperativo. Hoy las chispas de nuestros esfuerzos conjuntos salpican el paisaje de la ciudad; la corona está tomando forma y la Reina está lista para reclamar su trono; después de todo, somos "La Ciudad Reina".
El viaje de estos últimos siete años no ha sido sencillo, hubo muchos obstáculos que superar. En las próximas semanas, compartiré ese viaje con ustedes. Quiero que todos y cada uno de los jugadores de Plainfielder comprendan el proceso de pensamiento que llevó a transformar nuestra Ciudad y la visión que ha sido la fuerza impulsora detrás de su éxito. Plainfield es mi ciudad, su ciudad, nuestra ciudad. Su éxito es compartido; representa el progreso de TODOS y no solo de unos pocos.
Sigo siendo como estaba cuando juré por primera vez como Alcalde de esta gran ciudad, comprometido con el progreso, enfocado en el buen gobierno, intencional en la inclusión, apasionado por la educación y todavía dedicado a la visión de Un Plainfield, Un Futuro.
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Plainfield Police Department
Welcomes Five New Recruits
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On Wednesday, September 23, the Plainfield Police Department welcomed five new recruits into its ranks. Surrounded by family, friends and members of the Police Department the recruits were sworn in by Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and Police Director Lisa Burgess. Also providing support were Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome, Councilman Charles McRae and Councilman Barry Goode.
The new recruits all residents of the Plainfield Community are:
Karolyn Gonzalez
Siniah Wallace
James McPherson
Tashawn Latouche
Fabriel Polo
Mayor Mapp said "I am greatly appreciative of the work that the men and women of our Police Department do in protecting and serving the city each and every day, and we could not ask for a better Police Department than the Plainfield PD".
Congratulations to the new recruits and God's blessings as they embark on this new journey.
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UPDATE: New Jersey General
Election Information
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Click on the ballot to play the video |
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VOTING UPDATE - Plainfield residents please note that our General Election ballots were mailed on Wednesday, September 23rd and should be arriving at homes within the coming days.
Remember, this election is VOTE BY MAIL. The above video provides instructions on completing and mailing your ballot along with additional information including the locations of the Union County Board of Election Ballot boxes.
If you haven't yet done so the deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
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MEDES Church Celebrates the Independence of Several Latin American Countries
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This past Saturday, September 19th MEDES Church hosted a community celebration to recognize the Independence of El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Mexico.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp attended the event and spoke about the importance of having pride and respect for ones heritage. He also emphasized that the Plainfield community should prioritize completing the 2020 Census. Pastor David Eghelshi along with his wife presented the Mayor with a certificate of recognition for his support and ongoing commitment to the Latino Community.
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Plainfield Residents - Time is Running Out for Us to Complete the 2020 Census
It Will Shape Our Future for 10 Years
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5 Days Left for Plainfield to be COUNTED! |
¡Quedan 5 días para que se cuente Plainfield!
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Councilman Charles McRae's Appeal |
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Did you know that The Census Bureau estimates that for each person counted our community would receive approximately $1,800/year. In a city like Plainfield with an approximate resident count of 50,000 that means $90M annually and $900M over the next ten years.
Currently Plainfield's self response rate us 58.1%. This means the City of Plainfield will not receive funding for 20,950 residents which equates to $38 million per year.
Let us consider the programs and resources that could benefit our schools, seniors and YOU as a resident of this city that we will not receive funding for.
Programs that will be impacted:
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Unemployment Insurance Compensation
- Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits
** Please note that these are estimates based on 50,000 residents. The totals could be more if our population count is higher.
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Apelación a la comunidad latino |
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SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming City Council
Meeting on October 5, 2020
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Haga clic aquí para ver la versión en español (Click here for Spanish version)
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REMINDER: Community Development Block Grant Program Year 47 |
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Senior Freeze Program Reminder |
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The Senior Freeze is best described as a Property Tax Reimbursement for eligible seniors and disabled persons. The amount of the tax reimbursement will be the difference between the amount of property taxes that were due and paid by the applicant for 2018 and the amount that was due and paid in 2019.
A tent is set up in the parking lot area of the City Hall with a representative from the tax office to answer all of your Senior Freeze questions. This program has been active all summer, and will continue to run every Tuesday and Thursday until October 29 in the parking lot area of the Plainfield City Hall, weather permitting. Please bring your federal tax return from 2018 and 2019 if you need help filling out your blue book. We want to make it as easy as possible for all Plainfield seniors to receive their tax reimbursement, so be sure to visit us from 10AM-2PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays before time runs out!
