Opportunity + Preparation + Effort = Success
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Dear Friend,
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison
We are proud of the fact that there are over a billion dollars invested in our city. We are grateful that developers no longer pass us by as they look for greener pastures in neighboring cities. The commitment of this administration has always been to lift every resident while we grow as a city.
Over the past seven years, we’ve tried to prepare residents for job opportunities and partnered with developers and other agencies to bring them here. We’ve hosted several job fairs; we’ve partnered with NJ Build to help prepare interested participants for employment in the construction trades. We hosted women in construction seminars, and we brought free Cisco classes and certification for all Plainfield residents.
As we continue to progress and grow, there will be other opportunities, but we must be willing to participate and take advantage of them when they are presented. My administration has ensured that every construction site in Plainfield has openings for our residents, but we can’t force residents to take advantage of these opportunities.
Yesterday we hosted a job fair with five participating developers ready and willing to hire Plainfield residents. Disappointingly, only very few came out to meet the developers and take advantage of this unique opportunity. Plainfield, we must avoid doing the same things we’ve always done and expect different results. We’re committed to multi-faceted growth and improving the quality of life for all residents. As we develop, we want every resident to enjoy the new residential offerings, upgraded infrastructure, patronize local businesses and improve their economic outlook.
Our willingness to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible is vital for personal progress. Sometimes just one opportunity can make a difference for a vastly improved quality of life. Opportunities don’t last forever, and they’re not always exclusive to you. Your hesitation may lead to missing out on something life-changing.
As we continue to build and grow and more opportunities are presented, I implore every resident to take advantage of our partnerships and explore the possibilities. It could lead to many exciting things.
Plainfield is moving forward, and I want to see our communities move forward too.
Creating One Plainfield, One Future
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Oportunidad + Preparación + Esfuerzo = Éxito |
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Querido Friend,
"La mayoría de la gente pierde la oportunidad porque está vestido como un jardinero y parece trabajo".– Thomas Edison
Estamos orgullosos del hecho de que hay más de mil millones de dólares invertidos en nuestra ciudad. Estamos agradecidos de que los desarrolladores ya no nos pasen de largo mientras buscan pastos más verdes en las ciudades vecinas. El compromiso de esta administración siempre ha sido levantar a cada residente mientras crecemos como una ciudad.
Durante los últimos siete años, hemos tratado de preparar a los residentes para oportunidades de trabajo y nos hemos asociado con desarrolladores y otras agencias para traerlos aquí. Hemos organizado varias ferias de empleo; nos hemos asociado con NJ Build para ayudar a preparar a los participantes interesados para el empleo en los oficios de la construcción. Recibimos a mujeres en seminarios de construcción, y trajimos clases gratuitas de Cisco y certificación para todos los residentes de Plainfield.
A medidas de que sigamos progresando y creciendo, habrá otras oportunidades, pero debemos estar dispuestos a participar y aprovecharlas cuando se presenten. Mi administración se ha asegurado de que cada sitio de construcción en Plainfield tenga vacantes para nuestros residentes, pero no podemos obligar a los residentes a aprovechar estas oportunidades.
Ayer organizamos una feria de empleo con cinco desarrolladores listos y dispuestos a contratar a residentes de Plainfield. Decepcionantemente, muy pocos salieron a conocer a los desarrolladores y aprovechar esta oportunidad única. Plainfield, debemos evitar hacer las mismas cosas que siempre hemos hecho y esperar resultados diferentes. Estamos comprometidos con el crecimiento multifacético y la mejora de la calidad de vida de todos los residentes. A medidas de que nos desarrollamos, queremos que todos los residentes disfruten de las nuevas ofertas residenciales, la infraestructura mejorada, el patrocinando de empresas locales y la mejoría de sus perspectivas económicas.
Nuestra voluntad de aprovechar cuantas oportunidades como sea posible es vital para el progreso personal. A veces, solo una oportunidad puede marcar la diferencia para una calidad de vida mucho mejor. Las oportunidades no duran para siempre, y no siempre son exclusivas para ti. Su indecisión puede llevar a perderse de algo que cambie la vida.
A medidas de que continuamos construyendo, creciendo y que se presenten más oportunidades, imploro a todos los residentes que aprovechen nuestras asociaciones y exploren las posibilidades. Podría dirigir a muchas cosas emocionantes.
