"Condemnations are Sometimes Necessary"

Dear Jazz,

The city of Plainfield has recently been the focus of passionate debates and scrutiny over the condemnation of buildings that posed a significant risk to their occupants. This subject, while divisive, is crucial for the future well-being of our community, and we can’t shy away from the discussion. Condemning buildings is not just an exercise of authority but an imperative action to protect the lives and safety of our residents. Despite the complexities and the immediate ramifications, such as the temporary displacement of families, the ultimate aim is of tantamount importance—forcing landlords to bring buildings up to code and thereby safeguarding the public interest.

The essence of the issue is really—public safety. In a city where everyone aspires to live in a stable, secure, safe home, it's a jarring realization that we have buildings that can be ticking time bombs of structural or health hazards. Mold, asbestos, gas leaks, raw sewage, crumbling foundations—these are not merely inconveniences; they are life-threatening conditions. By condemning such buildings, the administration of Plainfield has set a clear priority: the lives and safety of its residents come first. While the displacement is undoubtedly traumatic for the affected families, the intent behind this action is not eviction but a commitment to returning them to safer, improved living conditions.

Leadership often demands that difficult decisions be made, ones that may not be immediately popular but are essential for long-term success. As the Mayor of this great city, my administration and I made a hard choice—one that some shy away from due to their immediate unpopularity. The goal here is to address the present crisis and prevent future ones by compelling landlords to elevate their properties to a standard that respects both human dignity and safety regulations. It's a bid to break the vicious cycle of neglect, degradation, and risk that often characterizes marginalized urban spaces.

However, the path from condemnation to renovation is fraught with complexities. Once a building is condemned, the onus lies on landlords to make the necessary improvements. But this process also demands that city officials remain closely involved, not just in setting standards but also in ensuring that those standards are met—and within a reasonable time frame. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is needed, one that includes interim housing solutions, regular inspections, and a transparent dialogue between tenants, landlords, and city officials. Because of our ongoing efforts and collaboration with State and County agencies, we’ve successfully placed 38 affected families in long-term housing.

In the larger context, these efforts contribute to making Plainfield a more appealing, secure place for both current and future residents. The actions taken set a precedent and a standard for what is acceptable. They discourage neglectful property management and foster a culture of accountability and care. This is not merely about improving buildings; it’s about elevating the quality of life for everyone in Plainfield.

While the condemnation of buildings in Plainfield has been challenging, the action underscores a vital principle: that the quality of life for residents is non-negotiable. The administration has taken a significant, albeit difficult, step forward to ensure that landlords hold up their end of the social contract. It's a clear message that dilapidation and neglect have no place in the community. Complicated decisions often fall upon the shoulders of leaders. In this case, we have demonstrated that we’re unafraid to make those decisions for the greater good, even though they are unpopular with many. It's not an easy road, but it's the right one for a safer, more livable Plainfield.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

"Las condenas de viviendas

a veces son necesarias"

Querido(a) Jazz,

La ciudad de Plainfield ha sido recientemente el foco de apasionados debates y escrutinio sobre la expropiación de edificios que representaban un riesgo significativo para sus ocupantes. Este tema, aunque divisivo, es crucial para el bienestar futuro de nuestra comunidad y no podemos rehuir la discusión. Condenar edificios no es sólo un ejercicio de autoridad sino una acción imperativa para proteger las vidas y la seguridad de nuestros residentes. A pesar de las complejidades y las ramificaciones inmediatas, como el desplazamiento temporal de familias, el objetivo final es de igual importancia: obligar a los propietarios a adaptar los edificios a los códigos y salvaguardar así el interés público.

La esencia del problema es realmente la seguridad pública. En una ciudad donde todos aspiran a vivir en un hogar estable y seguro, es sorprendente darse cuenta de que tenemos edificios que pueden ser bombas de tiempo de peligros estructurales o para la salud. Moho, asbesto, fugas de gas, aguas residuales, cimientos desmoronados... no son meros inconvenientes; son condiciones que ponen en peligro la vida. Al condenar tales edificios, la administración de Plainfield ha establecido una prioridad clara: la vida y la seguridad de sus residentes son lo primero. Si bien el desplazamiento es indudablemente traumático para las familias afectadas, la intención detrás de esta acción no es el desalojo sino el compromiso de devolverlas a condiciones de vida mejores y más seguras.

El liderazgo a menudo exige que se tomen decisiones difíciles, que pueden no ser populares de inmediato pero que son esenciales para el éxito a largo plazo. Como alcalde de esta gran ciudad, mi administración y yo tomamos una decisión difícil, una decisión que algunos evitan debido a su inmediata impopularidad. El objetivo aquí es abordar la crisis actual y prevenir otras futuras obligando a los propietarios a elevar sus propiedades a un estándar que respete tanto la dignidad humana como las normas de seguridad. Es un intento de romper el círculo vicioso de abandono, degradación y riesgo que a menudo caracteriza los espacios urbanos marginados.

