Ensuring Public Safety is Vital |
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Dear Friend,
There is no more important duty for a mayor than ensuring the safety of his or her community. Unfortunately, as cities around the country struggle with rising crime, violence, and hate, this responsibility has become more significant and more challenging than at any point in generations.
As Mayor of Plainfield, I have dedicated the past eight years to overcoming these issues in our city. Together, we have made significant strides—bringing us to learn crucial lessons in promoting public safety and addressing the present challenges facing our state and nation.
When my administration first took office in 2014, Plainfield suffered from some of the highest crime rates in the region. From gun violence and increased gang activity to non-violent petty theft, we had experienced an uptick in public disorder that incited fear across our communities. Among our neighbors, we became associated with grit, blight, and crime. Coupled with a lack of transparency, our city underwent a decline in trust and well-being that, in addition to increasing hardship, prevented its extraordinary qualities and characteristics as a community from becoming distinguished.
At the same time, external tragedies created internal challenges. The death of Michael Brown and other young Black men drew attention to the everyday injustices faced by communities of color nationwide—injustices that I understand well as a Black man. While Plainfield is lucky to have law enforcement officers who serve with great distinction, we felt these tragedies deeply in our city, which has long been one of New Jersey’s most diverse. The deaths of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, and so many others—as well as the scourge of homegrown domestic terror that has plagued communities countrywide in recent years—have only heightened these pains and fears.
Amidst these difficulties, public safety became one of my administration’s early top priorities. We knew that we could not simply offer “thoughts and prayers” to the families and communities who experienced these misfortunes and concerns. Instead, we resolved to commit ourselves to investing in new approaches and leveraging untapped resources to secure public safety citywide and make Plainfield “the Queen City” once again.
We approached this goal through a comprehensive, innovative-forward approach, encompassing everything from violence prevention and youth mentoring programs to law enforcement oversight and road safety. Between 2014 to April 2021, we’ve hired 44 new law enforcement officers who reside in the city to ensure that our police have the resources they need. We implemented a series of technological upgrades, including an enhanced 911 system and police radio communications systems, high-definition cameras, fixed license plate readers, and new data-tracking software. To strengthen police-community relations and ensure law enforcement transparency, we introduced innovative measures, including community policing, body-worn cameras for on-duty officers, and a one-of-a-kind George Floyd Police Reform Commission for increased community engagement, training, and accountability.
However, we understood that the success of these new measures would depend on our ability to foster a culture of trust and interdependence throughout our communities, as crime is not the problem but merely a symptom. Accordingly, we made several large-scale investments to strengthen opportunities for our youths, including recreational programs, mentorship opportunities, and job fairs. At the same time, we bolstered block associations and community groups, bringing them deeper into our political processes, and spearheaded an aggressive economic development effort that has uplifted our people by attracting over $1 billion in private investment.
Through these efforts, Plainfield has become safer, stronger, and more prosperous. In eight years, we have successfully reduced violent crime by 50 percent and non-violent crime by 45 percent while removing over 130 illegal guns from our streets. Police-community relations have improved, confidence has increased, and we have re-established our reputation.
The common thread running through these efforts has been an eagerness to invest in our people, bind our communities together and tap into their unique resources and resolve. Through the shared spirit of our people, despite the tests we have faced, we have emerged better and stronger than ever.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future
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As published in MyCentralJersey.com.
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Garantizar la seguridad pública es vital |
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Querido Plainfield,
No hay deber más importante para un alcalde que garantizar la seguridad de su comunidad. Desafortunadamente, a medida que las ciudades de todo el país luchan contra el aumento de la delincuencia, la violencia y el odio, esta responsabilidad se ha vuelto más importante y más desafiante que en cualquier otro momento de las generaciones.
Como alcalde de Plainfield, he dedicado los últimos ocho años para superar estos problemas en nuestra ciudad. Juntos, hemos logrado avances significativos, lo que nos ha llevado a aprender lecciones cruciales para promover la seguridad pública y abordar los desafíos actuales que enfrenta nuestro estado y nuestra nación.
Cuando mi administración asumió el cargo por primera vez en 2014, Plainfield sufría algunas de las tasas de criminalidad más altas de la región. Desde la violencia con armas de fuego y el aumento de la actividad de las pandillas hasta los pequeños robos no violentos, habíamos experimentado un aumento en el desorden público que incitó el miedo en nuestras comunidades. Entre nuestros vecinos, nos asociamos con la determinación, la plaga y el crimen. Sumado a la falta de transparencia, nuestra ciudad experimentó un declive en la confianza y el bienestar que, además de aumentar las dificultades, impidió que sus extraordinarias cualidades y características como comunidad se distinguieran.
