Although residents have been receiving my weekly email updates on the state of our city, I will also be posting the updates on this blog. If you want to be placed on the list to receive automatic email updates, please just send an email to: cynthia.blake@plainfieldnj.gov or marilyn.nieves@plainfieldnj.gov
We are all happy that Winter Storm Juno decided not to show up in Plainfield last Tuesday. My administration worked around the clock to ensure the streets would be safe and all emergency resources were ready for the residents of Plainfield. Many exciting things have happened since I last communicated with you! I am pleased to share my new information, updates, as well as other useful information. See below.
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
Affordable Care Act Deadline Approaching
Important to me is the health and wellness of all our residents. The ACA (Affordable Care Act) open enrollment deadline is quickly approaching
- Sunday, February 15, 2015. If you do not have health insurance, or if someone
you know has no coverage, I urge you to contact our Plainfield ACA Navigator at
(973) 908-500-6031.
Workforce Development
One of the most crucial issues facing the nation and the City of
Plainfield is employment. As we all know so well, many Plainfield residents
have been challenged by the task of finding employment over the past several
years. However, the unemployment rate has dropped nationally as well as here in
Plainfield. I'm proud to note that Plainfield's unemployment rate
has shown vast improvement, dropping 4.6 percent from Jan. 2014 to Nov.
2014.
My administration will continue to focus on improving this
important quality of life issue for Plainfield residents through our
partnerships with the New Jersey Department of Labor, Edison Job Corp, US
Postal Service, FedEx, and the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick.
Edison Job Corps Partnership My administration will be rolling out a Plainfield job training program in
partnership with the Edison Job Corps in the immediate future. This program will
benefit individuals in need of training and development. On Monday, February 2,
2015, the Edison Job Corps will be sending us several students who will serve as
volunteers for one day at City Hall, these volunteers will get exposure to
administrative and other duties in various divisions.Here are some current employment opportunities from our partners--Click on links below for information for job descriptions and how to apply. For more info, contact: John Stewart at 908-226-2509 or
john.stewart@plainfieldnj.gov
USPS (U.S. Postal
Service)
Hyatt Regency New Brunswick and Hyatt Morristown
Dept. of Public Works & Urban Development
Winter Storm Juno
I am pleased to inform you that the Department of Public Works
and Urban Development worked around the clock to ensure the public's safety on
our roads. I also want to thank all the residents for their cooperation
in preparing for this storm and following the snow parking rules. Here
is a breakdown of my administration's efforts.
Summary:
The City prepared for heavy snow accumulations. All 30 pieces of
snow and de-icing equipment was prepared and used during the weather event. Twenty-seven (27) DPW employees were assigned to various aspects of snow
detail. Snow totals were approximately 4-5 inches. Over 102 mile of roads,
Municipal lots, Recreation sites and City owned properties received snow
removal. Two hundred twenty-five (225) tons of salt, 1500 gallons of liquid
brine, and 500 gallons of calcium chloride were used.
The Division handled the storm in 4 phases:
Phase-(1) 72 hours before the storm:
Weather outlets were monitored for up- to-date forecasting.
- Equipment was prepared and personnel were put on notice of impending weather.
- A Status report of materials and supplies was prepared.
- An O.E.M. meeting was scheduled to review emergency plans.
Phase- (2) 12-6 hours before the storm:
- Crews started anti-icing operations. Trucks equipped with liquid brine dispensers and calcium chloride applied over 2000 gallons to emergency routes and primary roadways.
- 6-Hours before the storm; crews started de-icing operations with dry salt to the secondary and tertiary streets. Applied over 175 tons.
- Granular salt was applied to sidewalks at Municipal buildings, Recreation sites and City owned properties.
Phase- (3) during the storm up to 2 inches:
- Crews continued to salt roadways as necessary.
- Responded to emergency request from Police Dispatch.
Phase-(4) Plowing operations commence in excess of 2 inches:
- Plow crews were assigned to each of the ten service areas.
- Crews plowed over 102 miles of roadway, all Municipal lots and Recreation sites.
- Crews continued until all roads, municipal lots and recreation sites were plowed.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
The Zoning Board of Adjustment consists of volunteer board
members.
I appreciate their dedication and the hours spent as they proceed to support
the City's Master Plan, while working with Zoning Board applicants. The
Zoning Board recently accomplished the following
- On January 22, the Zoning Board held their reorganization meeting and re-elected Scott Belin as Chairman, and Alejandro Ruiz as Vice Chairman. They also adopted their annual calendar.
Recreation
I am pleased to announce that the Plainfield Division of Parks
and Recreation is a finalist in the “Building Better Communities Grant,”
sponsored by the National Parks Association and The American Water Company. The
selection as a finalist was based on the presentation of innovative solutions
to meet the grant's requirements of including water, natural play features,
science and technology into the design of the park, which will be located
behind the historic Drake House Museum on Geraud Avenue, in the 4th Ward’s
Drake House Economic Redevelopment Area. Winners of the competition will be
awarded up to $150,000.
Administration and Finance
2015 CommunityWins Grant Program
I will continue my commitment to promoting economic growth in
Plainfield by applying for the 2015 CommunityWins Grant Program
(Working/Investing in Neighborhood Stabilization) through an eligible local
nonprofit organization. The grant program is a collaborative effort between the
U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), Wells Fargo Bank and the Wells Fargo
Foundation.
I will nominate up to three eligible local nonprofit organizations
for this competitive grant program. The application deadline is March 15, 2015.
The goal of the program is to assist cities with the opportunity to invest,
strengthen, and promote long-term economic prosperity. Local non-profit organizations must have an eligible program that
address one of the following categories:
- Neighborhood stabilization - projects designed to stimulate growth, stability, and assist in removing blight and rebuilding communities
- Economic development - projects designed to promote business development
- Job creation - projects to aid in local job creation or assist in job training
The programs will be initiated with the full support of my office.