Sin embargo, el camino desde la expropiación hasta la renovación está plagado de complejidades. Una vez que un edificio es clausurado, la responsabilidad de realizar las mejoras necesarias recae en los propietarios. Pero este proceso también exige que los funcionarios de la ciudad sigan participando estrechamente, no sólo en el establecimiento de estándares sino también en garantizar que esos estándares se cumplan, y dentro de un plazo razonable. Por lo tanto, se necesita un enfoque integral, que incluya soluciones de vivienda provisionales, inspecciones periódicas y un diálogo transparente entre inquilinos, propietarios y funcionarios municipales. Gracias a nuestros continuos esfuerzos y colaboración con agencias estatales y del condado, hemos logrado ubicar a 38 familias afectadas en viviendas a largo plazo.

En un contexto más amplio, estos esfuerzos contribuyen a hacer de Plainfield un lugar más atractivo y seguro para los residentes actuales y futuros. Las acciones tomadas sientan un precedente y un estándar de lo que es aceptable. Desalientan la gestión negligente de la propiedad y fomentan una cultura de responsabilidad y cuidado. No se trata simplemente de mejorar los edificios; se trata de elevar la calidad de vida de todos en Plainfield.

Si bien la expropiación de edificios en Plainfield ha sido un desafío, la acción subraya un principio vital: que la calidad de vida de los residentes no es negociable. La administración ha dado un paso significativo, aunque difícil, para garantizar que los propietarios cumplan con su parte del contrato social. Es un mensaje claro de que el deterioro y el abandono no tienen cabida en la comunidad. Las decisiones complicadas a menudo recaen sobre los hombros de los líderes. En este caso, hemos demostrado que no tenemos miedo de tomar esas decisiones por el bien común, aunque sean impopulares para muchos. No es un camino fácil, pero es el correcto para lograr un Plainfield más seguro y habitable.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

October 2023 Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Plainfield, NJ, Becomes the First City in New Jersey to Implement

AI-Powered Translation at Council Meetings

October 19, 2023

Plainfield, NJ – October 19, 2023 – The City of Plainfield proudly announces a groundbreaking initiative to enhance communication and inclusivity at city council meetings. In collaboration with WORDLY, a leading Artificial Intelligence-driven language services company, Plainfield is the first city in New Jersey to implement real-time AI translation at its council meetings. This state-of-the-art technology allows residents to understand and participate in city governance, irrespective of their native language.

The City's Administration and City Council have been seeking more efficient ways to connect with Plainfield's diverse community, which is home to people speaking various languages, including Spanish and Portuguese, among others. The introduction of WORDLY's AI technology addresses this need by breaking down language barriers that have long prevented non-English speaking citizens from fully engaging in civic matters. Using real-time translation capabilities, the AI technology provides immediate translations through headphones, live captions, and online platforms, making council meetings more accessible than ever before. WORDLY currently offers two-way translation into 48 languages, covering over 1,900 language pairs.

The WORDLY translation platform debuted at the October 10th Council meeting and worked seamlessly. Most residents needing translation could access it on their personal devices and either listen with earphones or read the words on the screen. For those without a personal device, the translated words were displayed on a monitor at the front of the room.

"The partnership with WORDLY allows us to be more transparent and inclusive, promoting civic engagement among all Plainfield residents. We have taken a significant step toward ensuring that our city is a place where everyone has an equal voice," said Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. “The use of Artificial Intelligence in municipal settings to improve language inclusivity represents not only a technological advance but also a commitment to social justice, as it encourages broader community participation in decision-making processes. My administration prides itself on finding innovative solutions and being early adapters. This technology is another example of how Plainfield continues to drive progress.”

This initiative is a model for improving accessibility in government activities. As cities become more diverse, the need for such innovations in communication only grows. The City of Plainfield hopes to inspire other New Jersey and United States cities to adopt similar technologies that democratize information and foster a more inclusive environment.

WORDLY's advanced AI algorithms are designed to offer precise and nuanced translations across numerous languages, making it an ideal choice for official settings like council meetings where accuracy is crucial. "We are thrilled to work with the City of Plainfield on this groundbreaking initiative. Language should never be a barrier to civic participation, and we are proud that our technology is helping to make that ideal a reality," said a representative of WORDLY.