Al mismo tiempo, las tragedias externas crearon desafíos internos. La muerte de Michael Brown y otros jóvenes negros llamó la atención sobre las injusticias cotidianas que enfrentan las comunidades de color en todo el país, injusticias que entiendo bien como hombre negro. Si bien Plainfield tiene la suerte de contar con agentes de la ley que sirven con gran distinción, sentimos profundamente estas tragedias en nuestra ciudad, que durante mucho tiempo ha sido una de las más diversas de Nueva Jersey. Las muertes de George Floyd, Daunte Wright y tantos otros, así como el flagelo del terror doméstico propio que ha plagado a comunidades de todo el país en los últimos años, solo han aumentado estos dolores y temores.
En medio de estas dificultades, la seguridad pública se convirtió en una de las primeras prioridades de mi administración. Sabíamos que no podíamos simplemente ofrecer “pensamientos y oraciones” a las familias y comunidades que experimentaron estas desgracias y preocupaciones. En cambio, decidimos comprometernos a invertir en nuevos enfoques y aprovechar los recursos sin explotar para garantizar la seguridad pública en toda la ciudad y hacer de Plainfield “la ciudad reina” una vez más.
Nos acercamos a este objetivo a través de un enfoque integral, innovador y avanzado, que abarca todo, desde la prevención de la violencia y los programas de tutoría para jóvenes hasta la supervisión de las fuerzas del orden y la seguridad vial. Entre 2014 y abril de 2021, hemos contratado a 44 nuevos agentes del orden que residen en la ciudad para garantizar que nuestra policía tenga los recursos que necesitan. Implementamos una serie de actualizaciones tecnológicas, incluido un sistema 911 mejorado y sistemas de radiocomunicación policial, cámaras de alta definición, lectores de matrículas fijas y un nuevo software de seguimiento de datos. Para fortalecer las relaciones entre la policía y la comunidad y garantizar la transparencia de la aplicación de la ley, introdujimos medidas innovadoras, que incluyen vigilancia comunitaria, cámaras corporales para los oficiales en servicio y una Comisión de Reforma Policial George Floyd única en su tipo para una mayor participación de la comunidad. formación y rendición de cuentas.
Sin embargo, entendimos que el éxito de estas nuevas medidas dependería de nuestra capacidad para fomentar una cultura de confianza e interdependencia en nuestras comunidades, ya que la delincuencia no es el problema, sino simplemente un síntoma. En consecuencia, hicimos varias inversiones a gran escala para fortalecer las oportunidades para nuestros jóvenes, incluidos programas recreativos, oportunidades de tutoría y ferias de empleo. Al mismo tiempo, reforzamos las asociaciones de bloques y los grupos comunitarios, profundizándolos en nuestros procesos políticos, y encabezamos un esfuerzo de desarrollo económico agresivo que ha elevado a nuestra gente al atraer más de $ 1 mil millones en inversión privada.
Gracias a estos esfuerzos, Plainfield se ha vuelto más seguro, más fuerte y más próspero. En ocho años, hemos logrado reducir los delitos violentos en un 50 por ciento y los delitos no violentos en un 45 por ciento, al tiempo que retiramos más de 130 armas ilegales de nuestras calles. Las relaciones entre la policía y la comunidad han mejorado, la confianza ha aumentado y hemos restablecido nuestra reputación.
El hilo conductor de estos esfuerzos ha sido el entusiasmo por invertir en nuestra gente, unir a nuestras comunidades y aprovechar sus recursos y determinación únicos. Gracias al espíritu compartido de nuestra gente, a pesar de las pruebas que hemos enfrentado, hemos emergido mejores y más fuertes que nunca.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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REMINDER - Join Us at the Reopening and
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Rushmore Recreational Complex - May 1
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Join us on Saturday, May 1st for the opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Rushmore Recreational Complex at 12:00pm.
- Please note that social distancing protocols will be adhered to
- Face masks/coverings must be worn
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POOLS & PARKS REOPENING REMINDER
We are pleased to announce that the City's parks and pools will reopen in the coming months. Please note that city parks will remain open from dawn until dusk.
PARKS:
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Parks open May 1, 2021 and close October 31, 2021.
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Athletic Facilities open May 1 and close November 28, 2021. Permitted use only.
- Masks/face coverings must be worn in the parks.
POOLS:
- Hannah Atkins pool opens from 1:00pm - 6:00pm on Memorial Day Weekend – Saturday May 29th and will be open only on weekends until June 26, 2021.
- Will open daily June 26 – September 6, 2021 from 1:00pm – 6:00pm.
- Seidler Field and Rushmore Pools will open daily from 1:00pm – 6:00pm from Saturday June 26 through August 22, 2021
𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:
- Residents will register in Community pass for free pool membership.
- Residents must take a photo either at the City Hall Annex or another identified off site location
- Youth 12 and younger must be accompanied by someone 16 years or older.
- 𝐍𝐨 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 - 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲.
