Plainfield's Journey Part 3: Dunkin Donuts & Dollar Store |
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Dear Friend,
Re-development in Plainfield over the past seven years has been intentional. My administration’s Economic development strategy has always been driven by the needs of our residents. Every resident deserves a comfortable quality of life and to enjoy the living spaces they call home, neighborhood, and community. A part of that entails spaces for the community to eat and gather. Good development must always lead with the residents in mind.
Like everywhere else in Plainfield the West End had suffered from a complete lack of progress and growth. The Dunkin Donuts on West Front Street was a welcome addition to our growing Plainfield business economy. This was our third redevelopment project. The West End Dunkin Donuts eliminated a vacant corner lot, which improved the appearance of the corner and created a space for the community to break bread and gather.
Placing the Dunkin Donuts in the fourth ward was strategic; the restaurant is popular, universally recognized, and situated in an area of Plainfield with steady traffic from Plainfielders and visitors passing by on Route 28.
I knew that our residents deserved access to well-known establishments like Dunkin Donuts and the comfort of knowing that their trip to work or ride back home after a long day can include a quick ride to the local coffee shop or pharmacy.
The Family Dollar on South Avenue was our next project; this establishment filled a niche in the second ward which allows residents to purchase supermarket and household essentials at affordable prices. Prior to the Family Dollar, the lot was also vacant and formerly a site for selling, warehousing, and distributing automotive parts. The property was not well maintained and was in a state of disrepair. Now, Family Dollar is nestled within the Netherwood Transit Oriented District, advancing the vision for this area. The location of the Family Dollar is well suited for the area which is now home to the Quin Sleepy Hollow residences.
The linchpin of any good redevelopment plan is variety and these new businesses were part of the plan to provide variety.
We facilitated these projects by continuing to refine our approval process and building partnerships with our investors.
Investing in Plainfield has brought solid returns for our partners, a better quality of life for our residents, and it is creating a resurgence in our city that is seen in every single ward. New residents are moving in everyday from the boroughs of NY, surrounding towns and even from out of state. Our wards are receiving the attention they deserve, resulting in neighborhoods that are not only aesthetically pleasing , but also provides recreational spaces and opportunities for communal gatherings. Our development projects have not displaced any of our residents, they have provided better housing choices and an improved standard of living for everyone who lives here.
Our growth has been intentional.
The progress in our city has been gradual and steady. Our investors understand the potential in Plainfield and have helped us to make our vision a reality. The vision of my administration has never wavered, and we are committed to making Plainfield the home of choice for everyone from the toddler to the grandmother and everyone in between.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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El Viaje de Plainfield, Parte 3: Dunkin Donuts y Dollar Store |
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Querido Plainfield,
El redesarrollo en Plainfield durante los últimos siete años ha sido intencional. La estrategia de desarrollo económico de mi administración siempre ha estado impulsada por las necesidades de nuestros residentes. Cada residente merece una calidad de vida cómoda y disfrutar de los espacios habitables que ellos llaman hogar, vecindario y comunidad. Una parte de eso implica espacios para que la comunidad coma y se reúna. Un buen desarrollo debe conducir siempre pensando en los residentes.
Como en cualquier otro lugar de Plainfield, el West End había sufrido una completa falta de progreso y crecimiento. Dunkin Donuts en West Front Street fue una adición bienvenida a nuestra creciente economía comercial de Plainfield. Este fue nuestro tercer proyecto de remodelación. El West End Dunkin Donuts eliminó un lote de esquina vacío, lo que mejoró la apariencia de la esquina y creó un espacio para que miembros de la comunidad compartieran y se reunieran.
Colocar el Dunkin Donuts en el cuarto distrito fue estratégico; el restaurante es popular, universalmente reconocido y está ubicado en un área de Plainfield con tráfico constante de residentes de Plainfield y visitantes que pasan por la Ruta 28.
Sabía que nuestros residentes merecían acceso a establecimientos conocidos como Dunkin Donuts y la comodidad de saber que su viaje al trabajo o de regreso a casa después de un largo día puede incluir un viaje rápido a la cafetería o farmacia local.
El Family Dollar en South Avenue fue nuestro próximo proyecto; este establecimiento llenó un nicho en el segundo distrito que permite a los residentes comprar artículos básicos para el hogar y el supermercado a precios asequibles. Antes de Family Dollar, el lote también estaba vacío y anteriormente era un sitio para vender, almacenar y distribuir repuestos automotrices. La propiedad no estaba bien mantenida y estaba en mal estado. Ahora, Family Dollar está ubicado dentro del distrito orientado al tránsito de Netherwood, avanzando la visión para esta área. La ubicación del Family Dollar es muy adecuada para el área que ahora alberga las residencias Quin Sleepy Hollow.