If your organization is interested in the development and implementation of
this outstanding program initiative, please contact Ethel M. Washington, Grants
Manager, City of Plainfield: 908-753-2501 or
ethel.washington@plainfieldnj.gov
Senior Citizens – Helping You Ease Your tax Burden
Our senior citizens are a wonderful and engaged part of our
community. I appreciate their energy and the perspective they bring to
community events and to our city. Tax season is right around the corner.
To help ease your tax burden, I would like to remind you to renew your
Senior Citizen Property Tax Deduction - Senior Citizen PD5 Form. To
qualify:
- Annual income No greater than 10k - excluding social security or disability.
- Age 65 years or older or disabled
Community
Relations and Social Services
For some of our email subscribers who may be curious as to why is there a "social services" update under Administration and Finance, social services organizations are placed under the Administrative and Finance Department as per the Plainfield City Charter. I believe in providing tools and resources to help the residents of Plainfield who may need assistance in tough times--especially in the areas that impact our families and homes.
Utility and Rent Helps
If you need help with your utility bills or rent, you may qualify for assistance.
Tax Preparation
For some of our email subscribers who may be curious as to why is there a "social services" update under Administration and Finance, social services organizations are placed under the Administrative and Finance Department as per the Plainfield City Charter. I believe in providing tools and resources to help the residents of Plainfield who may need assistance in tough times--especially in the areas that impact our families and homes.
Utility and Rent Helps
If you need help with your utility bills or rent, you may qualify for assistance.
Tax Preparation
Tax filing deadline is fast approaching. If you need assistance preparing
your tax return, Plainfield Action Services, in partnership with the HOPES CAP
organization, will be offering free tax preparation services.
Weatherization
Weatherization
If you
are struggling to pay your energy bill, you may be eligible for help from the WAP (Weatherization Assistance
Program). WAP is the nation's core
program for the delivery of energy efficiency services to low income
households. Their goal is to reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency of
homes while ensuring health and safety.
If you have questions concerning any of these three programs, contact Plainfield Action Services at 908-753-3519.
If you have questions concerning any of these three programs, contact Plainfield Action Services at 908-753-3519.
Public Affairs & Safety Update
Winter Storm Juno
Public Safety is a top priority of my administration! The
Department of Public Safety was out in the community and prepared to help in
any way possible during the storm. I would like to thank the many
residents of the City for their cooperation as my administration prepared for
the potential blizzard. Cars were moved from the roadways in a timely
fashion which enabled the Department of Public Works to successfully clear the
roads for emergency responses. I ask for the residents' continued
cooperation as we continue through the winter season.
Economic Development Update
Local Plainfield Business - Sign and Facade Grant
I am pleased to announce that Farmers Insurance, a new Plainfield business located in the heart of downtown Plainfield, immediately took advantage of the UEZ (Urban Enterprise Zone) program by obtaining the UEZ certification. This opens the door for the Sign and Facade UEZ funding for the storefront sign. The new Farmers Insurance opened at 110 East Fourth Street. We will soon perform a ribbon cutting ceremony to formally welcome them into the Plainfield business community.
I am pleased to announce that Farmers Insurance, a new Plainfield business located in the heart of downtown Plainfield, immediately took advantage of the UEZ (Urban Enterprise Zone) program by obtaining the UEZ certification. This opens the door for the Sign and Facade UEZ funding for the storefront sign. The new Farmers Insurance opened at 110 East Fourth Street. We will soon perform a ribbon cutting ceremony to formally welcome them into the Plainfield business community.
Service Providers Directory
The Plainfield Office of Economic Development, headed by Carlos
Sanchez, has been hard at work producing a Plainfield service providers’
directory. This comprehensive directory will serve as a much needed resource
for the residents of Plainfield, and will list all of the service providers in
our city, along with their contact information. The Service Providers
Directory is expected to be ready for distribution in the next three weeks. The
complete directory will be available on our city website, and hard copies in
both English and Spanish will be distributed to our Service Providers and major
churches (Pastor's Office). Stay tuned for the announcement and link to the
Service Providers Directory on the Plainfield City Website.
Arts & Culture Update
Plainfield Public Library - "Rhythm and Praise"
Photography Exhibit
The Brian Price Photography Exhibit showcases the Epic Journey of
Black Gospel music. The exhibit runs through March 28, 2015
Location: Plainfield Public Library, Anne Louise Davis Gallery
800 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060
Plainfield Symphony Society
One of the cultural gems here in the City of Plainfield is the
Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, which is the oldest symphony in the state of New
Jersey. Some fulfilling events have been scheduled to warm up our winter
months. A recent one was the Plainfield Symphony Society for the
After Dinner Dance, which took place on January 31. Stay tuned for more updates.
Career Resources for Our Kids
Educating Our Kids on Different Careers
Often times we have an opportunity to speak to our children about their interests and related careers. Many of our children are interested
in animals and wildlife and what a perfect opportunity to share this
informative video about Federal Wildlife Officers from the website www.kidsusa.gov.
Additional Resources
Issuing
Complaints with a Communications Service
Have
an Issue with a Communications Service? It's now easier to file a complaint.
Last week, the FCC debuted a new
online Consumer Help Center,
designed to make it easier for you to file complaints and get responses about
your concerns. Once you file, you can also monitor and track the status of your
complaint 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Complaint categories are broken down
by service: TV, phone, Internet, and radio. If you're considering making a
complaint, here is what happens once you file.
The FCC handles issues specifically related to communications. If you have a
consumer complaint for another area, the Consumer Action Handbook
can help you resolve it, as well as provide valuable information on being a
smart consumer and avoiding scams and frauds.
Until next time...
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