- Residents must reserve swim time in community pass.
- Entry will be first come first served for unreserved time as space allows.
- 40 swimmers per session for 1.5 hour sessions - 3 per day.
- Time Slots: 1:00pm-2:30pm, 2:45pm- 4:00pm, 4:30 – 6:00pm.
- Members will swipe in and out of facility for contract tracing purposes.
- COVID-19 Ambassadors will enforce social distancing and cleaning. Lifeguards will be on duty.
SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM:
Beginning on Monday, June 28, 2021 the Summer Food Program Grab and GO pick up will be available between 11:30am -1:00pm, Monday- Friday at all Plainfield Public School locations.
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SAVE THE DATE for July 4th Fireworks |
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Celebrating the Independence of this great nation is about family, friends, barbecues, parades and fireworks. As COVID restrictions begin to loosen we are still focused on keeping our residents safe and will only offer a fireworks display this year.
- Tickets can be reserved beginning on Monday, June 28th.
- Limit of one (1) ticket per car/household
- Cars may enter the park between 8:00pm and 9:15pm
- Fireworks begin at 9:30pm
- Rain Date – Sunday April 11, 2021
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
City Council Budget Deliberation Sessions
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Please note - A Special Public Meeting for Calendar Year Budget 2021 will be held tonight at 7:00pm via the Zoom platform. Click the below notice to access the meeting or dial one of the phone numbers listed. |
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#LOVEPLAINFIELD | #AMOPLAINFIELD
SPOTLIGHT
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Showing Love in Plainfield #LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield |
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Today we are offering a sneak peek at some of the art submitted to the #LovePlainfield Drawing Contest. Winners will be announced shortly.
Today's art was submitted by first graders in the Plainfield School District.
Thank you to these students, parents and teachers.
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Drawing Submitted by Maydelin Sical Perez |
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Drawing Submitted by Melany Mejia Ciprian |
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Drawing Submitted by Marelyn Coc Rax |
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Drawing Submitted by Karla Mancia Monge |
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Drawing Submitted by Genesis Alfaro Martinez |
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Drawing Submitted by Jayden Alas |
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Drawing Submitted by Esperanza Garcia |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp is leading the #LovePlainfield initiative and is encouraging Plainfield residents to get involved and show their love for the Queen City. |
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#LovePlainfield Reporting and Nominations |
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REPORTING AND NOMINATING
We’re pleased to share that REPORT IT is a proud sponsor of #LovePlainfield
We have added a new Category called Love Plainfield to the App. You can send in your pictures and report when you catch people in the act of showing love to someone or to our city.
You see someone pick up litter on the street and throw it into a trashcan. Snap a pic – send a report and nominate them for a Love Plainfield award. If you see someone lending a helping hand to an elderly person – snap a pic and send a report.
There are a million ways to show and spread love around our city and now the Report It app will help us capture it because our LovePlainfield Ambassadors can’t be everywhere.
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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 the below buttons for updates about COVID-19 on a local and state level. |
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Important COVID-19
Testing and Vaccine Information
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Plainfield residents 18 years or older who would like to be vaccinated for COVID-19 can call the Senior Center at 908- 753-3506 between the hours of 10:00am – 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Vaccinations are administered on Wednesdays from 2:00pm – 7:00pm at the Plainfield High School.
Effective April 19th, eligibility expanded to include all individuals age 16+ with parental consent. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one currently approved for this age group.
To register for the vaccine through the state, please click here.
All Union County residents can follow this link, https://ucnjvaccine.org/, to schedule a vaccination appointment. ID showing proof of age required.
Hackensack Meridian Health is offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible New Jersey residents, students and workers. Anyone 16 & older who lives, works or studies in New Jersey is eligible. Appointments are available at 11 sites throughout New Jersey.
Use the below link to register:
You can also pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine with the State of NJ at https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/vaccine. As additional information becomes available, we will keep you updated.
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Front Street Pharmacy located at 204 East Front, Plainfield - 908.222.7100 offers PCR nasal tests. Below are dates and times for your convenience.
Monday - Friday - 10:00am - 1:00pm or while supplies last
No testing on Wednesday
Saturday - 10:00am - 1:00pm or while supplies last
Closed on Sunday
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Front Street Pharmacy ubicada en 204 East Front, Plainfield - 908.222.7100. Ofrece pruebas nasales de PCR. A continuación se muestran las fechas y horas para su conveniencia.
Lunes - Viernes - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm o hasta agotar existencias
No hay pruebas el miercoles
Sábado - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm o hasta agotar existencias
Cerrado los domingos
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Available Resources for our Seniors |
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Available Emergency Food Resources |
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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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April is National Autism Awareness Month |
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April is National Autism Awareness Month. The first National Autism Awareness Month was held by the Autism Society in April 1970. The goal of this month is to educate the public and bring awareness about autism.
