Dear Friend,
Census numbers are in, and Plainfield surpassed a significant milestone. The previous census in 2010 put our official number at 49,808 residents, placing us in agonizing proximity to the 50,000 needed to get us well-needed resources for the community.
We knew we had over 50,000 residing here, but unfortunately, our response was insufficient to reflect this.
We worked hard in the 2020 census to get everyone counted, and 57.6 percent of you responded. While we are still significantly undercounted, I’m happy to share that our official count now stands at 54,586.
The framers of the Constitution of the United States chose population to be the basis for sharing political power, not wealth or land.
“Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers….”
- The Constitution of the United States, Article I, Section 2.
The results of the census help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding, including grants and support to states, counties, and communities, are spent every year for the next decade. It helps communities get their fair share for schools, hospitals, roads, and public works. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location. These funds are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race, and other demographic factors. Our community benefits the most when the census counts everyone.
The results also inform how federal funding is allocated to more than 100 programs, including Medicaid, Head Start, block grant programs for community mental health services, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.
Crossing the 50,000 threshold opens the door to crucial resources and changes Plainfield’s designation. A little over 440 billion dollars are distributed every year; 90% is calculated using census data; this means fair allocation is driven and dependent on an accurate census.
Plainfield, we’ll continue to do the work to bring services and resources to you, our residents.
Thank you for doing your part and getting counted.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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Los Resultados Del Censo Están Aquí |
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Querido Friend,
Los números del censo están dentro, y Plainfield superó un hito significativo. El censo anterior en 2010 puso nuestro número oficial en 49,808 residentes, colocándonos en una proximidad agónica a los 50,000 necesarios para obtener recursos de bien necesarios para la comunidad.
Sabíamos que teníamos más de 50,000 que residen aquí, pero desafortunadamente, nuestra respuesta fue insuficiente para reflejar esto.
Trabajamos duro en el censo de 2020 para que todos contaran, y el 57.6 por ciento de ustedes respondieron. Si bien todavía estamos significativamente subcontadas, me complace compartir que nuestro conteo oficial ahora es de 54,586.
Los redactores de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos eligieron que la población fuera la base para compartir el poder político, no el dinero ni tierras.
"Los representantes y los impuestos directos se repartirán entre los diversos Estados que puedan incluirse dentro de esta Unión, de acuerdo con sus respectivos números...".
Los resultados del censo ayudan a determinar cómo se gastan cientos de miles de millones de dólares en fondos federales, incluidas subvenciones y apoyo a estados, condados y comunidades, cada año durante la próxima década. Ayuda a las comunidades a obtener su parte justa para escuelas, hospitales, carreteras y obras públicas. Ese financiamiento da forma a muchos aspectos diferentes de cada comunidad, sin importar el tamaño, sin importar la ubicación. Estos fondos se basan en los totales de población y los desgloses por sexo, edad, raza y otros factores demográficos. Nuestra comunidad es la que más se beneficia cuando el censo cuenta a todos.
Los resultados también informan cómo se asignan fondos federales a más de 100 programas, incluidos Medicaid, Head Start, programas de subvenciones en bloque para servicios comunitarios de salud mental y el Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria, también conocido como SNAP.
Cruzar el umbral de 50,000 abre la puerta a recursos cruciales y cambia la designación de Plainfield. Cada año se distribuyen poco más de 440 mil millones de dólares; El 90% se calcula utilizando datos censales; esto significa que la asignación justa es impulsada y depende de un censo preciso.
Plainfield, nosotros continuaremos hacer el trabajo para brindar servicios y recursos para usted, nuestros residentes.
Gracias por hacer su parte y ser contado.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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MUSIC IN THE PLAZA EVENT POSTPONED FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 |
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Due to the impending inclement weather forecast for Saturday, we are postponing this week's Music in the Plaza Series. A new date and time will be communicated next week. We appreciate your understanding. Enjoy your weekend! |
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Dear Residents and Visitors,
The Plainfield Parking Utility is working tirelessly to improve your parking experience in our beautiful Queen City. We ask for your patience as we are currently updating and installing new meters and digital kiosks machines allowing you to pay by phone, credit card and coins.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (908)753-3200
Kindest Regards,
Jervey Sistrunk
Director, Plainfield Parking Utility
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The City Recognizes the Plainfield
Coalition of Emergency Food Providers
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On Wednesday, August 18th the City of Plainfield recognized and celebrated the Plainfield Coalition of Emergency Food Providers for their services to our most vulnerable residents. The City also acknowledged their demonstration of leadership, courage and selflessness by continuing to meet the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On hand to present the proclamations and certificates of appreciation were Shep Brown Director of Health and Social Services, Rashara Fuller PhD, Director of Plainfield Action Services, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome and Councilman Charles McRae.
