Dear Jazz,

As the crisp autumn weather begins to blanket our city in a tapestry of vibrant colors and cooler nights, our community's spirit remains ablaze with the joys of fall. This month is all about celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in style, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences that showcase games, music, dance, delectable cuisine, and rich cultural traditions. It's a time for us to not only embrace the autumnal wonders but also extend our love for the diverse cultures that thrive within the Queen City. From the exuberant celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month to events like the "Day of Etiquette" – where refinement meets fun, and the "Trunk or Treat" – a Halloween extravaganza, there's something for everyone. These events aren't just entertainment; they're an invitation to lead an active, vibrant, and socially connected lifestyle. But it doesn’t stop there! Be sure to delve into our Parks & Recreation calendar, a treasure trove of activities that cater to residents of all ages and interests.

To stay in the loop, keep your eyes peeled for our newsletters, explore the city's website, and engage with us on social media. These platforms are your tickets to an incredible array of events, ensuring that no one in our community misses out on the excitement. After all, it's the connections we make and the shared experiences we create that truly define the essence of our city.

As we journey through October, let's collectively embark on an initiative to craft unforgettable memories, cultivate new friendships, and partake in community activities. Let's make this month a testament to our commitment to #Love Plainfield, showcasing the unity and warmth that make our city an extraordinary place to call home. Join us in celebrating the splendid mosaic of cultures and the spirit of togetherness that defines our Queen City.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

A medida que el fresco clima otoñal comienza a cubrir nuestra ciudad con un tapiz de colores vibrantes y noches más frescas, el espíritu de nuestra comunidad permanece encendido con las alegrías del otoño. Este mes se trata de celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con estilo, ofreciendo un caleidoscopio de experiencias que muestran juegos, música, danza, cocina deliciosa y ricas tradiciones culturales. Es un momento para que no solo abracemos las maravillas otoñales sino que también extendamos nuestro amor por las diversas culturas que prosperan en Queen City. Desde las exuberantes celebraciones del Mes de la Herencia Hispana hasta eventos como el "Día de la Etiqueta", donde el refinamiento se une a la diversión, y el "Trunk or Treat", un espectáculo de Halloween, hay algo para todos. Estos eventos no son sólo entretenimiento; son una invitación a llevar un estilo de vida activo, vibrante y socialmente conectado. ¡Pero la cosa no termina ahí! Asegúrese de profundizar en nuestro calendario de Parques y Recreación, un tesoro de actividades que atienden a residentes de todas las edades e intereses.

Para mantenerse informado, esté atento a nuestros boletines, explore el sitio web de la ciudad e interactúe con nosotros en las redes sociales. Estas plataformas son sus entradas para una increíble variedad de eventos, lo que garantiza que nadie en nuestra comunidad se pierda la emoción. Después de todo, son las conexiones que hacemos y las experiencias compartidas que creamos las que realmente definen la esencia de nuestra ciudad.

A medida que avanzamos en octubre, embarquémonos colectivamente en una iniciativa para crear recuerdos inolvidables, cultivar nuevas amistades y participar en actividades comunitarias. Hagamos de este mes un testimonio de nuestro compromiso con #Love Plainfield, mostrando la unidad y la calidez que hacen de nuestra ciudad un lugar extraordinario al que llamar hogar. Únase a nosotros para celebrar el espléndido mosaico de culturas y el espíritu de unión que define nuestra Ciudad Reina.

#AmoPlainfield #LovePlainfield

Creating One Plainfield, One Future.

Creando Un Plainfield y Un Futuro

Mayor | Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield NJ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Plainfield, NJ - October 11, 2023

The City of Plainfield is taking decisive actions to support tenants who were forced to vacate the condemned buildings at Kensington and W. 7^th St., ensuring their well-being and housing security in the face of this challenging situation. The city is implementing a comprehensive plan that encompasses legislative changes, legal efforts, collaborative initiatives, and more.

We are pleased to report significant progress in the city's efforts to assist these families. Of the 73 families that have reached out to the City and the three collaborating agencies:

Seven (7) families remain in temporary hotel accommodations, receiving the support they need as the city works towards long-term solutions. Thirty-eight (38) families have been successfully and permanently rehoused, ensuring their continued safety and well-being.

Twenty-eight (28) families are currently staying with family members or friends while actively searching for an apartment. These families will receive rental assistance once they secure a new unit, underscoring the city's commitment to providing crucial support during this transitional period.

It's essential to note that these statistics do not account for a subset of families that agencies have been unable to connect with. This disconnect may be attributed to various factors, including disconnected phone lines and refusals of services. These families remain a priority for the City of Plainfield, which is actively working to overcome barriers and ensure that assistance reaches every affected family.

The city's dedication to the well-being of its residents is unwavering, and efforts will persist to leave no family behind.

Legislation Updates:

In a proactive move, the City of Plainfield has amended its ordinance to require that rental units with more than four units undergo inspections by the city every other year. This change is aimed at enhancing safety and habitability for tenants and promoting timely maintenance and repairs.

Additionally, the city is introducing a significant enhancement to redevelopment agreements with developers. Developers will now be required to contribute $5,000 annually to a fund dedicated to assisting tenants affected by condemnations. This fund will play a crucial role in supporting tenants during challenging times.

Rent Receiver Lawsuit:

The city is actively pursuing a rent receiver to manage rental income from currently functioning buildings owned by Cyclone LLC. The funds acquired through this measure will be used to rehabilitate the condemned buildings, expediting the process of making them safe and habitable again.