About Plainfield, New Jersey: The City of Plainfield, also known by its iconic nickname "The Queen City," is 153 years old and home to 54,586 individuals. The City of Plainfield is the third-largest city in Union County. The current mayor of the beautiful Queen City is Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, serving a historic, consecutive third term. For more information on the City of Plainfield, visit online at www.plainfieldnj.gov, www.facebook.com/cityofplainfieldnj, Instagram at @cityofplainfieldnj, and Twitter at @cityofplainfld.

About WORDLY: WORDLY is a leading provider of AI-driven language translation services committed to breaking down language barriers and fostering global communication. Their state-of-the-art technology is used in various sectors, including government, healthcare, and education, to facilitate more effective communication across linguistic divides.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Plainfield NJ - October 11, 2023 - The City of Plainfield is taking decisive actions to support tenants who were forced to vacate the condemned buildings at Kensington and W. 7^th St., ensuring their well-being and housing security in the face of this challenging situation. The city is implementing a comprehensive plan that encompasses legislative changes, legal efforts, collaborative initiatives, and more.

We are pleased to report significant progress in the city's efforts to assist these families. Of the 73 families that have reached out to the City and the three collaborating agencies:

Seven (7) families remain in temporary hotel accommodations, receiving the support they need as the city works towards long-term solutions. Thirty-eight (38) families have been successfully and permanently rehoused, ensuring their continued safety and well-being.

Twenty-eight (28) families are currently staying with family members or friends while actively searching for an apartment. These families will receive rental assistance once they secure a new unit, underscoring the city's commitment to providing crucial support during this transitional period.

It's essential to note that these statistics do not account for a subset of families that agencies have been unable to connect with. This disconnect may be attributed to various factors, including disconnected phone lines and refusals of services. These families remain a priority for the City of Plainfield, which is actively working to overcome barriers and ensure that assistance reaches every affected family.

The city's dedication to the well-being of its residents is unwavering, and efforts will persist to leave no family behind.

Legislation Updates:

In a proactive move, the City of Plainfield has amended its ordinance to require that rental units with more than four units undergo inspections by the city every other year. This change is aimed at enhancing safety and habitability for tenants and promoting timely maintenance and repairs.

Additionally, the city is introducing a significant enhancement to redevelopment agreements with developers. Developers will now be required to contribute $5,000 annually to a fund dedicated to assisting tenants affected by condemnations. This fund will play a crucial role in supporting tenants during challenging times.

Rent Receiver Lawsuit:

The city is actively pursuing a rent receiver to manage rental income from currently functioning buildings owned by Cyclone LLC. The funds acquired through this measure will be used to rehabilitate the condemned buildings, expediting the process of making them safe and habitable again.

Collaboration and Monitoring:

The City of Plainfield is committed to close collaboration with the three agencies funded by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to provide assistance to displaced tenants. The city and these agencies maintain a shared list of affected tenants, ensuring that no individual falls through the cracks. Monitoring of every interaction with the affected residents is a top priority.

Engagement with Local Developers:

The city has proactively engaged local developers to harness their support in finding suitable housing solutions for displaced tenants. These developers are contributing valuable information about available units, streamlining the transition process for those in need. Importantly, efforts have been made to remove barriers, including immigration status, from the application process.

Rental Assistance:

Plainfield is actively providing rental assistance both at the local level and through collaborations with state agencies. This support is designed to ensure that tenants affected by condemnations have access to safe and secure housing options.

Building Code Compliance:

The city is working closely with the building owners to bring their properties up to code. The owners have been provided with pre-inspection inspections to clearly identify necessary safety improvements. Despite these efforts, to date, they have failed to make the required life and safety changes, resulting in a recent inspection failure.

Condemnation Redevelopment Area Study:

The Planning Board has been instructed to conduct a study for a condemnation redevelopment area with the aim of attracting new developers. This move will leverage the city's redevelopment agreements to ensure that all tenants are rehoused and that rents remain affordable.

The City of Plainfield remains dedicated to the welfare of every resident and improving the quality of life across the city. These follow-up actions demonstrate a commitment to providing essential housing and support to those affected by the recent condemnation. We will continue to provide updates on the progress of these initiatives and are confident that, through collaboration and commitment, the city will overcome these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.

The General Election on November 7 is only weeks away!

If you would like to cast your ballot in the upcoming election, you have to be a registered NJ voter. If you are not currently registered, you must do so by the Voter Registration Deadline – October 17, 2023.

Registering to vote is quick and easy and can be done online here. Translations are available online as well. You will need to supply your date of birth, an accepted form of identification and social security number to complete your online application. Students living on campus in New Jersey can register to vote using either their college address or their parent’s address.