Plainfield está avanzando, y quiero ver a nuestras comunidades avanzar también.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp Announced a Major COVID-19 Recovery Grant from
the Biden Administration
Grant to fund historic citywide jobs and stimulus program
On Thursday, June 3rd at 10:00 a.m., Mayor Adrian O. Mapp held a virtual press conference to announce a $24 million COVID-19 recovery grant awarded to the City of Plainfield by the Biden administration. This federal grant is the largest ever secured by Plainfield and will be used to fund a historic citywide jobs and stimulus program, The Plainfield Recover: Jobs and Financial Assistance Program, which is focused on supporting the residents who were hardest hit by the pandemic. The Plainfield Recover: Jobs and Financial Assistance Program will provide the following:
● An average 2% municipal tax cut for all residents for 2022.
● A municipal tax cut totaling $1 million for our seniors in need for 2021.
● Financial assistance totaling $1 million for struggling renters upon the lifting of the eviction moratorium.
● Grants for small business owners totaling $1 million representing more than triple the total funding from the previous program. All Plainfield small businesses will be eligible for these grants.
● Funding for boots on the ground for local community-based organizations to provide assistance to underserved Plainfield residents in the areas of food security, homelessness, youth programs, access to arts and culture programs, and more. This funding will total $1 million.
● Hiring and training of unemployed and underemployed Plainfield residents to conduct grassroots outreach for a massive citywide vaccination campaign.
● Hazard pay to city employees who had to work in-person every day and risk their health to provide services to our residents during the height of the pandemic. This population is inclusive of PMUA truck drivers and operators who worked daily picking up solid waste from the homes of residents.
● Funding to expand broadband access for underserved families.
“Today is a historic day for the City of Plainfield. We are so grateful to the Biden administration for this unprecedented level of grant funding that will help our city recover and build a stronger and more equitable future,” stated Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, City of Plainfield. “We will meet this moment and use this grant to embark on the most comprehensive jobs and stimulus program ever undertaken in Plainfield. While we will prioritize the residents who were most impacted by the public health crisis, The Plainfield Recover: Jobs and Financial Assistance Program will touch every member of our community. As we continue to battle the pandemic, I am so proud that we will be able to hire our unemployed residents to do outreach for a citywide vaccination campaign. This trailblazing initiative will put our people to work and help to get our residents vaccinated. Our community will only recover if we lead our own recovery. None of this would be possible without the hard work of my administration who worked for months to secure this important funding and to increase the initial award from $9 million to nearly $24 million.”
The City of Plainfield was notified of the grant award by the Biden Administration in late May 2021. While some of the programmatic details are still being finalized, The Plainfield Recover: Jobs and Financial Assistance Program initiatives will go into effect this year and continue into 2022. The grant will be paid in 2 installments of approximately $12 million each. The program will also supplement and build on existing recovery programs.
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Please join us on Saturday, June 5th as we Dedicate Black Lives Matter Plaza |
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Plainfield's Own Hidden Figure - Marion Johnson Receives Doctorate from Bloomfield College |
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On May 21st, 2021 Plainfield's very own "Hidden Figure" Marion Johnson was conferred with a Doctorate by Bloomfield College.
Dr. Marion Johnson is a real-life star who calls Plainfield her home. She was an Associate Engineer working for Boeing at NASA during the 1960s and played a critical role in safely landing Apollo 11 and its first man on the moon. By calculating the trajectory that the rockets attached to the spacecraft would land, she would make history. Marion achieved this at a time when segregation and racism readily prevented African-Americans, especially females, from succeeding or finding opportunities as readily as their white counterparts. Twenty projections out of twenty were 100 percent accurate.
Dr. Johnson joined by her husband Frank Johnson and their children were all smiles as she gave an emotional speech.
We could not be more proud of her and we all say "WELL DESERVED!"
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Dr. Marion Johnson's commencement speech |
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Memorial Day Program May 31, 2021 |
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“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” - St. Ambrose
On Monday, May 31st, the City of Plainfield came together for the Annual Memorial Day Program to honor those who have fallen in service. We paid tribute to those brave men and women, who selflessly gave their lives in order to preserve the freedom we enjoy today.