The following agencies were recognized:
Community FoodBank of NJ
Muslim Community Soup Kitchen
Mt. Olive Baptist Church
New Convenant Church
Bianca FLOWERS
Greater Refuge Church of Christ
Plainfield Tower West
Plainfield Senior Citizen Center
We thank them for their commitment to the residents and City of Plainfield!
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ANNOUNCING | CITY OF PLAINFIELD SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM |
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The City of Plainfield will begin accepting applications for the Plainfield Small Business Recovery (PSBR) Grant on Monday, August 23, 2021 . As we seek to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we recognize that small businesses continue to be critical to economic success of the Queen City. Awardees may receive between $5,000.00 and $10,000.00 for rental assistance, equipment replacement or repair, utilities and other overhead costs, and/or assistance with wages.
To qualify for the PSBR Grant, business applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Applicants must be a registered New Jersey Business having an address in the City of Plainfield (Excluding P.O. Box Mailing Addresses)
· Applicants must classify as a small business with annual revenue of $5 Million (or less) and/or 50 employees (or less) (Applicants may be a franchise that is not currently receiving assistance from parent company)
· Applicants must be able to adequately indicate hardship/impact as a result of the Covid19 Pandemic
Please contact the Economic Development Department at 908-753-3580 for further information.
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CITY OF PLAINFIELD | VACCINE
LOTTERY REMINDER
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The Vaccine Lottery was created to incentivize unvaccinated residents to do so. As we begin to get back to normal we are aware of the "delta variant" which is more transmissible and causes more severe symptoms than the original strain of COVID-19.
If you are not vaccinated it is easy to receive the vaccine and keep yourself and your family protected. Address any concerns with your health care provider.
You can be vaccinated through the City of Plainfield, Union County, or the Neighborhood Health Center with any approved vaccine and have a chance to win $5,000.
- Participants must be 18 years or older and proof of Plainfield residency is required.
- Entry tickets will be available at the vaccine location.
- Four (4) winners will be drawn monthly beginning in August.
- Mayor Adrian O. Mapp will select the lucky winners on the second Friday of each month.
- Please note - the lottery is for residents who have NOT yet been vaccinated.
Continue to stay safe.
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Vacúnese a través de la Ciudad de Plainfield, el Condado de Union o el Centro de Salud del Vecindario con cualquier vacuna aprobada y tenga la oportunidad de ganar $5,000. Participantes deben tener 18 años o más y se requiere prueba de residencia en Plainfield.
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We are committed to keeping our residents and community safe. Listed below are pop-up vaccine clinic locations throughout the City.
Please be aware that there is a vaccine clinic every Wednesday through September 29th conveniently located in front of City Hall - 515 Watchung Avenue.
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PLAINFIELD FOOD FESTIVAL | RUNS THROUGH SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 |
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The Plainfield Food Festival runs until Sunday, August 22nd. Don't forget to stop by and sample the many delicious and mouth watering dishes. Plainfield is the home of diverse eateries that you can taste throughout the year.
Come taste Delicious Plainfield!
Please remember to use hashtags #DeliciousPlainfield and #PlainfieldFoodFest.
Don't forget to include #LovePlainfieldNJ #LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield.
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Haga clic aquí para ver la versión en español
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CLICK HERE for more videos of participating restaurants |
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AVAILABLE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS |
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Attention Plainfield!
Do you need Rental Assistance?
There is no need to struggle alone. Union County offers a variety of Rental Programs for you. Please refer to the link below for more information.
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Available Pilot Grant Programs | Due Date
August 31, 2021
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There are currently two (2) Grant Programs available through the City of Plainfield.
The City of Plainfield Social Services Offers A Grant Program for Non-Profit Organizations
The purpose of the City's nonprofit pilot grant program is to strengthen the City's coordination with nonprofit partners and to ensure opportunities for local funds be leveraged most effectively for services that assist vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families in meeting critical needs for safety, health, security, and independence.