For more information on the Senior Freeze program and to find out of you’re eligible, please click here
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Plainfield is a Report It Community
"See Something Say Something"
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in your city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode below or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate city department, and the city will work to resolve the issue or complaint.
You have the power to be the eyes and ears of our city! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in Plainfield. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with Report It.
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City Hall - COVID-19 - Modified Schedule |
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Skip the Trip to City Hall - Do Business Online!
Omita el Viaje al Ayuntamiento -
Hacer negocios en línea
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The situation with the Coronavirus changes rapidly and we want to ensure that you are aware of all resources available to you. Please click on the below button for a COVID-19 resource Guide |
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Union County's Emergency Food
Distribution Event Tomorrow
Saturday, September 26th
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Emergency Food Providers & Resources|
Proveedores de emergencia y recursos
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September is National Sickle Cell
Awareness Month
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September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, designated by Congress to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease.
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UNION COUNTY: Free Guides Nature Walks for Seniors at Trailside Nature and Science Center |
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Masks are required and social distancing rules will be observed at all times |
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UNION COUNTY, NJ -The Union County Freeholders invite senior citizens to participate in a series of free guided walks this fall on the Sensory Friendly Trail at the County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. The series takes place on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., beginning on October 7.
This series will be held outdoors, and is open to participants age 55 and older. Masks and social distance must be observed at all times. The walks will be held in small groups in order to facilitate social distance.
Pre-registration is required through the Trailside website, ucnj.org/trailside (use the “Online Registration” link in left-hand column).
“These guided walks offer an excellent opportunity for Union County seniors to take in the beautiful fall scenery of the
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Watchung Reservation in a safe, socially distanced environment,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.
Each walk is led by Trailside naturalists and highlights a different topic, including Mammals of the Reservation, Autumn Tree Identification, Fall Nature Walk and Lenape Native American History.
The walks will take place at the Union County Sensory Friendly Trail, a 0.3-mile ADA accessible loop. The trail is designed to provide tactile experiences and create new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors while learning about natural heritage in Union County.
The Sensory Friendly Trail winds gently through the woods with guide ropes and features multiple interpretive signs to learn about the local flora and fauna, with 3-D reliefs and Braille for the visually impaired.
The trail also includes audio kiosks highlighting the natural and human history of the Watchung Reservation, the largest preserved park in Union County at 2,142 acres.
Raised garden beds also add seasonal color to this multi-dimensional experience, providing the visitor with additional opportunities to use their senses of sight, smell and touch.
In-person activities in Union County parks are limited during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with statewide public health guidelines, and Trailside is closed to the general public until further notice.
Please visit ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670 for information about new online nature activities for all ages.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
The Trailside Nature and Science Center is located in the Watchung Reservation, at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside, and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Statement from Governor Murphy on the Death of Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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“Justice Ginsburg was a woman whose career became an inspiration to countless young women and girls across our nation, and around the globe.
“Justice Ginsburg dedicated her life and career not only to the premise of equal justice and equity under the law, but also to the most basic premise that, regardless of gender, or race, or religion, or orientation, or identity, or nationality and ethnic heritage, we all must commit to fight for the things that we care about.
“Before she became a national figure, she was a pioneering professor at Rutgers-Newark School of Law, and her time there would correspond with an influx of women into the law school, where, no doubt, she would greatly influence them and their careers. She was a tireless advocate at the ACLU, fighting for gender equality at the Women’s Rights Project.
“In her final years at Rutgers, she served as the advisor to the Women’s Rights Law Review – and, in the words of a former editor, ‘She went where other people wouldn’t go.
She took a leap. Once she came on board, everything fell into place. We felt empowered.’
“For nearly three decades, we have been treated to Justice Ginsburg’s singular expertise.
We have been made a better nation, and a better people, through her reasoned approach and sharp-minded opinions.
“Justice Ginsburg summed up her life’s principles the following way: ‘Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.’ For those who study the law, even her dissents have moved the law in the right direction.
“My sincere hope is that her life and work continue to draw good people, with true and honest intentions to move us forward, to careers in the law and the pursuit of justice.
“Last year, I had the distinct honor of presenting Justice Ginsburg with The Golden Pea on behalf of MARCHENLAND Berlin. Tammy and I, and our daughter, Emma, will never forget the time she spent with us. She was an American icon.”
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Please have family and friends sign up to receive these important weekly updates. They can sign up by calling 908.753.3015 or emailing communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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One Plainfield. One Future |
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