We observed a moment of silence before the monument and had tributes from Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, Vice Commander Frank Coit, and other elected officials including Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Commissioner Rebecca Williams, and Council Vice President Barry Goode. Other elected officials, members of the administration, and other residents also came to show their respect and honor their memory. Reverend Paul Dean gave a heartfelt invocation, and there were musical performances by Johnny Jones on the keyboard, Ruben Salazar on guitar, and Evelin Melger singing the National Anthem.
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CVS Pharmacy Ribbon Cutting |
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CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER !!!
Plainfield, please give a round of applause for the opening of the new CVS Pharmacy located on Park Ave. On Tuesday, June 1st, the city of Plainfield hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome a new business to the community. There is something new and vibrant about Plainfield that is rapidly become apparent to all, and the return of CVS to Plainfield is only the beginning. The location of CVS has proved to be very appealing and complement the new Randolph apartments and soon-to-be medical mall from across the street beautifully.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp was joined by Developer Glen Dominic, CVS District Leader Thomas Cimino, Members of the City Council and Administration, as well as members of the public.
Please mark your calendars for the Grand Opening on Sunday, June 6th
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"One Plainfield, One Future" - Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
On Wednesday, June 2, the city of Plainfield held a Construction Job Fair at the Hannah Atkins Playground located between Third Street and Plainfield Avenue. several developers were on hand to take applications and answer questions from our Plainfield residents. Many opportunities are available. If you missed it please call our Economic Development office and ask for Danielle Tucker at (908) 226-2513
Mayor Mapp's initiative to transform Plainfield into a more vibrant community has resulted in many new projects. With these projects come jobs for the people of our community; what better than the hands of our own Plainfield residents to help reshape our Queen City!
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#LOVEPLAINFIELD | #AMOPLAINFIELD
SPOTLIGHT
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Showing Love in Plainfield #LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield |
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#LovePlainfield is a movement to instill pride in our City while we showcase the culture, art, commerce, spirit, and natural beauty of Plainfield and the people who live here.
Here a friendly smile, beautiful architecture, old world neighborhoods, world class music and eclectic dining are never more than a few steps away. We believe that community is something to be cherished.
We believe that this is an amazing place to live, work, and play. It’s time to show that we’re a lot more than just an urban melting pot. It’s time to showcase our diversity, embrace our differences, celebrate our uniqueness, and clean our spaces, and unify to cherish this place we call home.
Keep posting your photos and videos about why you LOVE Plainfield and use the hashtags.
#LovePlainfield #LovePlainfieldNJ #AmoPlainfield
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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.
Installed throughout the City to reinforce keeping our city clean. Take a photo using the QR code and submit to loveplainfield@plainfieldnj.gov for prizes.
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UPDATE -Our Plainfield Garden & Landscaping Competition which began on Friday, May 14th is now closed to registration. Please stay tuned for the announcement of the winner. Judging of Plainfield's beautiful gardens will be held this week.
NEW - Reserve your tickets today!! The city of Plainfield would also like to welcome you to The Plainfield Symphony's 2021 Garden Tour which will take place this Saturday, June 5th at 12 pm.
Purchase of your tickets in advance will result in a five-dollar discount. Order now for your chance to pay $30 or you may also purchase a ticket the day of for a cost of $35.
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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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Available Emergency Food Resources |
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UNION COUNTY:
“Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with Union County"
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Union County, NJ – In recognition of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to participate in Pride events organized by the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, as Union County joins communities across the nation in once again celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2021. |
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The start of Pride Month 2021 in Union County was celebrated on June 1 with the raising of the PRIDE Flag at 1:00 p.m., at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth.
The program of events throughout the month includes:
- Drive-In Concert featuring the 80’s tribute band Rubix Kube with Union County’s own comedian Amy Colon – Saturday, June 5 at 6:00 p.m. – Union County Vo-Tech campus, Scotch Plains
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Queer Empowerment Hour – The History of PRIDE | How Pride came to be & where we are now – Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. – Zoom – register at org/lgbtq.
- Let Me Be Me: a youth empowerment field day for LGBTQ+ and ally youth (student ID required) – Saturday, June 19 at 11:00 a.m. – Warinanco Sports Center (turf field), Roselle
- Family Movie Night featuring How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World – Friday, June 25 (movie starts at dusk) – Union County Vo-Tech campus, Scotch Plains
- LGBTQ Trivia Night – Wednesday, June 30 at 7:00 p.m. – Ash Brook, Scotch Plains
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“By celebrating the right of LGBTQ+ persons to be who they are, Pride Month events help to foster a sense of unity among all Union County residents,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Commissioner Board is proud to affirm our continued work for inclusion and acceptance with the celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride events in June.”