Collaboration and Monitoring:

The City of Plainfield is committed to close collaboration with the three agencies funded by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to provide assistance to displaced tenants. The city and these agencies maintain a shared list of affected tenants, ensuring that no individual falls through the cracks. Monitoring of every interaction with the affected residents is a top priority.

Engagement with Local Developers:

The city has proactively engaged local developers to harness their support in finding suitable housing solutions for displaced tenants. These developers are contributing valuable information about available units, streamlining the transition process for those in need. Importantly, efforts have been made to remove barriers, including immigration status, from the application process.

Rental Assistance:

Plainfield is actively providing rental assistance both at the local level and through collaborations with state agencies. This support is designed to ensure that tenants affected by condemnations have access to safe and secure housing options.

Building Code Compliance:

The city is working closely with the building owners to bring their properties up to code. The owners have been provided with pre-inspection inspections to clearly identify necessary safety improvements. Despite these efforts, to date, they have failed to make the required life and safety changes, resulting in a recent inspection failure.

Condemnation Redevelopment Area Study:

The Planning Board has been instructed to conduct a study for a condemnation redevelopment area with the aim of attracting new developers. This move will leverage the city's redevelopment agreements to ensure that all tenants are rehoused and that rents remain affordable.

The City of Plainfield remains dedicated to the welfare of every resident and improving the quality of life across the city. These follow-up actions demonstrate a commitment to providing essential housing and support to those affected by the recent condemnation. We will continue to provide updates on the progress of these initiatives and are confident that, through collaboration and commitment, the city will overcome these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

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Register to vote in the upcoming election by October 17, 2023 | VOTE.NJ.GOV

 Hello New Jersey Residents,

The General Election on November 7 is only weeks away. If you would like to cast your ballot in the upcoming election, you have to be a registered NJ voter. If you are not currently registered, you must do so by the Voter Registration Deadline – October 17, 2023.

Registering to vote is quick and easy and can be done online here. Translations are available online as well. You will need to supply your date of birth, an accepted form of identification and social security number to complete your online application. Students living on campus in New Jersey can register to vote using either their college address or their parent’s address.

To register to vote in New Jersey, you must be:

·  A United States citizen

·  At least 17 years old, though you may not vote until you have reached the age of 18

·  A resident of the county for 30 days before the election

·  A person not serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or any other state or of the United States.

Once registered, you can vote one of these three ways. Whatever option you prefer, you must first be registered to vote. Register by the Voter Registration Deadline on October 17, 2023.

Informative links to help you register for and vote in the upcoming election:

Register to vote online at this link.

Not sure if you’re a registered voter? Check here.

Watch our animated educational video on NJ voter registration.

Learn more about the 3 ways to vote in NJ at this link.



Look for more emails from us on elections and voting processes in the weeks to come. And as always, you can stay in-the-know at Vote.NJ.gov and visit our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media pages too.

Sincerely, Tahesha Way

New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State

Dr. Lauren Zyriek Enriquez

Assistant Secretary of State

Acting Director, Division of Elections

VOTE.NJ.GOV

1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837)

Congratulations to the Plainfield Police Department under the leadership of Director James Abney for qualifying for State accreditation!

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) presented the Plainfield Police Department with a Certificate of Accreditation on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the City Council Meeting. This accreditation helps police departments operate more professionally, justify their operations, and promote trust in their communities. Displaying a commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management, and delivery of services. 

We had a wonderful celebration on Friday, October 13th, to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. The event was a vibrant display of cultural diversity, attracting many community members. K’Ndela Entertainment was in charge of entertainment and provided a fantastic line-up that included a mariachi band, a DJ, a salsa band, and dancers. Additional performers like Bomba dancers and a Double Dutch team of over 40 people also contributed to the lively atmosphere.

Kids were thoroughly entertained with a variety of activities such as bouncy houses, face painting, balloon art, caricature drawing, and games like hula hoops and corn hole.

Numerous local organizations and offices from Union County joined in the celebration to provide valuable information to the community. Booths were set up offering resources on healthcare, legal advice, mentorship programs, social services, and even local library services. This made it a comprehensive event that not only celebrated culture but also aimed to educate and provide assistance to the community.

The event also featured an auto show organized by G-WIZ AUTO ENTERTAINMENT. They showcased a range of vehicles, each with its unique style and flair. Congratulations to the winners of various categories: Ricky Vega won the Mayor’s Choice award, Amos Johnson won the Council Choice award, and Vasilo Alers won the Love Plainfield Choice Award. Their contributions added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.

Special acknowledgment goes out to our elected officials who supported the event. Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Council President Charles McRae, Council Vice President Terri Briggs-Jones, Councilman Richard Wyatt, and Councilman Robert Graham were all present, offering their support and acknowledgment of the contributions made by our Latino brothers and sisters to our community. Their presence underlined the importance of diversity and cultural celebration in our area.

Finally, a big thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their time and effort to make this event successful. Your help was invaluable. As we move forward, let's continue to celebrate the rich and diverse culture that makes our community, fondly known as the Queen City, a wonderful place for everyone.

EXERCISE YOUR CIVIC DUTY!

Be the eyes and ears of our City! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in our Plainfield community. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with Report It.

¡EJERCE TU DEBER CÍVICO!

¡Sed los ojos y los oídos de nuestra Ciudad! Sus informes pueden mejorar en gran medida la calidad de vida en nuestra comunidad de Plainfield. Trabajemos juntos para mantener nuestra ciudad segura. Si lo ve, dígalo con Report It.

ONE PLAINFIELD. ONE FUTURE.

Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Volume 10 - Issue 26