Plainfield's COVID-19 Response |
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Dear Friend,
On March 16 of this year, Plainfield reported its first COVID-19 case. Less than two weeks later, we lost our first friend to the virus. What had seemed like a distant threat, was suddenly upon us. In the blink of an eye, our city joined the world in the battle against the stress, anxiety, and fear that accompanies the virus. We had to respond quickly and find ways to keep our families and loved ones safe. My administration and I had to scramble to find innovative ways to keep our City connected, healthy, informed, and protected.
We knew we had to communicate and adhere to the orders coming out of the Governor’s office while enforcing our own executive orders. Our city has its own unique challenges and our response had to be tailored to address them. We closed all bars and restaurants, cut all in-person recreational activities, enforced a city-wide curfew, and encouraged residents to maintain social distancing, and adhere to proper hygiene guidelines. We held weekly Facebook live chats, where we came together as a community to share concerns and give the latest updates. I had the opportunity to answer your questions directly. When so much was unknown about this deadly, unseen threat, we were forced to close City Hall out of an abundance of caution. However, we used our phones and computers to be available to residents during this challenging time. Your telephones often rang with robocalls reminding you to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and get tested. While they may have been repetitive, they were necessary. It was, and still is, my job to make sure that our Plainfield community is safe and that residents' needs are being addressed.
There are numerous ways to get tested for COVID-19 and antibodies in Plainfield, even if you aren't experiencing any symptoms. The more residents that are tested for the virus, the sooner we can slow the spread. That is precisely what happened.
April was a difficult month for our City. We watched the positive cases rise, and the number of fatalities grow. On April 20, Plainfield reached its peak of infections with ninety eight (98) confirmed cases of COVID-19 in one day. That was almost five months ago. We still need healing to deal with the loss of life and struggle to cope with the transformations that have taken place in our lives.
We’ve come together as a community to fight this virus. We followed the protocols, we stayed home if we were sick, and we prayed for those dealing with the virus. We grieved with those who lost loved ones and supported those who needed a helping hand. We provided resources for those who had lost jobs, and those suffering from food insecurity.
We no longer see the numbers rise and fall. Some days, there are no confirmed cases at all, and on others one or two. Our daily updates are no longer daily because thankfully, the numbers don’t demand daily updates. The virus isn't gone, but thanks to your determination and strength, I believe the storms worst has passed.
COVID-19 was a test of our strength and resilience as a city. It tested the staff at City Hall, and for their tireless efforts during the pandemic, I am extremely grateful. They displayed grace in the face of extreme adversity. They worked arduously to lower the numbers and to find new ways to deliver results for our residents while coping with their own personal challenges. The pandemic created a new breed of superheroes. Our healthcare professionals and our First Responders didn’t have the option to shelter in place. They faced the virus head-on every single day, and some made the ultimate sacrifice. To them we owe a debt of gratitude that can never be re-paid.
Our residents also displayed their tenacity and flexibility. Working from home while home-schooling young children is uncharted territory for most of us. Our parents' creativity and adaptability showed just how much we can achieve when we have no other choice. In the process, we gained new skills and tools that remain lifelong assets.
Losing so many loved ones was our ultimate test. We've lived through a year like no other. However, we are still here, fighting, more unified, stronger, smarter, and looking forward to the day we can finally say that the storm is truly over.
Stay safe, my Plainfield friends and neighbors, and may God continue to bless every one of you.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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La Respuesta de COVID-19 de la Ciudad de Plainfield |
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Querido Plainfield,
El 16 de marzo de este año, Plainfield reporto su primer caso de COVID-19. Menos de dos semanas después, perdimos a nuestro primer amigo por el virus. Lo que había parecido una amenaza distante, de repente se apoderó de nosotros. En un abrir y cerrar de ojos, nuestra ciudad se unió al mundo en la batalla contra el estrés, la ansiedad y el miedo que acompaña al virus. Tuvimos que responder rápidamente y encontrar formas de mantener seguros a nuestras familias y seres queridos. Mi administración y yo tuvimos que luchar para encontrar formas innovadoras de mantener a nuestra Ciudad conectada, saludable, informada, y protegida.