“June is an important month for LGBTQ+ residents in Union County, and this Commissioner Board is committed to ensuring that each resident feels included and supported,” said Commissioner Vice Chair Rebecca Williams, liaison to the Commissioner’s LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee. “The Office of LGBTQ Affairs provides us with a foundation for partnership, tolerance and equality.”
Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, under the Department of Economic Development, was established in 2018 and is the first county government office of its kind in the State of New Jersey and one of four government offices in the nation to support the LGBTQ community, of which only two are county government offices.
Union County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs offers a platform for leadership and collaboration to support equality, and serves as a catalyst for advocacy, awareness and action on current and emerging issues that impact the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.
For more information about the Office of LGBTQ Affairs, contact Danni Newbury, Coordinator, at 908-527-4742 or dnewbury@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/LGBTQ.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy, Department of Education, Office of the Secretary of Higher Education Announce Initial Round of Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act Projects
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The Murphy Administration is recommending $317.2 million in awards for initial round of SOCFBA
The projects will now go to the Legislature for final approval
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TRENTON – Building on his commitment to ensuring a safe and high-quality educational experience for New Jersey’s students, Governor Phil Murphy today joined with Acting Commissioner of Education Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan and Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Brian Bridges to recommend projects for approval by the Legislature as part of the first round of funds released under the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act (SOCFBA).
The grants—which will fund school security, water infrastructure improvements, and enhancement of career and technical education (CTE) in county vocational-technical school districts and county colleges—are supported by $500 million in bonds approved by New Jersey voters in November 2018. Round-one projects have been approved by the Murphy Administration and will now be transmitted to the Legislature for final approval.
“I have long believed that investments in our students and schools are investments in the future of our state,” said Governor Murphy. “These projects will help our school districts and institutions of higher education keep students safe and healthy, while also ensuring that they are ready for the careers of future.”
“The infrastructure improvements announced today will fund school security and water infrastructure projects, as well as expand career and technical education offerings in our county vocational-technical schools,” said Acting Commissioner Allen-McMillan. “These are major investments that will provide students with greater opportunity, safety, and security.”
“Building a stronger and fairer New Jersey means providing our students with equitable access to high-quality, career-relevant academic programs that translate into meaningful jobs and lifelong success,” said Secretary Bridges. “These investments will enhance students’ access to experiential learning opportunities required to launch their careers in the Garden State and compete in New Jersey’s innovation economy.”
“This is an investment in future opportunities for our children,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “It will help provide them with job skills for the modern workforce, improve their safety and security in schoolrooms, and protect their health and well-being by ensuring clean water. It is an investment in their future and in the future of New Jersey, and I look forward to reviewing the proposed projects.”
“The funding for school security systems, such as silent panic alarms and remote locking and unlocking doors, will put districts in compliance with the safety procedures established in Alyssa’s Law. This is important for the safety of students and educators across the state,” said Senator Ron Rice. “I look forward to reviewing the proposed projects and seeing the impact they have on our districts.”
“The economic viability and competitiveness of New Jersey is inextricably linked to the strengths and skills of the state’s current and future workforce,” said Assemblyman Daniel Benson. “Making the necessary investments in career and technical education programs will help us maintain current and attract new high-demand industries that are the engine of economic growth.”
“Our children deserve the chance to learn in peace,” said Assemblyman Ralph Caputo. “It has taken many years to get to this day. Alyssa’s family and community have been steadfast champions of the legislation that has brought us here and I commend them for that. Coupled with security measures already in place, this project funding can increase the chances of diffusing a bad situation without further harm to students and staff. I'm proud to see the project moving forward.”
The Murphy Administration is recommending approximately $317.2 million in awards for the initial round of SOCFBA. Second-round details and applications will be announced at a later date.
The Murphy Administration is transmitting the following to the Legislature for final approval:
County College CTE Projects – Approximately $26 million
The SOCFBA allocated funds for county colleges to construct or expand classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer facilities, and other academic structures to increase CTE program capacity.