The City of Plainfield prioritizes investment in high-quality social services that provide documented and positive outcomes for City residents. Areas of Need Organizations interested in applying to receive funds from the City of Plainfield must provide a program or service impacting one or more of the Areas of Need established by Mayor Adrian O. Mapp in consultation with the Department of Health & Social Services.
The Four Areas of Need are:
Prevention and Self-Sufficiency: Services focused on assisting individuals and families in becoming and/or remaining independent and stable and providing tools, skills, strategies, and resources to individuals and families.
Crisis Intervention and Diversion: Services provided to individuals and families in crisis help overcome immediate problems and reduce or prevent the need for more restrictive and expensive higher-level services.
Long-term Support: Services that focus on assisting individuals with continued long-term support needed to remain healthy, safe, and independent in the community.
Improved Quality of Social Services: Services and opportunities provided to individuals, organizations, and communities that enhance the quality, accessibility, accountability, and coordination of services offered by community organizations.
CLICK HERE for application and additional information
The City of Plainfield Offers A Rental
Assistance Grant Program
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) program provides emergency rental assistance grants to income-eligible households economically impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic through job loss, furlough, or reduction in hours or pay, residing in eligible areas of Plainfield, New Jersey.
Emergency Assistance grant is a rental and/or utility payment made on behalf of an income-eligible household for a maximum of 4 months to maintain utility service and reduce rental payment delinquency in arrears due to the economic downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (ARP) ELIGIBILITY for Housing Assistance Eligible Households must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Renters are residing in single-family or multi-unit located in the eligible area of Plainfield, NJ.
2. Annual household income does not exceed the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) established "Moderate-Income" limits. Household income eligibility is based on the following two (2) factors:
a. The total number of persons residing in the household; and
b. The total amount of the annual household income.
3. They are economically impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic period beginning March 27, 2020, to the present.
4. Current residential lease agreement. If this is not available, the landlord's general ledger identifying tenant transactions may be considered to verify tenancy.
5. The household does not receive any other forms of rental subsidies.
6. Completed W-9 form and an N.J. Business Registration Certificate (if applicable) from bona fide landlord/property management agent or company.
7. A signed Program Participation-Payment Acceptance form from a bona fide landlord/property management agent or company.
8. Confirmed current rental balance.
CLICK HERE for application and additional information
The deadline to return both applications is Tuesday, August 31 at 4:00 pm.
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REMINDER: Grace Period for Third Quarter Tax Bills Extended to August 31st |
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Attention Property Owners:
Please be advised that the tax bills are in the mail.
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This bill is the final bill for 2021 3rd and 4th quarters and an estimate for the 2022 1st and 2nd quarters.
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Due to the late release of the bills the 3rd quarter grace period has been extended to August 31, 2021.
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If it is paid after August 31 interest will accrue from August 1st in accordance with State Statute.
The other due dates are as follows:
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4th Quarter due November 1st and you have until November 10th to pay without interest.
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1st Quarter due February 1st and you have until February 10th to pay without interest.
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2nd Quarter due May 1st and you have until May 10th to pay without interest.
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If the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday the due date will be the next business day.
- You can now print a Tax Bill from the City web site Plainfieldnj.gov
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You can also pay with a credit card on the website. There is a 2% convenience fee for this service.
- You can also pay with an ACH transfer from your checking account to the City's account on our website and that remains a free service.
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#LOVEPLAINFIELD | #AMOPLAINFIELD
SPOTLIGHT
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Residents and businesses showing Love in Plainfield!
#LovePlainfieldNJ #LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield
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UNION COUNTY: Convenient Online Appointment System Now Available
from Union County Clerk
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First online system of its kind in Union County
Appointments for passport services, notaries public and business trade names can now be booked online
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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises persons seeking services related to passports, notaries public, and business trade names that a new online system is now available for booking appointments.
“We are very excited to introduce the new online system, the first in Union County, as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that members of the public can access our services quickly and conveniently,” said Ms. Rajoppi.
The new online system enhances the current booking procedure. It eliminates holding time and it can be accessed at any time of the day or night.
All customers are reminded to arrive on time, as each appointment will be held only during the time allotted. Those who arrive late must schedule another appointment.
If an appointment needs to be canceled, customers should delete their reservation from the system or call the office as soon as possible, in order to free the slot for another person.