Sabíamos que teníamos que comunicarnos y adherirnos a las órdenes de la oficina del gobernador mientras hacíamos cumplir nuestras propias órdenes ejecutivas. Nuestra ciudad tiene sus propios desafíos únicos y nuestra respuesta tuvo que adaptarse para abordarlos. Cerramos todos los bares y restaurantes, eliminamos todas las actividades recreativas en persona, hicimos cumplir un toque de queda en toda la ciudad, y alentamos a los residentes a mantener el distanciamiento social y cumplir con las pautas de higiene adecuadas. Mantuvimos discursos en vivo semanales en Facebook, donde nos reunimos como una comunidad para compartir inquietudes y brindar las últimas actualizaciones. Tuve la oportunidad de responder a sus preguntas directamente. Cuando se desconocía tanto sobre esta amenaza mortal e invisible, nos vimos obligados a cerrar el Ayuntamiento por precaución. Sin embargo, usamos nuestros teléfonos y computadoras para estar disponibles para los residentes durante este tiempo desafiante. Sus teléfonos a menudo sonaban con llamadas automáticas para recordarles que debe usar una máscara, practicar el distanciamiento social y hacerse la prueba del virus. Si bien pueden haber sido repetitivos, eran necesarios. Mi trabajo era, y sigue siendo, asegurarme de que nuestra comunidad de Plainfield sea segura y de que se aborden las necesidades de los residentes.
Existen numerosas formas de hacerse la prueba de COVID-19 y anticuerpos en Plainfield, incluso si no experimenta ningún síntoma. Cuantos más residentes se realicen la prueba del virus, antes podremos frenar la propagación. Eso es precisamente lo que pasó.
Abril fue un mes difícil para nuestra Ciudad. Vimos cómo aumentaban los casos positivos y aumentaba el número de fallecimientos. El 20 de abril, Plainfield alcanzó su pico de infecciones con noventa y ocho (98) casos confirmados de COVID-19 en un día. Eso fue hace casi cinco meses. Todavía necesitamos sanación para lidiar con la pérdida de vidas y luchar para hacer frente a las transformaciones que han tenido lugar en nuestras vidas.
Nos hemos unido como comunidad para luchar contra este virus. Seguimos los protocolos, nos quedábamos en casa si estábamos enfermos y oramos por aquellos que estaban lidiando con el virus. Lloramos con aquellos que perdieron a sus seres queridos y apoyamos a aquellos que necesitaban una mano amiga. Proporcionamos recursos para quienes habían perdido su empleo y para quienes padecían inseguridad alimentaria.
Ya no vemos que los números suban y bajen. Algunos días, no hay ningún caso confirmado, y en otros uno o dos. Nuestras actualizaciones diarias ya no son diarias porque, afortunadamente, los números no exigen actualizaciones diarias. El virus no se ha ido, pero gracias a la determinación y fuerza de todos ustedes, creo que las tormentas peores han pasado.
COVID-19 fue una prueba de nuestra fuerza y resistencia como ciudad. Puso a prueba al personal y miembros de la administración del Ayuntamiento y por sus incansables esfuerzos durante la pandemia, estoy sumamente agradecido. Mostraron gracia ante la adversidad extrema. Trabajaron arduamente para reducir los números y encontrar nuevas formas de brindar resultados a nuestros residentes mientras se enfrentaban a sus propios desafíos personales. La pandemia creó una nueva generación de superhéroes. Nuestros profesionales de la salud y nuestros socorristas no tenían la opción de refugiarse en el lugar. Se enfrentaron al virus de frente todos los días y algunos hicieron el máximo sacrificio. Con ellos tenemos una deuda de gratitud que nunca podrá reembolsarse.