The first round of the SOCFBA will fund nine proposed projects, totaling approximately $26 million. These funds will be administered by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) with the support of the Educational Facilities Authority (EFA).
For the list of round-one projects in this category, click here.
County Vocational School District CTE Projects – Approximately $220.2 million
The SOCFBA allocated funds for construction projects that support CTE program expansion for County Vocational School Districts (CVSD). These projects will fund renovation and new construction to increase student capacity in select county vocational CTE programs, including related demolition, site improvements and physical plant upgrades, and furniture and equipment in renovated, reassigned, or new spaces related to county vocational CTE program expansion. Applicants were required to demonstrate that new student seats would be in county vocational CTE programs that prepare students for high-demand, technically-skilled careers.
The first round of the SOCFBA will fund 17 proposed projects, totaling approximately $220.2 million. These grants will be administered by the Department of Education (DOE).
For the list of round-one projects in this category, click here.
Water Infrastructure Projects – Approximately $5.6 million
The SOCFBA allocated funds for the construction, reconstruction, repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of water supply infrastructure in K-12 schools.
The first round of the SOCFBA will fund 26 proposed projects, totaling approximately $5.6 million. These grants will be administered by the DOE.
The second round of grant funding will be issued following lead testing results required during the 2021-2022 school year.
For the list of round-one projects in this category, click here.
School Security Projects — Approximately $65.4 million
The SOCFBA allocated funds for the installation of silent panic alarms to alert law enforcement during an emergency as required by Alyssa’s Law, and for other school security upgrades. Other school security upgrades include exterior lighting improvements, surveillance cameras, intercoms, remote locking/unlocking doors, shatter-resistant glass, signage improvements, generator installation, and impact-rated vehicle barriers.
The first round of the SOCFBA will fund 494 proposed projects, totaling approximately $65.4 million. These grants will be administered by the DOE.
For the list of round-one projects in this category, click here.
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FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
A Proclamation on Black Music Appreciation Month, 2021
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WHEN AMERICAN FAMILIES DO WELL, OUR NATION THRIVES. |
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Throughout our history, there has been no richer influence on the American songbook than Black music and culture. From early spirituals born out of the unconscionable hardships of slavery; to the creation of folk and gospel; to the evolution of rhythm and blues and jazz; to the ascendance of rock and roll, rap, and hip-hop — Black music has shaped our society, entertained and inspired us, and helped write and tell the story of our Nation.
During Black Music Appreciation Month, we honor the innovative artists whose musical expressions move us, brighten our daily lives, and bring us together. Across the generations, Black music has pioneered the way we listen to music while preserving Black cultural traditions and sharing the unique experiences of the Black community. Black artists have dramatically influenced what we all hear and feel through music — joy and sadness, love and loss, pride and purpose.
Black music has always stood on its own — a beacon of resilience and resistance — while at the same time helping to shape countless other musical and cultural traditions. From the syncopated rhythms of jazz to the soulful expressions of R&B, Black music spans an extraordinarily broad spectrum of genres and styles. The distinct voices and instruments of Black artists have filled the halls of the Apollo Theater in New York City, Preservation Hall in New Orleans, the Fillmore in San Francisco, and other iconic venues throughout the United States and around the world, energizing audiences and inspiring millions. The music created and expressed by Black communities has paved the way for generations of musicians across all races, creeds, colors, religions, sexual orientations, and identities. The creativity and spirit of Black music is everywhere, and our Nation and the world are richer for it.
This month, we also honor the many important contributors to our Nation’s musical heritage that are no longer with us. And although they have taken their final bows, their musical legacies and influence will live on in our hearts and souls, and inspire a new generation of artists and fans.
In appreciating the indelible contributions of Black Americans to the music landscape, we must also recognize the crisis of racial inequity that Black Americans have faced in America for centuries — a crisis that is often reflected and challenged in Black music. We must rededicate ourselves to rooting out systemic racism from every part of our society, and work together to advance racial justice and equity. In the music industry, that work includes identifying and eliminating barriers that Black creatives face in producing and maintaining ownership of their music and other creations. In this month of June, we celebrate the Black music that has shaped and enlivened our lives and our country, and recommit ourselves to advancing racial equity for artists — and for everyone.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Black Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and appreciation of Black music.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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One Plainfield. One Future |
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