Dear Friend,
We’ve come a long way over the past year.
In September of last year, we had been six months battling the COVID-19 virus with no end in sight. We entered the month of September filled with fear for our families and ourselves, concerned for our future, and grieving for the loss of those precious to us. Isolation loomed at every corner. For some, this was a time to reconnect and work on themselves, but for most, it was a reminder of how much our community means to us.
Students faced the gloomy prospect of continued virtual learning, cut off from the social component that is a vital part of education. There was no group gathering to commemorate the 9/11 tragedy. Labor Day, which is usually typified by barbecues, was limited to immediate family members. We also canceled our House Music Festival, among other things. The inability to attend these annual events was devastating.
But even in our darkest hour, Plainfield, we did not give up; we stood together and rose above the hardship to forge a more unified and resilient community. Individuals demonstrated their love for Plainfield by donating food, distributing meals, and checking on their neighbors. We dug our heels in and did our part to beat back the virus.
Today, Plainfield presents a vastly different picture. Little by little, we take steps further toward normalcy. This September, our Plainfield students will attend classes in person; of course, COVID-19 restrictions have been put into place to ensure everyone’s safety. Face masks are required for both instructors and students at all times while within school facilities. This year we’ll commemorate the 20th anniversary of the horrific attack on 9/11 with an in-person ceremony on the steps of City Hall. On Labor Day, we can gather with family and friends, and on September 18th, we’ll see the return of our well-attended House Music Festival for Prostate Cancer.
As more and more of our residents get vaccinated, the probability of losing a loved one to this horrific virus decreases. While keeping the safety of its residents in mind, the City of Plainfield has begun to bring back the in-person events we all know and love. This year so far, we have seen the skies lit with our annual 4th of July fireworks display, rocked to the rhythm of our annual Music in the Park, and enjoyed our community at the annual National Night Out event.
Plainfield, thank you for doing your part in our fight towards a healthier, more normal future. With your actions during our time in isolation, your compliance to get vaccinated, and your encouragement to get others to do so, our outlook is far brighter than it was a year ago.
I look forward to seeing you soon as we cautiously emerge from the fog of
COVID-19 into a brighter tomorrow.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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Hemos Recorrido un camino largo |
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Querido Friend,
Hemos recorrido un camino largo en este último año.
En septiembre del año pasado, habíamos estado seis meses luchando contra el virus de COVID-19 sin un final a la vista. Entramos al mes de septiembre llenos de miedo por nuestras familias y por nosotros mismos, preocupados por nuestro futuro y en duelo por la pérdida de aquellos preciosos para nosotros. El aislamiento se aparecía en cada esquina. Para algunos, este fue un momento para reconectarse y trabajar en sí mismos, pero para la mayoría, fue un recordatorio de lo mucho que nuestra comunidad significa para nosotros.
Los estudiantes se enfrentaron al oscuro perspectiva de un aprendizaje virtual, aislado del componente social que es una parte vital de la educación. No hubo una reunión grupal para conmemorar la tragedia del 9/11. El Día de Labor, que generalmente se caracteriza por las barbacoas, se limitó a los miembros de la familia inmediata. También cancelamos nuestro Festival de Música de Casa, entre otras cosas. La incapacidad de asistir a estos eventos anuales fue devastadora.
Pero incluso en nuestra hora más oscura, Plainfield, no nos dimos por vencidos; nos mantuvimos unidos y superamos las dificultades para forjar una comunidad más unificada y resistentes. Las personas demostraron su amor por Plainfield donando alimentos, distribuyendo comidas y verificando que sus vecinos estén bien. Nos metimos los talones y hicimos nuestra parte para vencer al virus.
Hoy en día, Plainfield presenta una imagen muy diferente. Poco a poco, vamos avanzando hacia la normalidad. Este septiembre, nuestros estudiantes de Plainfield asistirán a clases en persona; por supuesto, se han establecido restricciones de COVID-19 para garantizar la seguridad de todos. Se requieren máscaras faciales tanto para los instructores como para los estudiantes en todo momento mientras se encuentran dentro de las instalaciones de la escuela. Este año conmemoraremos el 20 aniversario del horrible ataque del 9/11 con una ceremonia en persona en los escalones de la Municipalidad. En el Día del Labor, podemos reunirnos con familiares y amigos, y el 18 de septiembre, veremos el regreso de nuestro concurrido Festival de Música de Casa para el Cáncer de Próstata.
A medida que más y más de nuestros residentes se vacunan, la probabilidad de perder a un ser querido a través de este horrible virus disminuye. Mientras mantiene la seguridad de sus residentes en mente, la Ciudad de Plainfield ha comenzado a traer de vuelta los eventos en persona que todos conocemos y amamos. Este año hasta ahora, hemos visto los cielos iluminados con nuestra exhibición anual de fuegos artificiales del 4 de julio, mecimos al ritmo de nuestro anual Música en el Parque y disfrutamos de nuestra comunidad en el evento anual de Dia Nacional de Salida.
