Dear
Plainfield,
My
administration and I have been engaged in a number of productive activities to
keep Plainfield moving forward. This
week we place a spotlight on the following areas:
- PSE&G Ambassador Program Honors Black History Month
- Education Mayor's Playbook
- Economic Development Update
- Public Affairs and Safety Update
- Department of Public Works and Urban Development Update
- Administration and Finance Update
- Arts and Culture
- Resources
Help
Us Spread the Word! Please
have family and friends sign up to receive these important weekly updates. Signing
up is easy--call(908) 753-3310 and provide an email address, or just send
an email to: cynthia.blake@plainfieldnj.gov or
marilyn.nieves@plainfieldnj.gov
Creating
One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor
Adrian O. Mapp
City
of Plainfield
PSE&G Ambassador Program Honors Black
History Month
On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, I was honored to be one four New Jersey Mayors invited to serve as a panelist for the Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) Company's Black History Month Ambassador Program. Joining me at the table were Mayor Angela Garretson of Hillside, Mayor Lester Taylor of East Orange and Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark. We had the opportunity to discuss, from a mayoral perspective, critical issues facing cities and towns in New Jersey, Black History in America, and the importance of public service. A question and answer session was held at the end of the discussion. Please click on the video for my opening remarks at the roundtable.
Education Mayor's Playbook
I am doing my part in helping to secure a good education for the children of Plainfield by collaborating with our local Board of Education members and the Superintendent to ensure our children perform up to their potential. I encourage you to keep abreast of the Education Mayor's Online Playbook through your reading of the Educational Excellence Task Force's report and the reports provided by the Mayors of Albuquerque, NM, Arlington, TX, Kansas City, MO, and Louisville, KY. Click on the link to visit: The Education Mayor's Online Playbook.
Economic Development Update
Service Provider's Meeting
The
Office of Community Development held their Service Provider's meeting on
February 24th. There were thirty participants. The networking
meeting provides a forum for the exchanging of ideas and an
opportunity to share current information between Plainfield's Service
Providers. Numerous programs were explained and upcoming events, that are sure
to enrich the lives of Plainfield residents, were discussed.
Department of Public Works and Urban
Development Update
Planning Board Updates
As
you know, economic development is crucial in helping Plainfield reach its
potential. My administration has been working closely with the Planning Board
to help fulfill our goal to bring economic development to our city. To that
end, I am please to share the following:
- At the February 19th Planning Board meeting, the board adopted a resolution recommending that City Council adopt a new re-development plan for 1340-1426 South Avenue, across Old South Avenue from Plainwood Square Park. The re-development plan calls for the City to vacate Old South Avenue in order to make way for a new residential development, with 212 potential units being permitted. This area is the eastern corridor of Plainfield, and it is imperative that we be prepared to take advantage of the "One Seat Ride" to NYC. The plan now proceeds to the City Council for their March and April meetings and a public hearing. Any designated developer will then be able to submit site plans to the Planning Board for development.
- NJ Future has notified us that the City of Plainfield has been selected as one of 12 finalists for a Smart Growth Award. The Planning Division nominated the new Transit Oriented Development zone centered around the Netherwood Train Station. This zone has attracted the eyes of many developers as the city seeks to invigorate South Avenue with new mixed-use commercial/residential development. The plan is to transform the underutilized, former industrial buildings on North Avenue to a vibrant, moderate, and density mixed use residential/commercial area. We will keep you apprised of NJ Future's final decision.
- The Planning Board granted site plan approval to expand an existing childcare center at the corner of East Fifth Street and Roosevelt Avenue (Step One Academy) from 5 classrooms/79 children to 10 classrooms/162 children. The applicant also agreed to make a number of site improvements in the areas of parking, landscaping, and signage.
- The Planning Board granted relief from city development standards to convert 7,300 square feet of vacant space in an existing warehouse to an automobile repair facility (Progressive Auto) at 1652 South Second Street. The applicant is required to provide customer parking, a screened outdoor storage area, and improved landscaping including provision of street trees. It is important to note that this was a vacant facility that will now become a new business and add to our growing business community.
- The Shade Tree Commission (STC) submitted their required 2014 Annual Accomplishment Report as part of the Community Forestry Management Plan. This plan is the master plan for all shade tree planting/removal polices. An approved plan provides for both the STC grant opportunities with the NJDEP Urban Forestry program and the city protection from potential lawsuits due to hazardous tree related damage/injuries.
Department of Administration and Finance Update
Tax
Collection Reminders
2014
PROPERTY TAX REIMBURSEMENT (SENIOR FREEZE)
I
have a great appreciation for our Plainfield seniors, who are engaged in our
community and passionate about moving Plainfield forward. There may be
opportunities for savings or tax reimbursements for our seniors, and my administration
will do its part to ensure our seniors can take advantage of them. The Property
Tax Reimbursement (Senior Freeze) program reimburses qualified applicants for
the property tax increases they incur each year. Applicants must continue to
meet all the income eligibility and residency requirements and must file an
application each year to receive the reimbursement. The qualifications are as
follows:
- You must have been age 65 or older as of December 31, 2013, OR receiving federal Social Security disability benefits as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014.
