Dear Friend,
Our Queen City is a small but vibrant and resilient community. It is full of life, energy, love, laughter, and strength, and it is on the brink of realizing its full potential.
The palpable energy I feel as I move around and interact with my fellow Plainfielders is undoubtedly one of optimism and enthusiasm for the rapidly improving outlook of our great city.
What is it that makes Plainfield so unique, so spicy, so different? It is undoubtedly our rich diversity. People of different backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, ethnicities, and creeds can harmoniously co-exist and work toward a common goal. There is more that binds us together than separates us, regardless of where we were born. What matters is that we're here, working to build Plainfield together.
Many individuals and organizations generously and willingly give their time and resources to uplift our community. From mentoring and working with our young people to spearheading clean-up drives and beautification programs, they are involved because they care.
As I look around Plainfield, I see that we are breaking norms and defying stereotypes; we redefine words and give new meaning to old definitions. Diversity is beautiful, differences equate to variety, and we have evolved into a City that is a microcosm of what America truly represents.
We welcome everyone and believe that all people should be afforded the same rights and opportunities regardless of origin or other differentiating factors.
What makes Plainfield a great place to live, work, and play? We have beautiful recreational spaces, a progressive governing body, and an administration that supports fair legislation such as paid sick leave for all workers. Two train stations just a short ride away from New York City and ten Historical Districts with a housing stock that's second to none. Intense investor commitment to the tune of over a billion dollars ensures new job opportunities, new neighbors, and new outlooks.
In addition to all the above, what makes Plainfield outstanding is our people, our wonderfully different and incredible community. Our residents are the strength and pride of Queen City. Plainfield pride is evident and palpable from the West End to the East End and everywhere in between. Whether you were born and raised in Plainfield or you were adopted into the family later in life, Plainfielders are united in their love for our city, and there is a niche and space for everyone.
We have a multiplicity of religious denominations; we are LGBTQ+; we are diverse; we are Asian, we are Black, Latino, White, we are Indian, and we are accepting; we are strong; but above all else, we are Plainfield.
#loveplainfield #amoplainfield
Creating One Plainfield, One Future
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Querido Friend,
Nuestra Ciudad Reina es una comunidad pequeña pero vibrante y resistente. Está lleno de vida, energía, amor, risas y fuerza, y está a punto de realizar todo su potencial. La energía palpable que siento al moverme y interactuar con mis querido Plainfielders es, sin duda, una de optimismo y entusiasmo por la perspectiva de la rápida mejoría de nuestra gran ciudad.
¿Qué es lo que hace que Plainfield sea tan único, tan picante, tan diferente? Es, sin duda, nuestra rica diversidad. Las personas de diferentes orígenes, culturas, estilos de vida, etnias y credos pueden coexistir armoniosamente y trabajar hacia un objetivo común. Hay más que nos une que nos separa, independientemente de dónde nacimos. Lo que importa es que estamos aquí, trabajando para construir Plainfield juntos.
Muchas personas y organizaciones generosamente y voluntariamente dan su tiempo y recursos para elevar nuestra comunidad. Desde la tutoría y el trabajo con nuestros jóvenes hasta liderando campañas de limpieza y los programas de embellecimiento, están involucrados porque les importa.
Al mirar alrededor de Plainfield, veo que estamos rompiendo normas y desafiando los estereotipos; redefinimos palabras y damos un nuevo significado a las definiciones antiguas. La diversidad es hermosa, las diferencias equivalen a la variedad, y hemos evolucionado hasta convertirnos en una ciudad que es un microcosmo de lo que los Estados Unidos realmente representa.
Damos la bienvenida a todos y creemos que todas las personas deben tener los mismos derechos y oportunidades, independientemente del origen o otros factores diferenciadores.
¿Qué hace que Plainfield sea un excelente lugar para vivir, trabajar y jugar? Tenemos hermosos espacios recreativos, un comité de gobierno progresista y una administración que apoya la legislación justa, como la ausencia por enfermedad pagada para todos los trabajadores. Dos estaciones de tren a solo un corto trayecto de la ciudad de Nueva York y diez distritos históricos con un parque de viviendas insuperable. El intenso compromiso de los inversionistas por más de mil millones de dólares asegura nuevas oportunidades de trabajo, nuevos vecinos y nuevas perspectivas.
Además de todo lo anterior, lo que hace que Plainfield sea excepcional es nuestra gente, nuestra maravillosamente diferente y increíble ciudad. Nuestros residentes son la fuerza y el orgullo de Queen City. El orgullo de Plainfield es evidente y palpable desde el West End hasta el East End y en todas partes en el medio. No importa si hayas nacido y crecido en Plainfield o si hayas sido adoptado en la familia más adelante en la vida, los plainfielders están unidos en su amor por nuestra ciudad, y hay un nicho y espacio para todos.