“The online appointment system will enable our staff to provide customers with a dedicated time in which to conduct their business, with little or no delay,” Ms. Rajoppi explained.
All customers must wear masks while visiting the County Clerk’s offices, in order to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The County Clerk’s main office is located in the County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
The annex office is located in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County Complex, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.
For a link to the online booking system and all other County Clerk services, and for office hours, visit ucnj.org/county-clerk or call the County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth, at 908-527-4787.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Acting Governor Oliver Signs Landmark Urban Enterprise Zone Reform Bill
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ELIZABETH, NJ – Acting Governor Sheila Oliver signed into law today the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Reform Bill (A5580/S3600). The legislation restores and revises the UEZ Program and appropriates $42.5 million in Zone Assistance Funds (ZAF) for FY22, bringing the program back to full operation after having been without a funding source for more than ten years.
“The UEZ Program helps support the local economy, particularly in our urban centers,” said Acting Governor Sheila Oliver, who also serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and will now be the Chair of the UEZ Authority. “I am excited to sign this legislation today restoring UEZ funding, especially as many of these cities and businesses located in the designated communities continue to recover from the pandemic. Starting today, the UEZ Program will be an essential part of the state’s economic recovery strategy.”
Created in 1983, the UEZ Program Authority, an affiliate agency of the Department of Community Affairs, was created to foster an economic climate that revitalizes designated urban communities and stimulates their growth by encouraging businesses to develop and create private-sector jobs through public and private investment. In a previous iteration of the program, UEZ provided a dedicated funding source for local economic development in the form of a reduced state sales tax. Those state sales tax funds were then deployed in UEZ communities to promote economic development. A dedicated funding source, which ended in 2011, is being restored under the law signed today.
Currently, there are 32 zones, which are spread across 37 municipalities and home to approximately 7,267 UEZ-certified businesses. The first five municipalities joined the program in 1986, with the most recent joining in 2002. The original UEZ designations granted to municipalities were set to expire after 20 years. 16-year extensions were granted in 2001. The Legislature and Gov. Phil Murphy recognized the value of the program, signing legislation restoring expired UEZ’s in five cities while also extending the program an additional five years. All UEZs are currently set to expire between 2023 and 2025.
“The UEZ Authority Board, staff, and I are very excited that the Governor and Lt. Governor Oliver have refunded the program because they understand the importance of creating and maintaining thriving urban communities,” said UEZ Executive Director Tracy Fredericks. “The UEZ revised legislation will make it possible for small, medium, and large businesses within the zones to provide jobs to the community; and that is what the UEZ Program is all about.”
In 2018, the New Jersey Legislature directed DCA to study the Urban Enterprise Zone program and submit recommendations as to whether the program should be continued as is, be amended, or expire. The outcome was the 2019 New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Program Assessment, an economic study, which forecasted the economic impact of the UEZ program, determined whether it should be continued, and provided recommendations on how the program should be structured in the future.
The study, prepared by the John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy, PEL Analytics, and Anderson Economic Group, measured the net economic impact of the UEZ Program by analyzing employment counts, payroll expenditures, and gross receipts for participating and non-participating businesses located in UEZs across the state.
The analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data compiled determined that the UEZ program is a valuable tool in New Jersey’s economic toolbox and should remain available to designated municipalities.
Highlights of the new legislation:
- Creates a new process for developing a zone development plan, which would have a five-year life. Requirement for an updated preliminary zone development plan for municipalities with plans that are five years old or older.
- When creating a zone development plan, each UEZ must consult with representatives of diverse statewide or regional business organizations that represent the interests of minority businesses.
- Currently designated UEZs can retain UEZ designation for 10 years.
- Business to business sales tax exemption capped at the first $100,000 of purchases.
- 10-year limit on UEZ business certification. Businesses certified prior to effective date of the bill will lose certification at the end of the tenth state fiscal year following the effective date of the bill.
- New Zone Assistance Fund (ZAF) allocation formula – 50% weight to MRI Distress Score, the average number of unemployed persons in each UEZ municipality, and the number of commercial and industrial parcels and 50% weight to gross taxable sales subject to reduced UEZ sales tax.
- 25% cap on Zone Assistance Fund (ZAF) use for public safety expenses.
- 10% cap on ZAF Fund use to cover administrative expenses.
- Initial $42.5 million ZAF appropriation from the General Fund.
- Total ZAF funding capped at $82.5 million (increases annually in line with the CPI).