El eje de cualquier buen plan de reurbanización es la variedad y estos nuevos negocios fueron parte del plan para brindar variedad.
Facilitamos estos proyectos al continuar refinando nuestro proceso de aprobación y construyendo asociaciones con nuestros inversionistas.
Invertir en Plainfield ha traído ganancias sólidas para nuestros socios, una mejor calidad de vida para nuestros residentes y está creando un resurgimiento en nuestra ciudad que se ve en todos los distritos. Todos los días se están mudando nuevos residentes de los distritos de Nueva York, las ciudades circundantes e incluso de fuera del estado. Nuestros distritos están recibiendo la atención que merecen, lo que resulta en vecindarios que no solo son estéticamente agradables, sino que también brindan espacios recreativos y oportunidades para reuniones comunitarias. Nuestros proyectos de desarrollo no han desplazado a ninguno de nuestros residentes, han brindado mejores opciones de vivienda y un mejor nivel de vida para todos los que viven aquí.
Nuestro crecimiento ha sido intencional.
El progreso en nuestra ciudad ha sido gradual y constante. Nuestros inversores comprenden el potencial de Plainfield y nos han ayudado a hacer realidad nuestra visión. La visión de mi administración nunca ha vacilado, y estamos comprometidos a hacer de Plainfield el hogar de elección para todos, desde el niño pequeño hasta la abuela y todos los demás.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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Updates from Rushmore
Recreational Complex
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The Rushmore Recreational Complex is being transformed before our very eyes, located at the corner of West 3rd Street and Rushmore Avenue.
We are building state of the art recreational facilities for our residents, today for tomorrow. A part of the transformation of the 4th Ward.
Click Here for additional information about this project.
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George Floyd Police Reform Commission Press Release and Committee Report |
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Click Here for Spanish Version of the Press Release
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Your Voice Matters. Your Vote Matters
12 Days Left to the General Election
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VOTING UPDATE - Plainfield residents should have received their General Election ballots which began mailing on Wednesday, September 23rd. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
Remember, this election is VOTE BY MAIL. The below videos provides instructions on completing and mailing your ballot.
If you are concerned about mailing your ballot the below link will provide locations of the 22 secure ballot boxes throughout Union County. Please note - Plainfield has a secure ballot box located at City Hall - 515 Watchung Ave Parking Lot.
Check out and sign-up for the Track My Ballot tool to track the progress and find the status of your ballot.
For more information on the 2020 General Election, including options for early voting, visit unioncountyvotes.com.
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News from the Plainfield Performing
Arts Center - October 2020
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The Plainfield Performing Arts Center (PPAC) located at 724 Park Avenue is in the last stages of conservation work on two of the "Jewels of Plainfield", unique stained glass windows in Heritage Hall, PPAC's multi-use event and concert space. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders awarded a Historic Preservation Grant to the City of Plainfield in 2019 for protective glazing.
Window glazing provides permanent protection from environmental deterioration and physical damage. The windows are part of the oldest section of the Arts Center's exterior, the former First Unitarian Society of Plainfield's 1892 sanctuary, now called Heritage Hall. The exterior of Heritage Hall is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The City of Plainfield has many fine examples of stained glass including windows by the famed artist Louis Tiffany. Our PPAC windows include the work of lesser-known but exceptional artists including two women from Plainfield. The exquisite Robinson Window (1947) was designed by Plainfield illustrator Cateau DeLeeuw and created by master stain glass artist Oliver Smith, who made the actual glass, cut, painted and installed the 18-foot-tall window himself, all with one arm.
The Horace Stevens Window (1951) is also Oliver Smith's artistry. The Stevens window was designed by Plainfield resident Riva Helford Barrett, an American artist and printmaker. Barrett's work is included in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's permanent collection, the Museum of Modern Art and the Boston Museum of Fine Art.
Thank you to the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders for preserving these beautiful windows and the work of these Plainfield artists.
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NJEDA Announces Additional $70 Million
in Additional Grants for Small
Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
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The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has just announced an additional $70 million is available for grants to small businesses impacted by the
COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses can receive grants up to $20,000.
Due to the anticipated high demand for grant funding, the NJEDA is requiring all applicants to pre-register online. Pre-register at http://bit.ly/NJEDA_Registerhere beginning October 19, 2020. Pre-registered applicants must return to the site to complete an application based on the following schedule, depending on the type of business:
• Restaurants – 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2020
• Micro businesses (5 or fewer employees) – 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2020
• All other businesses, excluding restaurants and micro businesses - 9:00 am on Monday, November 2, 2020
Questions related to the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program should be directed to 844-965-1125.
