Mayor's Message:

New Jersey Ban-The-Bag

Mayor MappIG.jpg

Dear Jazz,


We have heard warnings of global warming for years, melting glaciers, warmer winters, sweltering summers, and questionable seasons, but does everyone truly understand the implication? Innovation and creative minds have entirely transformed our way of life. We utilize plastic bags to make our weekly shopping more manageable, and disposable containers facilitate sales at our local businesses. Still, all these inventions that enable quick transactions hurt our planet and ourselves.

The problem with plastic and disposable containers lies farther than the physical pollution we witness in cities worldwide. Most takeout containers are made from styrofoam, a petroleum-based non-biodegradable foam, which the Environmental Protection Agency considers a “possible human carcinogen” (source). In other words, it is a substance that cannot be naturally broken down and has been linked to cancer. But plastic is no better; all manufactured plastic derives from the cracking and refinement of crude oil, natural gas, and other petroleum products. The process used to extract these oils or gas from the ground consumes a tremendous amount of fossil fuel energy that releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the air (source).


Signs of how harmful pollution affects our environment are becoming more apparent each day, and New Jersey will no longer stand for that. Effective May 4, 2022, New Jersey will implement a Ban-The-Bag policy. The ban will prohibit stores, including retail, from selling or providing single-use plastic bags and polystyrene foam foodservice products. Single-use paper carryout bags will be allowed for use or sale, except by grocery stores equal to or larger than 2,500 square feet, which may only provide or sell reusable carryout bags (source).


I am aware of the ripple this ban will cause within our community. Change is never easy; our local businesses will be forced to find alternative measures to continue providing service. Residents will have to predict the times they may need bags for a run to the store with greater accuracy. At first, it may seem like a bother because it will challenge what we’ve known as constant for so long, but ultimately this will be in our best interest and the interest of our community.


You are not alone; the City of Plainfield is here for all who need assistance as we go through this transition. As part of our Love Plainfield movement, the City of Plainfield distributed attractive reusable shopping bags at most 2021 events and will continue to do so in 2022. In addition, a virtual consultation webinar for Plainfield Business owners will be held on Wednesday, April 20, at 5 pm. If you are a business owner with questions about how this ban will affect your business, please reach out to my administration for details on this webinar.

Our health and environmental stability must take priority. Plastics and styrofoam, although convenient and cheap, are harmful. If we want to be strong enough to care for our kids, travel the world, and live to a reasonable age, we must first be healthy. Furthermore, there must be a world for our loved ones and children to enjoy.


But why stop there? Let’s take it a little further. Start recycling at home, and teach the young ones the importance of separating plastics and paper from compost. Utilize reusable water bottles and minimize the amount of plastic you purchase. Lead by example and dispose of your trash properly. Littering has become a big issue here in Plainfield, and I believe it’s about time we address that. The possibilities on how to care for our planet are endless, and every little step we take toward a healthier future will go a long way. All it takes is commitment, a little drive, and some determination.


I urge my Queen City to be the leaders of change. Do it for your family, friends, and neighbors, but most importantly, do it for yourself.

#LovePlainfield


Creating One Plainfield. One Future

Sincerely,

MAYORS SIGNATURE.png

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

Nueva Jersey Prohibición–de la-Bolsa

Querido Plainfield,

Hemos escuchado advertencias sobre el calentamiento global durante años, el derretimiento de los glaciares, los inviernos más calientes, los veranos sofocantes y las estaciones cuestionables, pero ¿realmente entienden la implicación? La innovación y las mentes creativas han transformado por completo nuestra forma de vida. Utilizamos bolsas de plástico para hacer que nuestras compras semanales sean más manejables, y los contenedores desechables facilitan las ventas en nuestros negocios locales. Aún así, todos estos inventos que permiten transacciones rápidas perjudican a nuestro planeta y a nosotros mismos.


El problema con los envases de plástico y desechables está más lejos que la contaminación física que presenciamos en las ciudades de todo el mundo. La mayoría de los contenedores para llevar están hechos de espuma de poliestireno, una espuma no biodegradable a base de petróleo, que la Agencia de Protección Ambiental considera un "posible carcinógeno humano" (fuente). En otras palabras, es una sustancia que no se puede descomponer naturalmente y se ha relacionado con el cáncer. Pero el plástico no es mejor; todo el plástico fabricado se deriva del agrietamiento y refinamiento del petróleo crudo, el gas natural y otros productos derivados del petróleo. El proceso utilizado para extraer estos aceites o gases del suelo consume una enorme cantidad de energía de combustibles fósiles que libera gases de efecto invernadero y otros contaminantes en el aire (fuente).