Under the new law, the UEZ Authority Board at DCA will take on the following responsibilities:
- Conduct an annual review at the end of the state fiscal year of each local UEZ's use of ZAF funds.
- Prepare an annual report that must include the number of participating businesses, unemployment rate, median household income, and number of jobs in each UEZ.
- Enter into an MOU with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to assist in data gathering and information sharing to further the UEZ Authority’s ability to evaluate UEZ performance, compliance, and initiate enforcement actions.
- Work with the Division of Local Government Services in DCA to prepare regulations, policies, or procedures to implement requirements for municipalities to place their Zone Assistance Fund allocations in segregated UEZ trusts.
“For more than a decade, the UEZ Program Authority has gone without a funding source, making it difficult for many inner city businesses to financially expand and grow,” said Senator Nicholas Sacco. “With this legislation signed into law, businesses all over New Jersey will now receive the funding and opportunities that they have, for far too long, gone without.”
"As Chair of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, it is critically important that we foster economic growth and nurture small businesses, especially in our urban centers," said Senator Troy Singleton. “Small businesses in the designated urban communities will see a much needed boost in support from the restored Urban Enterprise Zone Program, which will greatly assist in their long-term recovery following the pandemic.”
“Especially as we work to recuperate from the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative will play a critical role in ensuring our urban communities and downtown centers not only fully recover but continue to attract new businesses and become even better places to live and grow,” said Senator M. Teresa Ruiz. “I am grateful to see the UEZ legislation signed into law, returning the program to full operation.”
“As we continue economic recovery, we must ensure every small business has the resources they need as they rebuild. Leveraging every dollar spent in designated Urban Enterprise Zones of the State is key to this recovery and to preparing for long-term revitalization of our communities, especially those hardest hit during the public health crisis,” said Assembly members Gary Schaer, Angela McKnight, William Spearman, and Vince Mazzeo . "Now is the time to fully restore the UEZ program, giving it a renewed purpose in helping small businesses and strengthening local economies.”
“From enabling our business districts to recover, thrive and exceed expectations to increasing opportunities through job creation, community-based developments, infrastructure improvements, and expansion efforts, the Urban Enterprise Zone program is a proven economic and financial mechanism for promoting public and private investment, as well as the continued growth and success of our municipalities,” said Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage. “The UEZ Mayors Commission is grateful for the support of the Governor’s Office and the Legislature, as we continue to work together to provide the resources our local business communities need to sustain, grow and succeed.”
“The New Jersey Urban Mayors Association has long awaited the day where UEZ resources are returned to our communities. This vital tool has been a catalyst for economic development in so many of our urban centers,” said Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark, and President of the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association. “I applaud Governor Murphy’s leadership on this issue and the leadership of Lt. Governor Oliver, also in her role as Commissioner of DCA, in addition to our NJ Legislators who worked collectively with our communities to create an enhanced UEZ program that will only better our municipalities, our businesses and most importantly our residents.”
“The recent census reveals that the NJ Hispanic Population is 21.6 percent," said Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Carlos Medina. “New Jersey needs initiatives like these that will add fuel the huge economic impact that over 120,000 Hispanic businesses currently provide to the state. The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ thanks the Administration for giving us a seat at the table.”
"This is encouraging news to many Urban Communities across our state,” said John Harmon, President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. “These resources will lead to increased economic opportunities and potential growth for many businesses during these challenging times and beyond."
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FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
Statement by President Joe Biden on Initial Unemployment Insurance Claims
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This morning, we learned that the number of Americans filing initial unemployment insurance claims fell to the lowest level since the pandemic began. This reflects the important progress we are making in our economic recovery.
When I took office in January, an average of more than 830,000 Americans were filing initial unemployment insurance claims. That number has fallen by more than half to below 378,000.
Our economy has created more than 4 million jobs since I took office – more jobs created at this point than any previous administration. Our economy is also growing at the fastest rate in the first half of a year in nearly 40 years.
This morning’s news reinforces the historic nature of our economic recovery, due in part to the American Rescue Plan that got relief to those who needed it most, resources to our communities to fight COVID and vaccinations in the arms of the American people.
While our economic recovery is far from complete – and while we will have ups and downs along the way as we continue to battle the Delta surge of COVID – the Biden plan to grow the economy from the bottom up and middle out is working, and delivering real results for American workers.
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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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