To register to vote in New Jersey, you must be:

· A United States citizen

· At least 17 years old, though you may not vote until you have reached

the age of 18

· A resident of the county for 30 days before the election

· A person not serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or any other state or of the United States.

Once registered, you can vote one of these three ways.

Whatever option you prefer, you must first be registered to vote. Register by the Voter Registration Deadline on October 17, 2023.

Take a Look at our Spring Newsletter

"Voices of Plainfield"

Click HERE or PAGE to read newsletter

Our mission is to ignite a powerful movement revitalizing our city with an outpouring of love, unity, and action. Through the LOVE PLAINFIELD campaign, we aim to foster a deep sense of connection and pride among residents, inspiring them to actively participate in shaping a vibrant and inclusive community.

Embrace: We strive to create an environment where everyone feels embraced and valued, regardless of background or circumstances. We will build bridges that connect us all by celebrating our city's rich diversity and promoting inclusivity.

Engage: Our mission is to empower citizens to take an active role in improving our city. Through various engaging initiatives and collaborative projects, we will encourage residents to contribute their unique skills, talents, and ideas to create positive change.

Elevate: We are committed to elevating the quality of life in our city. By enhancing public spaces, supporting local businesses, and investing in education, healthcare, and social services, we aim to create a city that thrives economically, socially, and culturally.

CLICK FOR MORE!

A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY

Early In-Person Voting Locations

Locations for 2023 General Elections

“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting in 2021,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day. Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”

Plainfield, Union College of Union County, Church Street, Between E. 2nd & E. 3rd Streets

All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:

Saturday, October 28, 10am – 8pm
Sunday, October 29, 10am – 6pm
Monday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
Tuesday, October 31, 10am – 8pm
Wednesday, November 1, 10am – 8pm
Thursday, November 2, 10am – 8pm
Friday, November 3, 10am – 8pm
Saturday, November 4, 10am – 8pm
Sunday, November 5, 10am – 6pm

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

A MESSAGE FROM

THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY:

"New Jersey Awarded $850K in Funding to Expand Small Business Exporting"

Trenton, NJ - The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) announced today that it was awarded $850,000 in federal funds for the New Jersey State Trade Expansion Program (NJSTEP) to support businesses in underserved communities throughout the state.

NJBAC, a division of the Department of State, received funding for NJSTEP to provide financial awards to eligible small businesses entering the export market, as well as businesses who are already engaged in international trade. The program is funded through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

"We are thrilled to receive this significant grant, the third highest in the nation, for our State Trade Expansion Program," said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. "This funding will be instrumental in helping Minority, LGBTQIA+, Women, and Veteran-owned New Jersey businesses tap into new global opportunities, driving economic growth and creating new jobs in our state."

The state’s successful NJSTEP program has been awarded funding for eleven consecutive years and received the third-highest grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration this year. The program has previously assisted hundreds of businesses, throughout the state leading to millions of dollars in export sales globally.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

THE WHITE HOUSE: BRIEFING ROOM

"Biden-⁠Harris Administration Releases Report of the H-2B Worker Protection Taskforce"

October 19, 2023

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration released the report of the H-2B Worker Protection Taskforce (the Taskforce). The report announces new actions to be taken by four federal agencies—the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Labor (DOL), and State, as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)— to strengthen protections for vulnerable workers.

The H-2B program permits employers to temporarily hire noncitizens to perform nonagricultural labor or services in the United States. Workers in the H-2B program work alongside U.S. workers in some of our country’s most critical occupations. Too often, H-2B workers face significant challenges and structural disincentives to report or leave abusive conditions, and they often lack power and resources to exercise their rights when exploitative employment situations arise. This vulnerability not only harms H-2B workers, but also undermines wages and working conditions for all workers.

To address these issues, in October 2022, the Administration announced the creation of the White House-led H-2B Worker Protection Taskforce to develop solutions to help address three challenges: (1) threats to H-2B program integrity; (2) H-2B workers’ fundamental vulnerabilities, including their limited ability to leave abusive employment without jeopardizing their immigration status; and (3) the illegal use of the program to avoid hiring U.S. workers. As part of developing its actions, the Taskforce held listening sessions and gathered recommendations from key stakeholders, including worker advocates, immigration groups, unions, experts, and researchers.

“The Department of Homeland Security is committed to maintaining strong economic growth and meeting the labor demand in the United States, while strengthening worker protections for U.S. and foreign workers,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “We are acting swiftly to bolster the resiliency of our industries and will continue to take steps to strengthen protections for workers and safeguard the integrity of the H-2B program from unscrupulous employers who would seek to exploit workers by paying substandard wages and maintaining unsafe work conditions.”

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VISIT WHITEHOUSE.GOV TO READ FULL ARTICLE