Nuestros residentes también mostraron su tenacidad y flexibilidad. Trabajar desde casa mientras educan a los niños pequeños en casa es un territorio desconocido para la mayoría de nosotros. La creatividad y la capacidad de adaptación de nuestros padres demostraron cuánto podemos lograr cuando no tenemos otra opción. En el proceso, obtuvimos nuevas habilidades y herramientas que siguen siendo activos para toda la vida.
Perder a tantos seres queridos fue nuestra prueba definitiva. Hemos vivido un año como ningún otro. Sin embargo, todavía estamos aquí, luchando, más unidos, más fuertes, más inteligentes y esperando el día en que finalmente podamos decir que la tormenta realmente ha terminado.
Manténganse a salvo, mis amigos y vecinos de Plainfield, y que Dios continúe bendiciendo a cada uno de ustedes.
Creando un Plainfield, un Futuro
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City of Plainfield
9.11 Remembrance Ceremony
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Click on the Photo to View the Video |
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National Car Free Week
September 21 - 25, 2020
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From the Mayor’s Office
September 11, 2020
Dear Plainfield Residents,
Automobiles may be the greatest way to get from here to there, but as we all know, cars have their down side too; pollution and accidents. New Jersey’s transportation network is responsible for 30% of the total hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen emissions in our air, and is the number one source of greenhouse gas pollution. Seventy-five per-cent of carbon monoxide emissions come from automobiles in urban areas, and harmful automotive emissions are responsible for anywhere between 50 and 90% of air pollution.
Nationwide, there were 38,800 fatalities in 2019, with 273,473 total car crashes in New Jersey on municipal, county, state, and toll roadways. According to the State Police, there were 559 fatalities in New Jersey in 2019. In our own hometown, there were 1172 auto accidents and one fatality so far in 2020.
Help to decrease these unpleasant and distressing statistics by participating with Plainfield in the September 21-25 National Car Free Week. Imagine a nationwide week without cars? Sure, it may be tougher to get around, but our air would be cleaner, and no one would be a casualty of motor vehicle accidents. New Jersey has taken MANY steps to reduce our dependence on automobiles, from encouraging development in the State Master Plan to those areas already served by mass transit, advancing Transit Oriented Centers and Development, to investing millions of dollars in New Jersey Transit trains and buses, and encouraging Complete Streets, bike and pedestrian paths. Plainfield, in the attached and recently completed master plan, is moving in tandem with the State encouraging the same actions be taken in order to create safe places where Plainfield residents can live, work and play without the need to hop into a car to participate in any of those activities.
COVID-19 and the need for social distancing has changed our travel modes, and for now there are no shortages of parking spaces in our train station parking lot, and trains into New York City are no longer packed. But this has also resulted in fewer cars on our roads, less air pollution, and more people out biking and walking. The purpose of the Car Free Week is to remind Americans that while cars are indeed a terrific form of transportation, there are MANY tasks that we as a city, and as individual residents can do to reduce our dependence on cars, improve our air quality, our health, and reduce fatalities.
I encourage all Plainfield residents to read the city Circulation Element of the
New Master Plan and see what changes we can make to improve our lives without cars. And maybe, just maybe, begin to make some of those changes during National Car Free Week of September 21- 25. Every day this week at 12:30 pm there will be presentations on advancing this cause in our daily lives.
As Mayor of the great City of Plainfield, I encourage ALL Plainfielders to take a lunch break, and watch how a car free environment can help us all. Let’s continue to make Plainfield a healthier and safer city.
Creating One Plainfield, One Future
Sincerely,
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REMINDER - City Council Meeting
Monday, September 14
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New Jersey's General Election on Tuesday, November 3rd
is by Paper Ballot
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Let Your Voices Be Heard. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
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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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18 Days Left for Plainfield to be COUNTED! |
¡Quedan 18 días para que se cuente Plainfield!