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UNION COUNTY:
Union County Clerk Encourages Voters to Use One-Stop Vote-By-Mail Service
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Vote-by-Mail applications can be picked up in person at the Union County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth |
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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that the County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth are available to voters for “One-Stop” Vote-by-Mail service. Eligible voters can pick up an application for a Vote-by-Mail ballot, receive their ballot, and cast it in a secure drop-off box all in one visit.
“We encourage all voters to vote early by using a Vote-by-Mail ballot, and the One-Stop service makes it easy and convenient,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As a reminder, voters who are not on the permanent Vote-by-Mail list will need to request an application if they would like to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot this year.”
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The County Clerk’s Westfield office is located at the Colleen Frasier Building in the Union County Complex, at 300 North Avenue East. Regular office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Elizabeth Office is located in the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Starting on Saturday, May 1, the Elizabeth Office will also be open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Vote-by-Mail services, leading up to Primary Election Day on June 8.
Approximately 35,000 voters in Union County are on a permanent list, and will automatically receive their ballots in the mail in the coming days. Voters on the permanent list can check the “Status of Vote by Mail Ballots” section on the home page of the Union County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, to see when their ballots were mailed.
Voters who are not on the permanent list must submit an application in order to receive their Vote-by-Mail ballot.
In addition to picking up an application in person at the County Clerk’s offices, there are three other ways to obtain a Vote-by-Mail application:
- Call the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996 to receive an application in the mail.
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Email the County Clerk at ucvote@ucnj.org to receive an application in the mail.
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Download the application from the County Clerk’s elections website, com, or use the free Union County Votes mobile app.
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 Signs Executive Order Permitting Youth Overnight and Day Camps for the 2021 Season
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TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 237, permitting summer youth overnight and day camps for the 2021 season. The Executive Order requires all overnight and day camps to follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols outlined in guidance issued today by the New Jersey Department of Health.
“As cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations continue to decline, coupled with millions of New Jerseyans rolling up their sleeves to be vaccinated, we are able to move forward with reopening programs across our state,” said Governor Murphy. “We are committed to a safe and fun summer for our kids, and today’s guidance from the Department of Health ensures that we will have the proper safeguards in place for a rewarding summer camp experience.”
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“With strong adherence to public health precautions, New Jersey had a successful camp season last year and we are looking forward to another summer where children can safely enjoy camp,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “This year, with additional layers of vigilance, sleepaway camps will also be operational, allowing another opportunity to engage in outdoor activities with friends.”
To mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, the Department of Health guidance includes the following requirements:
- Daily health screenings for staff, campers, and volunteers.
- The use of infection control protocols such as face masks, cohorting, social distancing, hand hygiene, cleaning, and disinfecting.
- Policies and protocols for when a staff member or camper receives a positive COVID-19 test result.
- For overnight camps, unvaccinated staff and campers must receive a negative test result within 72 hours of arriving on-site. All staff and campers will be required to receive a test within 3 to 6 days of arrival. Operators should strongly encourage staff and campers to quarantine prior to arrival at camp.
The Order will take effect immediately.
For the full text of Executive Order No. 237, click here.
For a copy of the New Jersey Department of Health’s summer camp guidance, click here.
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FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Remarks by President Biden in Address to a Joint Session of Congress
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U.S. Capitol
(April 28, 2021)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you. Good to be back. And Mitch and Chuck will understand it’s good to be almost home, down the hall. Anyway, thank you all.
Madam Speaker, Madam Vice President — (applause) — no President has ever said those words from this podium. No President has ever said those words, and it’s about time. (Applause.)
First Lady — (applause) — I’m her husband; Second Gentleman; Chief Justice; members of the United States Congress and the Cabinet; distinguished guests; my fellow Americans: While the setting tonight is familiar, this gathering is just a little bit different — a reminder of the extraordinary times we’re in.
Throughout our history, Presidents have come to this chamber to speak to Congress, to the nation, and to the world to declare war, to celebrate peace, to announce new plans and possibilities.
Tonight, I come to talk about crisis and opportunity, about rebuilding the nation, revitalizing our democracy, and winning the future for America.
I stand here tonight, one day shy of the 100th day
of my administration — 100 days since I took the oath of office and lifted my hand off our family Bible and inherited a nation — we all did — that was in crisis.
The worst pandemic in a century. The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.
Now, after just 100 days, I can report to the nation: America is on the move again — (applause) — turning peril into possibility, crisis to opportunity, setbacks into strength.
We all know life can knock us down. But in America, we never, ever, ever stay down. Americans always get up. Today, that’s what we’re doing: America is rising anew, choosing hope over fear, truth over lies, and light over darkness.
After 100 days of rescue and renewal, America is ready for takeoff, in my view. We’re working again, dreaming again, discovering again, and leading the world again.
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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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