Additional information about the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program and other government support for small businesses is available at https://cv.business.nj.gov.
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SAVE THE DATE:
City Council Meeting
on November 9, 2020
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Haga clic aquí para ver la versión en español (Click here for Spanish version)
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Three More Fun and Creative Ways to
Celebrate Halloween 2020
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While we may not be able to celebrate Halloween this year in the traditional way with trunk or treat pop-ups and trick or treating through out our neighborhoods, we can still celebrate with our friends and families. We just have to get a little creative.
1. Spooky Movie Marathon
Get dressed up in your Halloween costumes, create fun snacks - mummy snacks - hotdogs in crescent dough wrapping - and watch a great movie classic.
2. Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkin carving is a Halloween tradition. This is a great way to have fun with the entire family and be creative at the same time.
3. Make Spooky Treats
Click Here for the Recipe Candy Corn Ghost Cupcakes
Halloween is about family and community. We encourage you to share your photos and videos with us.
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UPDATE : COVID-19 Housing
Assistance Program
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Haga clic aquí para ver la versión en español (Click here for Spanish version)
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Free Upcoming Flu Clinics Available to
Plainfield Residents
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Seniors Property Tax Relief and
How to Qualify. Deadline Extended to December 31, 2020
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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, October 24th
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Emergency Food Providers & Resources|
Proveedores de emergencia y recursos
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October is National Bullying
Prevention Month
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October in National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus and raise awareness on bullying. During this month, many groups across the country will release new resources, campaigns, and efforts aimed at bringing awareness to the issue of bullying.
A great resource for parents is Stomp Out Bullying. Click Here for more information.
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UNION COUNTY: Union County Clerk Re-Opens Elizabeth Office for In-Person Passport,
Notary and Trade Name Services
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UNION COUNTY, NJ - Starting on Monday, November 2, the Elizabeth Office of Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will resume offering in-person passport, notary, and trade name services. The restoration of these services follows a temporary suspension for office upgrades. The office is located in the County Courthouse at 2 Broad Street, in midtown Elizabeth.
All in-person visits for passport, notary, and trade name services require an appointment in advance, by calling 908-527-3062.
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“We are looking forward to resuming passport, notary, and trade name services at the Elizabeth office, and I would like to remind all visitors that masks and social distance are required,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
The County Clerk’s Westfield office continues to be open for persons seeking passport, notary, and trade name services, with masks and social distance required. To make an appointment at the Westfield office, call 908-654-9859. The office is located in the Colleen Fraser Building in the Union County Complex, at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.
Both offices have also continued to provide election-related services to Union County voters throughout the upgrade.
For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, including office hours and locations, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy, Congressman Norcross Announce New Workforce Development Programs from Coronavirus Relief Fund
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CAMDEN, NJ - - Today, Governor Phil Murphy and Congressman Donald Norcross announced $14 million in additional Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to develop workforce development programs. The programs are designed to help businesses impacted by COVID-19 replenish their workforce and help jobless residents learn new skills that lead to successful reemployment.
“As this pandemic continues to threaten our public health, we must work to ensure that a stronger, fairer, and more resilient New Jersey emerges on the other side of
COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “With today’s announcement, we are investing in opportunities for job training in our workforce that will reignite and grow our economy.”
“The Coronavirus pandemic has upended our economy, but we will recover by working together,” said Congressman Norcross. “Using federal CARES Act funding, New Jersey is helping workers and businesses get back on their feet. These workforce programs will help employers provide skill-building opportunities and on the job training, connecting New Jerseyans with the services they need to get the job they deserve.”
“The need is everywhere,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “We all know of businesses that are struggling or have closed, and workers who have been laid off or have had their hours drastically reduced as a result of the pandemic. We are grateful for the opportunity to use these funds to turn lives around and help our state recover economically.”
The CARES Act funding has been divided to a three-pronged plan to bolster workers’ skills and get them back on the job. The programs will be implemented by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
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Relief Employment ($4 million grant) – This funding will provide dislocated workers and the long-term unemployed the opportunity to perform temporary jobs related to the state’s recovery from the pandemic. The first sector targeted for these jobs will be long-term care.
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Customized and On-the-Job Training ($3 million grant) – This funding will cover up to 50 percent of training costs of a new employee if an employer commits to hiring that employee upon completion of the training. Essential and struggling industries such as retail, grocery, hospitality, tourism, health care, transportation, and logistics will be targeted.
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Employment and Training Services ($7 million grant) – This funding will expand career support services supported by the Workforce Investment Boards throughout the State. The services include outreach, intake, assessment screening, resume critiques, virtual job referrals, and referrals for short-term training, which can be provided remotely.
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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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