Las señales de cómo la contaminación dañina afecta nuestro medio ambiente son cada vez más evidentes cada día, y Nueva Jersey ya no soportará eso. A partir del 4 de mayo de 2022, Nueva Jersey comenzará una política de Ban-The-Bag. La prohibición prohibirá a las tiendas, incluida la venta al por menor, vender o proporcionar bolsas de plástico de un solo uso y productos de servicio de alimentos de espuma de poliestireno. Se permitirá el uso o venta de bolsas de papel de un solo uso, excepto en tiendas de comestibles iguales o mayores de 2,500 pies cuadrados, que solo pueden proporcionar o vender bolsas de mano reutilizables (fuente).


Soy consciente de la onda expansiva que esta prohibición causará dentro de nuestra comunidad. El cambio nunca es fácil; nuestros negocios locales se verán obligados a buscar medidas alternativas para continuar brindando servicio. Los residentes tendrán que predecir las veces que pueden necesitar bolsas para correr a la tienda con mayor precisión. Al principio, puede parecer una molestia porque desafiará lo que hemos conocido como constante durante tanto tiempo, pero en última instancia, esto será en nuestro mejor interés y en el interés de nuestra comunidad.


No estás solo; la ciudad de Plainfield está aquí para todos los que necesitan asistencia a medida que avanzamos en esta transición. Como parte de nuestro movimiento Love Plainfield, la Ciudad de Plainfield distribuyó atractivas bolsas de compras reutilizables en la mayoría de los eventos de 2021 y continuará haciéndolo en 2022. Además, se llevará a cabo un seminario web de consulta virtual para propietarios de negocios de Plainfield el miércoles 20 de abril a las 5 pm. Si usted es propietario de un negocio con preguntas sobre cómo esta prohibición afectará a su negocio, comuníquese con mi administración para obtener detalles sobre este seminario web.


Nuestra salud y estabilidad ambiental deben tener prioridad. Los plásticos y la espuma de poliestireno, aunque convenientes y baratos, son dañinos. Si queremos ser lo suficientemente fuertes como para cuidar a nuestros hijos, viajar por el mundo y vivir a una edad razonable, primero debemos estar sanos. Además, debe haber un mundo para que nuestros seres queridos e hijos disfruten.


Pero, ¿por qué detenerse allí? Vamos a ir un poco más allá. Comience a reciclar en casa y enseñe a los más pequeños la importancia de separar los plásticos y el papel del compost. Utilice botellas de agua reutilizables y minimice la cantidad de plástico que compra. Predica con el ejemplo y desecha tu basura adecuadamente. La basura se ha convertido en un gran problema aquí en Plainfield, y creo que ya es hora de que abordemos eso. Las posibilidades sobre cómo cuidar nuestro planeta son infinitas, y cada pequeño paso que demos hacia un futuro más saludable será de gran ayuda. Todo lo que se necesita es compromiso, un poco de impulso y algo de determinación.


Insto a mi Ciudad Reina a ser los líderes del cambio. Hazlo por tu familia, amigos y vecinos, pero lo más importante, hazlo por ti mismo.

#AmoPlainfield

 

 

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro

MAYORS SIGNATURE.png

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

Mayor Mapp Reacts to Mayor Bonaccorso's Apology

Click on the Video below to see Mayor Bonaccorso's Apology

Click Here to see Mayor Mapp's Reaction on NBC News

LOCAL NEWS: Ban on Plastic Bags and and Foam Service Products | Effective May 4, 2022

The New Law, P.L. 2020, c.117, becomes effective on May 4, 2022. The law bans the provision or sale of all single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service products, single-use paper carryout bags in groceries equal to or larger than 2500 sq. ft. and limits plastic straw distribution to by-customer-request-only as of November 4, 2021.


This is a statewide ban that applies to all retail, grocery stores, and food service businesses, from restaurants, delis, coffee shops to food trucks and cafeterias.  

Click Here to Learn More

UPDATE | NEW PARKING KIOSKS INSTRUCTIONS

The Plainfield Parking Utility is in the process of updating and replacing the parking kiosks within the City.

The video and flyer below provide instructions for using the new kiosks.

kiosk instructions.jpg

UPCOMING EVENT | SAVE THE DATE

Register for Clean the Queen | Regístrese para Limpiar  la Reina

Love Plainfield Initiative

¿ How Do You Show Love For Plainfield?

PARTICIPATE IN OUR LOVE PLAINFIELD TRIVIA

The City of Plainfield is known for its vibrant and rich history. In the coming weeks, we'll post questions about our Queen City. Participate and get to know your community.