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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.
Think about this for a moment. Think about the programs and resources that could benefit our schools, seniors and YOU as a resident of this city.
Currently Plainfield's self response rate us 57.3%. This means 21,350 residents will not receive funding or $38, 430,000 per year will NOT be invested in our community.
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Council President Steve Hockaday's Census Message |
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Business Webinar Series Available to
Plainfield Businesses
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Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC) Presents a Webinar - Basic Financial Statements & Profitability on Tuesday, September 22 beginning at 6:00pm.
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The Plainfield Special Improvement District (SID) is currently offering a series of webinars to assist with business from creating a business plan, to sales and marketing and finances.
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Plainfield Action Services - CARES
Relief & Recovery Program
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Haga clic aquí para ver la versión en español (Click Here for the Spanish Version) |
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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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COVID-19 Testing Options
for Plainfield Residents
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Emergency Food Providers & Resources|
Proveedores de emergencia y recursos
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September 15 - October 15 is
National Hispanic Heritage Month
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Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
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UNION COUNTY: Union County Board of Elections Announces Upcoming Receipt of Eight New Ballot Drop-off Boxes from State |
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County will have a total of 13 ballot drop-off boxes, exceeding Governor’s
mandate of 10 per County
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UNION COUNTY, NJ - The Union County Board of Elections today announced it will be receiving eight new ballot drop-off boxes from the State of New Jersey for residents who wish to drop off their Vote-by-Mail ballots. Governor Phil Murphy has ordered the November 3rd election to be conducted primarily by Vote-By-Mail ballot.
Locations for the eight new drop-off boxes will be released in an upcoming announcement. Once the boxes from the state have arrived, the County will have a total of 13, exceeding the Governor’s mandate of a minimum of 10 boxes per County
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The County Board of Elections currently has five drop-off boxes that have been in place prior to the July primary:
- Cranford (Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue)
- Elizabeth (Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza)
- Plainfield (Plainfield Municipal Building Parking Lot, 515 Watchung Avenue)
- Union Township (Union Township Municipal Building Rear Entrance, 1976 Morris Avenue)
- Westfield (Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East)
Board of Elections Administrator Nicole Dirado stated: “The ballot drop-off boxes are an essential component and provide voters with a convenient, timely and secure way to participate in the November 3rd election.”
The drop-off boxes are available on a 24-7 basis. Voters may deposit their ballot in a drop-off box at any time of day or night, up to 8:00 p.m. on November 3rd.
The current locations are ADA accessible and under constant camera surveillance, as will be the upcoming locations.
Ballots will be picked up and brought to the Board of Elections on a daily basis.
In addition, voters using a drop-off box may bear their own ballot, and ballots of up to three other voters. Ballot bearers must sign the bearer portion of the outside envelope in the presence of each voter whose ballot they are bearing.
Voters who wish to hand deliver their ballots can also bring them to the Board of Elections office at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth. As with the drop off boxes, they may bear their own ballot and ballots of up to three other voters.
Voters choosing to drop off their ballot at the Board of Elections office are reminded that they must sign a register, and produce a New Jersey Driver’s License or New Jersey Issued Identification.
In addition to regular weekday hours between now and November 3rd, the Board of Elections will be open Tuesday, October 13th until 9 p.m., which is the deadline for voter registration for the Presidential election on November 3rd.
While visiting the Board of Elections office, voters must wear masks and observe social distance.
Voters may also send their ballots to the Board of Elections by U.S. mail. Each ballot comes with prepaid postage. Ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by the Union County Election Board by November 10, 2020. If your ballot is mailed, but not postmarked by the USPS, it must be received by the Union County Election Board by November 5.
All voters wishing to use a polling location on Election Day will be required to complete a paper provisional ballot. Voters who cannot vote on a paper ballot due to a disability will be afforded the opportunity to vote on an ADA-compliant machine, after they have certified that they cannot vote on a paper ballot.