Tenemos una multiplicidad de denominaciones religiosas; somos LGBTQ+; somos diversos; somos asiáticos, somos negros, latinos, blancos, somos indios y estamos aceptando; somos fuertes; pero por encima de todo, somos Plainfield.
#loveplainfield #amoplainfield
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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Pride Flag Raising Event | June 23rd |
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Yesterday the City of Plainfield hosted a Pride Flag Raising Event commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots which launched the gay liberation movement of the 70s and 80s. LGBTQ+ activists, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera led the protest movement which led to the establishment of LGBTQ+ safe places where people could be open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest.
The program was guided by Director of Health & Social Services Shep Brown who was joined by Business Administrator Abby Levenson, Council President Steve Hockaday, Council Vice President Barry Goode, Councilman Charles McRae, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome and Councilwoman Ashley Davis. Annette Brent read a proclamation on behalf of Assemblywoman Linda Carter and Assemblyman James Kennedy. Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams and Danni Newberry brought greetings on behalf of the County and Wesley McWhite represented Iris House.
This event provided an opportunity for our community to come together in solidarity and love and to embrace the rich diversity and heritage that Plainfield offers. We are the Queen City. We are Pride. We are #LovePlainfield. We are #AmoPlainfield.
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Plainfield Fireworks Display | July 4th |
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Join us on the evening of July 4th for our annual fireworks display. All are welcomed and there will be music provided for an hour before the start of the fireworks. Bring your friends and family to cap off a day filled with great food, laughter and love!
Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm and residents can arrive at 8:30pm to secure their spots. Don't forget to bring your chairs and/or blankets to enjoy the display in comfort.
We look forward to seeing you!
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CITY OF PLAINFIELD | NOW ACCEPTING ONLINE PAYMENTS |
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GREAT NEWS! The City of Plainfield is now accepting online credit card and eCheck payments for the following divisions and departments:
Clerk's Office
Inspections Division
Health Division
Health Division - Animal Licenses
Tax Collection Office
Please refer any questions or concerns to communications@plainfieldnj.gov.
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#LOVEPLAINFIELD | #AMOPLAINFIELD
SPOTLIGHT
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We are pleased to announce the winners of the #LovePlainfield Garden & Landscaping Competition which was held late last month. Congratulations to the winners!
#LovePlainfieldNJ #LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
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Cathy Cole-Diouf - Full Garden Winner/Overall Winner |
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Pamela Tyson-Jones - Landscaping Winner |
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Theresa Muldrow - Small Garden Winner |
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UNION COUNTY: Union County Clerk Advises Residents on Passport Expiration Dates For Travel This Year
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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents to check their passport expiration date before making plans for international travel this summer, and fall, and early winter. Some countries will not allow entry for travelers with passports that are within several months of expiring.
“Depending on the country, travelers may be barred if their passport is due to expire within three to six months of their travel date,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “In addition, travelers with expiring passports need to account for the time needed for the U.S. Department of State to process passport renewal applications.”
The State Department currently estimates that it will take 18 weeks to renew an existing passport. For residents who agree to pay an expedited fee, the wait time is 12 weeks.
“Although my office can provide assistance with the initial filing of an application, unfortunately we have no control over the processing timeline because that is a State Department function,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This is the longest delay I have seen in years, and it appears related to the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations.”
The Union County Clerk is authorized to accept passport applications and forward them to the State Department for processing. This service is available in person and by appointment only.
To make an appointment at the County Clerk’s main office in the Union County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, call 908-527-4966.
To make an appointment at the annex office in the Colleen Frasier Building, at the Union County complex at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, call 908-654-9859.
Passport photos are also available at both offices for a nominal fee of $10.00 each.
For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy, Senate President
Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin Announce Agreement on Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Proposals to Make Higher Education and Retirement More Affordable
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Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 246, ending the moratorium on utility shutoffs as of July 1, 2021, that was put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy, Senate President Stephen Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin announced further agreements in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget that will invest in New Jersey’s long-term economic growth by making college more attainable and retirement more affordable.
“In our continued drive to build a more resilient post-pandemic future for our State, this budget lays the foundation for a more affordable New Jersey where everyone has the opportunity to prosper from young adulthood well into retirement,” said Governor Murphy. “We’re providing the resources to help parents save to send their children to college, help graduates get a fresh start in life without the crushing burden of student loans, and help seniors age in place by guaranteeing more of their hard-earned retirement income.”
“I’m extremely pleased that the final budget agreement reflects one of my top priorities: increasing the affordability of living and working in New Jersey,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “These investments can make an immediate and substantial difference for thousands of New Jerseyans, particularly seniors and those working toward a college degree.”