Plainfield, gracias por hacer tu parte en nuestra lucha hacia un futuro más saludable y normal. Con sus acciones durante nuestro tiempo en aislamiento, su cumplimiento para vacunarse y su estímulo para que otros lo hagan, nuestra perspectiva es mucho más brillante que hace un año.
Espero verlos pronto mientras emergemos cautelosamente de la niebla de
COVID-19 hacia un mañana más brillante.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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CONGRATULATIONS!
Six of Plainfield's Finest Promoted
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Yesterday, despite the inclement weather the City of Plainfield came together to recognize and celebrate the men and women of the Plainfield Police Department who were promoted.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp assisted by Acting Police Director Captain David Guarino swore in two (2) new Captains, two (2) new Lieutenants and two (2) new Sergeants. Also in attendance were Council Vice President Barry Goode, Councilwoman Ashley Davis, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome and Councilman Charles Mcrae.
Promoted to the Rank of Captain:
Lieutenant Christopher Fortunka
Lieutenant John Henderson
Promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant:
Sergeant Wayne Slaughter
Sergeant Mahasin El Amin
Promoted to the Rank of Sergeant:
Officer Marline Acosta
Officer Stephen Bailey
Surrounded by family, friends and their community these six police officers took an oath to continue to serve the Queen City to the best of their ability. Their dedication to the residents and City of Plainfield is to be commended. Congratulations again to Plainfield's Finest!
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Captain Christopher Fortunka |
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Lieutenant Wayne Slaughter |
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Lieutenant Mahasin El Amin |
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City of Plainfield Launches Construction Jobs Partnership Program |
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The City of Plainfield is proud to announce its Construction Jobs Partnership Program. As more development projects launch we want to ensure that residents take advantage of the opportunities they create.
The Queen City is on the move. If you are a resident interested in working on a construction site, please fill out the Information Form Below and submit it to Plainfieldjobs@plainfieldnj.gov .
Click the below image for application.
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Community Summer Jam 2021 |
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This past Saturday the Community Summer Jam 2021 event took place at Hannah Atkins Park despite the weather forecast.
The event was hosted by Vincent L. Richardson of Urman Vince Media, co-sponsored by the City of Plainfield, the Plainfield Housing Authority, Premier Community Development Corporation and Council Vice President Barry Goode.
Photo credit - P.A.U. Photo Studio located at 1105 East 2nd St.
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Photo credit - Urman Vince Media |
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CITY OF PLAINFIELD | Vaccine Lottery
Reminder and Vaccine Clinic Locations |
2nd Lottery Drawing is Sept. 10th
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The month of August has come to an end, and do you know what that means?
The second "Plainfield Wins" Lottery drawing is right around the corner! If you are a Plainfield resident vaccinated in August through the City of Plainfield, Union County, or the Neighborhood Health Center, listen for the next winners to be announced on Friday, September 10th.
Remember the Plainfield Wins lottery will run until the month of December; get vaccinated now and be eligible for a chance to win $5,000.
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Vacúnese a través de la Ciudad de Plainfield, el Condado de Union o el Centro de Salud del Vecindario con cualquier vacuna aprobada y tenga la oportunidad de ganar $5,000. Participantes deben tener 18 años o más y se requiere prueba de residencia en Plainfield.
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We are committed to keeping our residents and community safe. Listed below are pop-up vaccine clinic locations throughout the City.
Please be aware that there is a vaccine clinic every Wednesday through September 29th conveniently located in front of City Hall - 515 Watchung Avenue.
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SAVE THE DATES | UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Click the image for sponsorship opportunities. |
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REMINDER | CITY OF PLAINFIELD SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE
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The City of Plainfield began accepting applications for the Plainfield Small Business Recovery (PSBR) Grant on Monday, August 23, 2021 . As we seek to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we recognize that small businesses continue to be critical to economic success of the Queen City. Awardees may receive between $5,000.00 and $10,000.00 for rental assistance, equipment replacement or repair, utilities and other overhead costs, and/or assistance with wages.
To qualify for the PSBR Grant, business applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Applicants must be a registered New Jersey Business having an address in the City of Plainfield (Excluding P.O. Box Mailing Addresses)
· Applicants must classify as a small business with annual revenue of $5 Million (or less) and/or 50 employees (or less) (Applicants may be a franchise that is not currently receiving assistance from parent company)
· Applicants must be able to adequately indicate hardship/impact as a result of the Covid19 Pandemic
Please contact the Economic Development Department at 908-753-3580 for further information.
