Dear Jazz,

As the crisp autumn weather begins to blanket our city in a tapestry of vibrant colors and cooler nights, our community's spirit remains ablaze with the joys of fall. This month is all about celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in style, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences that showcase games, music, dance, delectable cuisine, and rich cultural traditions. It's a time for us to not only embrace the autumnal wonders but also extend our love for the diverse cultures that thrive within the Queen City. From the exuberant celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month to events like the "Day of Etiquette" – where refinement meets fun, and the "Trunk or Treat" – a Halloween extravaganza, there's something for everyone. These events aren't just entertainment; they're an invitation to lead an active, vibrant, and socially connected lifestyle. But it doesn’t stop there! Be sure to delve into our Parks & Recreation calendar, a treasure trove of activities that cater to residents of all ages and interests.

To stay in the loop, keep your eyes peeled for our newsletters, explore the city's website, and engage with us on social media. These platforms are your tickets to an incredible array of events, ensuring that no one in our community misses out on the excitement. After all, it's the connections we make and the shared experiences we create that truly define the essence of our city.

As we journey through October, let's collectively embark on an initiative to craft unforgettable memories, cultivate new friendships, and partake in community activities. Let's make this month a testament to our commitment to #Love Plainfield, showcasing the unity and warmth that make our city an extraordinary place to call home. Join us in celebrating the splendid mosaic of cultures and the spirit of togetherness that defines our Queen City.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

A medida que el fresco clima otoñal comienza a cubrir nuestra ciudad con un tapiz de colores vibrantes y noches más frescas, el espíritu de nuestra comunidad permanece encendido con las alegrías del otoño. Este mes se trata de celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con estilo, ofreciendo un caleidoscopio de experiencias que muestran juegos, música, danza, cocina deliciosa y ricas tradiciones culturales. Es un momento para que no solo abracemos las maravillas otoñales sino que también extendamos nuestro amor por las diversas culturas que prosperan en Queen City. Desde las exuberantes celebraciones del Mes de la Herencia Hispana hasta eventos como el "Día de la Etiqueta", donde el refinamiento se une a la diversión, y el "Trunk or Treat", un espectáculo de Halloween, hay algo para todos. Estos eventos no son sólo entretenimiento; son una invitación a llevar un estilo de vida activo, vibrante y socialmente conectado. ¡Pero la cosa no termina ahí! Asegúrese de profundizar en nuestro calendario de Parques y Recreación, un tesoro de actividades que atienden a residentes de todas las edades e intereses.

Para mantenerse informado, esté atento a nuestros boletines, explore el sitio web de la ciudad e interactúe con nosotros en las redes sociales. Estas plataformas son sus entradas para una increíble variedad de eventos, lo que garantiza que nadie en nuestra comunidad se pierda la emoción. Después de todo, son las conexiones que hacemos y las experiencias compartidas que creamos las que realmente definen la esencia de nuestra ciudad.

A medida que avanzamos en octubre, embarquémonos colectivamente en una iniciativa para crear recuerdos inolvidables, cultivar nuevas amistades y participar en actividades comunitarias. Hagamos de este mes un testimonio de nuestro compromiso con #Love Plainfield, mostrando la unidad y la calidez que hacen de nuestra ciudad un lugar extraordinario al que llamar hogar. Únase a nosotros para celebrar el espléndido mosaico de culturas y el espíritu de unión que define nuestra Ciudad Reina.

#AmoPlainfield #LovePlainfield

Creating One Plainfield, One Future.

Creando Un Plainfield y Un Futuro

Mayor | Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield NJ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

AI-Powered Translation at Council Meetings

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.

Emelyn Stuart, awarded the prestigious Vanguard Award, has produced over a dozen independent projects. She is also the CEO of Stuart Cinema, an independent theater and a community center cherished as a safe haven for artists.

The festival featured a curated selection of thirty-one films chosen from a pool of over 70 submissions from six different countries. The festivities kicked off at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center on Friday and continued with sold-out screenings at the Cinemark movie theater in Watchung, NJ. The event concluded with more film screenings and engaging workshops at the PPAC.

The success of the Queen City's Film Festival was a collective effort, with special recognition extended to Director Jazz Clayton-Hunt, Director Shep Brown, County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Councilman Steve Hockaday, Councilman Robert Graham, Councilman Richard Wyatt, and Council President Terry Briggs Jones. The Love Plainfield Initiative and the Media and Communications Team also played pivotal roles in making this year's festival a resounding success, promising many more years of cultural enrichment to come.

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 Report It.

¡EJERCE TU DEBER CÍVICO!

¡Sed los ojos y los oídos de nuestra Ciudad! Sus informes pueden mejorar en gran medida la calidad de vida en nuestra comunidad de Plainfield. Trabajemos juntos para mantener nuestra ciudad segura. Si lo ve, dígalo con Report It.

ONE PLAINFIELD. ONE FUTURE.

Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Volume 10 - Issue 27