"Cost alone cannot be the barrier that keeps young people in our state from pursuing their dream of a college education and cost alone cannot be what keeps retirees from staying in their communities,” said Speaker Coughlin. “Strengthening tax relief helps remove the barrier of cost so children or family members can afford college, the burden of student debt can be reduced, and more money can be kept in retirees’ pockets. In our commitments to make New Jersey more affordable, the state will continue to be a place where people can raise children, grow their families and set down life-long roots.”
The Governor and legislative leadership have agreed to a comprehensive college affordability package backed by Speaker Coughlin that helps those saving for college, as well as current students and those repaying loans. Among the measures agreed upon in the newly introduced Appropriations Act and relevant legislation are:
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Expanding the Garden State Guarantee – The agreement reached will modify the Governor’s initial budget proposal by providing two years of free tuition at senior public institutions of higher education for students enrolled in their third and fourth years with household incomes of less than $65,000, and also guaranteeing tuition discounts that will phase out on a sliding scale for students with incomes between $65,000 and a higher income threshold to be defined by the institutions. The program is expected to benefit tens of thousands of New Jersey students, and the budget includes an additional $50 million for the outcomes-based funding formula and implementation of the new program.
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Maximizing College Affordability – The budget agreement includes legislation that creates new tax deductions for:
- a) Contributions of up to $10,000 into an NJ Better Education Savings Trust (NJBEST) 529 account for households earning up to $200,000. The expected annual cost to the State is roughly $16 million in foregone revenue;
- b) Contributions up to $10,000 for in-state tuition payments for households earning up to $200,000; The expected annual cost to the State is $67 million in foregone revenue; and
- c) Payments of interest and principal toward New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) of up to $2,500 per year for households earning up to $200,000. The expected annual cost to the State in foregone revenue is $4 million.
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Matching NJBEST contributions for those most in need – To encourage college savings by lower-income residents, the State will also provide $10 million in matching payments of up to $750 for taxpayers with incomes below $75,000 when they make a contribution to open a new NJBEST 529 College Savings account.
The Fiscal Year 2022 budget agreement also includes a key component to make retirement more affordable for nearly 70,000 more senior taxpayers under legislation (A-5539) sponsored by Assemblyman Burzichelli that will raise the amount of retirement income that can be excluded annually from taxation, including pensions, annuities, and other specified retirement income.
“Raising the retirement income exclusion limit allows us to provide even more financial stability to our retirees living off fixed income,” said Assemblyman John Burzichelli. “Greater alignment of tax relief with the current costs of living, as provided under the expansion, ensures New Jersey continues to be a place where our seniors thrive. With this raised income ceiling comes financial flexibility for nearly 69,000 residents, flexibility that will help seniors stay involved in their local economies enabling them to continue to flourish through recovery.”
Presently, only retirement income up to $100,000 is excluded from taxation under a 2016 law that created a cliff whereby taxpayers who earned even $1 over $100,000 must pay taxes on the entire amount. The budget agreement and accompanying legislation will address that cliff by increasing the income exclusion threshold up to $150,000, helping nearly 70,000 more senior taxpayers.
Those with income between $100,000 and $125,000 will be eligible for up to 50 percent of the maximum deduction of $100,000, depending on their filing status, while those with income between $125,000 and $150,000 will be eligible for up to 25 percent of the maximum deduction of $100,000, depending on their filing status. The total cost to the state in foregone revenue is roughly $111 million.
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FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Comprehensive Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gun Crime and Ensure Public Safety
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President Biden believes that the surge in gun violence that has affected communities across the country over the last year and a half is unacceptable, and his Administration is moving decisively to act with a whole-of-government approach as we enter the summer months when cities typically experience a spike in violence.
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing a comprehensive strategy to combat gun violence and other violent crime. This strategy implements preventative measures that are proven to reduce violent crime, and attacks the root causes – including by addressing the flow of firearms used to commit crimes.
This strategy will use the Rescue Plan’s historic funding levels and clear guidance to help state, local, territorial, and tribal governments get the money they need to put more police officers on the beat – with the resources, training, and accountability they need to engage in effective community policing – in addition to supporting proven Community Violence Intervention programs, summer employment opportunities, and other investments that we know will reduce crime and make our neighborhoods safer.
The strategy will also address the direct link between gun violence and the rise in violent crime by taking immediate steps to keep guns out of the wrong hands, including by strengthening ATF’s efforts to stem the flow of firearms used in crimes, and by launching multijurisdictional firearms trafficking strike forces to stop illegal gun trafficking across state lines.
Combined, the Administration’s comprehensive strategy will:
- Stem the flow of firearms used to commit violence, including by holding rogue firearms dealers accountable for violating federal laws;
- Support local law enforcement with federal tools and resources to help address summer violent crime;
- Invest in evidence-based community violence interventions;
- Expanding summer programming, employment opportunities, and other services and supports for teenagers and young adults; and
- Help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reenter their communities.
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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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