Dear Jazz,
On Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, the city administration responded to tenants' concerns at 501 West 7th Street . This alert resulted in an investigation by the Mayor’s Task Force comprised of members of our Fire, Health, Signal, Zoning, Police, Public Works, Economic Development, Community Development, and Inspections Departments. The Mayor’s Quality of Life Task Force enforces health and safety standards for the well-being of all residents.
During the inspection, the task force found numerous violations that put the health and safety of tenants at serious risk. These health concerns include mold-like stains in bathrooms and kitchen sinks, water leaks and damage in multiple apartments, several holes in ceilings throughout apartments, broken windows, poor ventilation in kitchens, and uncapped gas conductors that were active fire hazards—as well as mice droppings along windows and kitchen counters. There was also a sewage pipe in the basement with no cap resulting in sewage leaking onto the floor.
A resident who saw the task force present at 501 West 7th Street notified the task force of several apartments at 515 West 7th Street owned by the same landlord that, among other concerns, had not had cold water for an extended period. After seeing the unsafe and unhealthy conditions at 501, the task force had no choice but to condemn the building for the health and safety of all tenants. We want to remind every resident that it’s your right to report adverse living conditions so that the city can intervene on your behalf.
The State inspects multi-dwelling buildings every five years. The last inspection at this building occurred in June of 2022 when they cited the owners with 235 violations that were never addressed. In conversation with the owner on Wednesday, he claimed he was unaware that the State inspected the building. We find that to be incredible and a demonstration of their gross neglect. It is clear to us that this landlord is heartless and uncaring about his tenants and is driven by greed and profit.
We know what occurred is very upsetting for all involved; the choice between the relocation of residents and the continued risk to their health and safety forced the City to prioritize life over temporary discomfort. Since we were forced into that difficult decision, the City has worked tirelessly to come up with ways to support impacted residents and alleviate some of their concerns as they brave through this unimaginably difficult time.
On August 9th and 10th, overnight temporary housing was provided from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center at 724 Park Avenue. The City of Plainfield worked with the Plainfield Public School District to provide dinner at 7:00 PM and breakfast at 7:00 AM to all who slept at the PPAC and those who remained outside the building.
On August 11th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, there was an Emergency Triage Resource Event in partnership with Union County, where impacted residents had access to clean showers, laundry services, bathroom facilities, case management services (temporary or permanent housing assistance, mental health services, etc.), and meals to all residents impacted by our city's recent building closures.
In a dark time for those impacted, one thing has become abundantly clear: Plainfield's people are not leaving their brothers and sisters behind. Non-profits, community organizations, private citizens, and local businesses have stepped up, offered donations, and provided services to support impacted residents in whatever way they can. Just one example is 'Access Self Storage,' which graciously agreed to provide impacted tenants with free storage space at their facility located at 639 South Avenue for two months, August 10th - October 10th. On Thursday, August 10th, Access Self Storage and the City of Plainfield provided transportation for the impacted tenants to get their property to the storage facility.
The administration continues to do what we can to support impacted residents. We’ve had meetings with the County and the State and are harnessing the power of their resources to provide a long-term solution. Affected residents can apply for housing assistance in the Plainfield Community Development office at Plainfield City Hall (515 Watchung Avenue) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For More Information, they can contact the Division of Community Development at 908-753-3229.
We’ve declared a State of Emergency and partnered with the school district to gain access to the Plainfield High School, where the affected tenants will be provided with meals, showers, beds, twenty-four-hour security, and social services resources.
Superintendent Rashon Hassan was very sympathetic to the needs of the impacted tenants and immediately offered to provide meals in the morning and evening since this crisis began. The school district under his leadership will continue doing so throughout this quality-of-life incident.
In addition, the County has been on the ground with the city all day Friday, and they are providing wrap-around services at the High School.
We are committed to ensuring that the needs of those impacted are handled with sensitivity and will continue monitoring the situation closely.
Some community leaders have tried to take advantage of a heartbreaking situation for their own benefit. Residents must remain alert for possible scams seeking to exploit their kindness and generosity. The City of Plainfield has no affiliation with any GoFundMe or fundraising campaigns created for this incident. Please be careful with any donations to these campaigns since they have not been and cannot be verified by the city.
Within the last week, the tenants of the condemned building have had their lives turned upside down. We cannot imagine the fear, anxiety, and emotional rollercoaster that they are on. They are our Plainfield brothers and sisters; we hurt when they hurt. It is why we will continue to work to ensure we can provide whatever services and assistance lie within our power to give. The landlords' deplorable actions and gross negligence have put these families in their current position. The City of Plainfield will continue to investigate and prosecute all landlords and building owners that choose profits over the safety of their tenants. The health and safety of all our residents will continue to be priority number one.
#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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