In addition, on selected weeks, one lucky trivia winner will have a chance to win a gift card and/ or other Love Plainfield merchandise. Check back every week to see what quizzes are eligible for prizes.


You must be registered to receive the mayor's newsletter so we can contact you if you're a winner.


Email:

 communications@plainfieldnj.gov with your First and Last Name to subscribe.

READ MORE ABOUT LOVE PLAINFIELD
Screen Shot 2021-12-30 at 10.41.10 AM.png

Look for the QR codes on trashcans around the city, in city businesses, and, etc. 



These barcodes are your opportunity to share how you show love in our city. The Love Plainfield team will also use it to log resident participation for the #LovePlainfield awards.

How Well Do You Know Your Plainfield?

Last Thursday, the question was asked "When is the Clean the Queen event?" and options "April 23rd, May 29th, May 7th, July 4th?" were provided.


Congratulations, everyone is correct. Clean the Queen will take place on May 7, 2022. Join the force and let's make a difference here in Plainfield.

Register for Clean the Queen

Community Events Alert! Do you know When Plainfield's Easter Egg Hunt is?

Hint: Flyer can be found in this newsletter and on the City's Event Calendar
April 9, 2022
May 7, 2022
April 11, 2022
May 8, 2022

A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY: 

Got a Recycling Question? There’s an App for that!

union county seal.png

Union County, NJ – April 4, 2022 — Union County residents who are puzzling over the recycling rules can get all the answers from Recycle Coach, a free app for all mobile devices.

“Easy access to information is the key to boosting our recycling rate countywide,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “With Recycle Coach, you never have to wonder what belongs in your recycling bin again.”

The Recycle Coach app helps prevent the scourge of “wish-cycling,” the practice of putting random items into recycling bins. These items contaminate the recycling stream. They result in extra sorting and higher costs for the recycling vendor. In extreme cases, an entire load can be rejected.

VISIT UCNJ.ORG TO READ FULL ARTICLE

A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY: 

Governor Murphy and Department of Education Allocate $18 Million for Additional Special Education Services for Students with Disabilities Impacted By COVID-19 School Disruptions

Screen Shot 2021-12-30 at 1.55.08 PM.png

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) today announced that nearly $18 million in federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) State Fiscal Recovery Funds will be allocated to reimburse local educational agencies (LEAs) for additional special education services provided to students who were impacted by COVID-19 related school disruptions but would otherwise have reached the maximum age of eligibility for public school services (21 years old), as required by legislation (S3434) signed by the Governor in June 2021.

 

“Ensuring a high-quality education for all New Jersey students is critical, especially those who have struggled during the pandemic,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This initiative aims to be responsive to students with disabilities who need additional time in school to provide the skills they need to be successful upon graduating. We will continue to engage in comprehensive outreach efforts to ensure that we reach all students who are in need of these services.”

 

“We are committed to ensuring that all New Jersey students receive the support they need, especially in response to the disruption the pandemic has caused in the classroom,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “This funding ensures that students with individual education plans remain on track to achieve their educational goals by having the ability to receive an additional year of schooling."


VISIT NJ.GOV TO READ FULL INFORMATION

A MESSAGE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:

Statement of President Joe Biden on the UN Vote Suspending Russia from the Human Rights Council

WHITE HOUSE LOGO.png

I applaud the overwhelming vote today in the General Assembly of the United Nations to kick Russia off the UN Human Rights Council. This is a meaningful step by the international community further demonstrating how Putin’s war has made Russia an international pariah.

The United States worked closely with our Allies and partners around the world to drive this vote because Russia is committing gross and systemic violations of human rights. Russian forces are committing war crimes. Russia has no place on the Human Rights Council. After today’s historic vote, Russia will not be able to participate in the Council’s work or spread its disinformation there as the Council’s Commission of Inquiry investigates Russia’s violations and abuses of human rights in Ukraine. 


VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV TO READ FULL BRIEFING


HELP US TAKE CARE OF OUR CITY!

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT- IT APP

Available in IOS and Android Mobile Phones

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: REPORT-IT FOR APPLE DEVICES
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: REPORT-IT FOR ANDROID DEVICES

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

IMG_0309 2.jpg

Use the app, or text

reportit to 63975

Screen Shot 2021-12-30 at 3.13.12 PM.png

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 to be resolved.


Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and stay informed on the latest projects, and events around our Queen City!

Call us at: 908.753.3015 or

E:communications@plainfieldnj.gov 

|THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD NJ|

515 WATCHUNG AVENUE | 908-753-3310| MONDAY-FRIDAY | 9 A.M.- 5 P.M.|

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  YouTube  Web

Creating One Plainfield. One Future

Volume 9 - Issue 14

Visit our Website