For information on all Board of Elections services visit ucnj.org/boe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123. All email and phone messages will be returned.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Designating Juneteenth as a State
and Public Holiday
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TRENTON, NJ -- Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation (S19), which designates the third Friday in June as a State and public holiday, known as Juneteenth Day. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas to inform enslaved people of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and their freedom.
“It gives me great pride to celebrate emancipation and New Jersey’s great diversity by designating Juneteenth as an official State holiday.” said Governor Murphy. “Commemorating this date is just one component of our collective approach to end a generational cycle of pain and injustice that has gone on for far too long. Every Juneteenth, we will celebrate the end of the physical chains which once held Black Americans down. While more work lies ahead to undo the oppression that remains, Juneteenth is important marker that reminds us of our mission to create a society that enables our Black communities to achieve the full equality which they deserve.”
“Juneteenth is a reminder that centuries later, not all of us are treated equally and that freedom and democracy are not a given. Our fight for civil rights and freedom from discrimination and oppression continues today,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “Now, Juneteenth will forever be observed and celebrated so that we can collectively reflect upon the indelible mark that slavery has left on our country as we fight for meaningful reforms. I commend and thank Governor Murphy and the legislators who have chosen to make Juneteenth a State holiday.”
“I am a direct descendant of slavery. My great grandmother, my great-great grandmother, that is my family. It is not even a past stain,” said SZA. “It is a current reality that we are living through the post traumatic slave syndrome, the PTSD, and the effects of that currently, right now. Thank you, Governor Murphy for this.”
“Juneteenth marks a day of freedom for Black Americans who suffered the cruelty of slavery and an opportunity to honor the history and contributions of African Americans,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “This takes on greater significance as the entire country is confronting the racism and inequality that is the bitter legacy of slavery. We can use June 19th and the days that follow to undue past harms and renew our commitment to justice and equality for all.”
We have a lot to learn from our history and unfortunately the delay in ending slavery and the lasting impact the institution has on our country is not taught enough,” said Senator Sandra Cunningham. “We want everyone to remember that Juneteenth is part of the history of all Americans. Hopefully, through this law, as well as deeper education and a more honest review of our nation's history, more New Jerseyans can realize the significance of Juneteenth and understand the systemic issues that have continued to plague our country since that day in 1865."
“Juneteenth is not only a holiday on the ending of slavery in this country, but also a reflection on the history of slavery and the suffering sustained by the Black community since 1619,” said Senator Ron Rice. “Black history in this country is a continued battle for social progress, and right now we are seeing people from all backgrounds fight for that progress and improve upon what has been gained. I am glad more people are learning about Juneteenth because the more we educate people, the more we can start a dialogue on how to fix the racial divide in this country. I look forward to Juneteenth next year where everyone in New Jersey will celebrate and reflect together.”
“This is a way of recognizing the end of slavery in America as an important milestone in the Nation’s history,” said Senator Joe Cryan. “A state holiday won’t change everything, but it will provide a platform to increase the understanding of what has happened in the past so that we can learn from it. When we recognize the experiences of history, we are better for it. We can be enriched as a state and more able to move towards equality for everyone.”
In a joint-statement, Assemblymembers Jamel Holley, Benjie Wimberly, and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson said:
“We’re at another set of crossroads in this country’s history—just as we were in 1863— where we can decide to move humanity forward by once again acknowledging the wrongs committed against African Americans and taking bold action to correct them. A visual illustration of the impact of centuries of systematic and institutionalized racism has our country reeling over the question, ‘Why?’ Why does this continue to persist in our communities today? Juneteenth was a defining moment in American History, claiming the beginning of African American independence in this country. It is time for the commemoration of a pivotal moment in history to become an official state holiday, underscoring its importance to our communities and giving time for reflection on how far we have come and have to go to achieve equality and justice for all.”
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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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