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AVAILABLE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS |
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Attention Plainfield!
Do you need Rental Assistance?
There is no need to struggle alone. Union County offers a variety of Rental Programs for you. Please refer to the link below for more information.
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Deadline Extended for Grant Program for Non-Profit Organizations | Due Date
October 1, 2021
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The deadline for the Grant Program for Non-Profit Organizations has been extended until October 1, 2021. A description, requirements and application for the grant is listed below.
The City of Plainfield Social Services Offers A Grant Program for Non-Profit Organizations
The purpose of the City's nonprofit pilot grant program is to strengthen the City's coordination with nonprofit partners and to ensure opportunities for local funds be leveraged most effectively for services that assist vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families in meeting critical needs for safety, health, security, and independence.
The City of Plainfield prioritizes investment in high-quality social services that provide documented and positive outcomes for City residents. Areas of Need Organizations interested in applying to receive funds from the City of Plainfield must provide a program or service impacting one or more of the Areas of Need established by Mayor Adrian O. Mapp in consultation with the Department of Health & Social Services.
The Four Areas of Need are:
Prevention and Self-Sufficiency: Services focused on assisting individuals and families in becoming and/or remaining independent and stable and providing tools, skills, strategies, and resources to individuals and families.
Crisis Intervention and Diversion: Services provided to individuals and families in crisis help overcome immediate problems and reduce or prevent the need for more restrictive and expensive higher-level services.
Long-term Support: Services that focus on assisting individuals with continued long-term support needed to remain healthy, safe, and independent in the community.
Improved Quality of Social Services: Services and opportunities provided to individuals, organizations, and communities that enhance the quality, accessibility, accountability, and coordination of services offered by community organizations.
CLICK HERE for application and additional information
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#LOVEPLAINFIELD | #AMOPLAINFIELD
SPOTLIGHT
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Welcome to the City of Plainfield!
#LovePlainfieldNJ #LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
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UNION COUNTY: Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics and Testing in Union County
in September
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Free COVID-19 shots and saliva testing to be provided to residents at events in
Six (6) County municipalities
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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that free COVID-19 vaccines and testing will be available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County during the month of September. The upcoming clinics will be held in Rahway, Hillside, Elizabeth, Union Township, Roselle and Scotch Plains.
All residents are strongly urged to get their vaccine as soon as possible as new strains of the virus emerge and spread. Third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for residents who are immunocompromised will also be available at the upcoming mobile clinics.
In addition to free vaccinations, residents can also get a free COVID-19 saliva test at any of the pop-up clinics. Residents can also get vaccinated for COVID-19 at Union County’s vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township.
“We urge unvaccinated residents to make an appointment at any of our vaccination sites as soon as possible and ask that they encourage family and friends to get their shot, too,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Immunocompromised residents who are eligible for a third dose should also make an appointment as soon as possible for added protection.”
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy and Department of Education Announce Grants Addressing School Safety and Lead
Remediation in Schools
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TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) announced grants to improve school security and address lead in drinking water in public preschools, charter schools, and renaissance schools. These grant programs will provide critical resources to schools and help them comply with Alyssa’s Law, N.J.S.A. 18A:41-10, and support lead remediation efforts.
“The best public education system in America is here in New Jersey, and we need to ensure that our students and educators have the necessary tools for students to grow and thrive,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By investing in school security and lead remediation, we are investing in critical improvements in our schools and creating safe and healthy learning environments for students across our state.”
“One of our greatest responsibilities is providing children with safe and healthy learning environments,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “The initiatives that we’re announcing today will bring about safety improvements to benefit more students in even more schools.”
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FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Immediate Steps to Increase
Affordable Housing Supply
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Immediate Steps Supplement the Biden-Harris Administration’s Push for Historic,
Long-Term Investments in New Housing as Part of the Build Back Better Agenda
Since President Biden took office, the economy has created more than 4 million jobs, with an average of more than 830,000 new jobs over the last three months. In the first half of the year, the economy grew at the fastest rate seen in nearly 40 years.
This economic progress has enabled millions of American homeowners and renters to get back on track. In the second quarter of 2021, the mortgage delinquency rate on single-family mortgages fell to below 5.5 percent – from a pandemic high of more than 8 percent. The percentage of renter households behind on rent has also fallen from 19.4 percent to 15.4 since the beginning of this year.
While the Administration continues to do everything in its power to stabilize families who are at risk of losing their homes because of the economic impact of the pandemic, we still have more work to do. President Biden and Vice President Harris believe we need to do more than build back to the way things were before. We need to build back better.
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Issue or Concern ? Report it |
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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 our 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 above 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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As we navigate these uncertain times please know that everyone at City Hall is working to ensure that you are safe, secure and healthy. If you need anything addition please contact us at 908.753.3000
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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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