- You do NOT qualify if the Federal Social Security disability benefits you or your spouse/civil union partner were receiving were on behalf of someone else; and
- You must have lived in New Jersey continuously since December 31, 2003 or earlier as either a homeowner or renter; and
- You must have owned and lived in your home since December 31, 2010; and
- Your total annual income must have been no more than $84,289.00 for 2013 and $85,553.00 for 2014
The
deadline for filing the application is June 1, 2015
There
is a form in the application that needs to be filled out by the Tax Office.
That form is PTR-1A for first time filers, and form PTR-2A for
applicants who received reimbursement checks for 2013 in 2014. If there are any
questions please call the following phone numbers:
For
questions: State of New Jersey: 1-800-882-6597 (8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday
through Friday,except holidays)
City
of Plainfield Tax Office: 908-753-3214 (8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through
Friday,
except holidays)
The
Homestead Benefit and Property Tax Reimbursement ("Senior
Freeze") Programs are separate programs and separate applications must
be filed every year for each program. As of February 26, 2015, the applications
for the Homestead Benefit program
had
not been sent out by the State of New Jersey.
Plainfield
Health Division
IS
YOUR PET LICENSED? IT'S THE LAW!
It
is the law that all dogs and cats seven months of age or older are required to
be licensed each calendar year. In order for the license to be issued, the
owner must present proof that a licensed veterinarian has vaccinated your pet
against rabies. Licenses can be issued in person or by mail. Either option
requires the individual to provide:
Proof
of Spay or Neuter (if done)
Proof
of Current Rabies Vaccination
License
Fees
Spayed
or Neutered Dog or Cat $15.20
Non-Neutered
Dog or Cat $18.20
IS
YOUR FOOD-RELATED BUSINESS LICENSED? IT'S REQUIRED!
All
Food-Related Business Establishments doing business in the City of Plainfield
must be licensed and certified to sell and/or handle food. Fees vary and are
determined by the type of business and square footage. Contact the Plainfield
Health Division
to
obtain your license.
THE
ABOVE TYPES OF LICENSES CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE CITY HALL ANNEX BUILDING, 510
WATCHUNG AVENUE.
Pet
Licenses: 1st Floor (908) 753-3093
Retail
Food Licenses: 2nd Floor (908) 753-3092
Public Affairs & Safety Update
Plainfield
Fire Division Promotions
As
you know, Public Safety is the cornerstone of my administration. I am
pleased to announce that on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, the Plainfield Fire
Division celebrated the swearing-in at a Promotional Ceremony for Walter
Thompson and Thomas Scalera. I swore in Battalion Chiefs Thompson and Captain
Scalera in a ceremony held at the City Hall Library. I appreciate the
efforts of our men and women who serve to protect and keep our residents out of
harm’s way, as well as the sacrifices made by their families.
Arts & Culture Update
Plainfield
Symphony Orchestra
The
Plainfield Symphony's 95th Season Annual Free Afternoon Family Concert, “The
Orchestra Grows Up,” was presented on Saturday, February 21, 2015,
under the baton of guest conductor Michael Avagliano. The program provided a
musical tour through the history of the symphony, featuring selections from the
Baroque, Classical and Romantic to the Modern era.
"Rhythm
and Praise" Photography Exhibit Continues
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
Resources
Myths and Facts About Taxes
Tax
season can be a confusing time of year. However, if you're informed with a
few basic facts, you'll be able to resolve certain questions on your own.
The following myths and facts will help you with the tax filing process.
Myth:
If you're new to the United States, you don't have to file a tax return.
Fact:
Taxes are not related to immigration status. You must file taxes if you live in
the United States and if your annual income reaches a specified amount, among
other requirements.
Myth: If
you don't have a Social Security number, you don't need to file taxes.
Fact: Taxes
are not dependent on Social Security numbers. If you don't qualify
for
a Social Security number, you must request an Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number (ITIN). The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues ITINs
to residents and non-residents.
Myth:
The IRS will call to say you owe money and demand a prompt payment.
Fact: If
this happens, it could be a scam. The IRS does not request payments over the
phone or by e-mail. If the IRS does need to get in touch, you will receive an
official letter in the mail.
Myth: You
don't need to declare tips as part of your income on your tax return.
Fact:
Any tips you earn must be reported. If you're an employee and you earn more
than $20.00 in tips per month, report it to your employer so federal income,
Social Security and other taxes can be withheld. If your tips total less than
$20.00 per month, they don't need to be reported to your employer, but must
still be declared on your return.
Myth:
If you don't file a tax return, the IRS will do it for you.
Fact: You
must file your own tax return. The IRS doesn't prepare returns for any
taxpayer. You will be considered a tax liability if you don't file, and the IRS
may impose penalties if you don't pay before the deadline.
Click
HERE to read this
information in Spanish.
AARP
Tax Preparation
AARP
tax counselors will provide our members with free tax appointments from now
until Wednesday, April 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Call 908-753-3506 for
an appointment. Bring the following documents to your appointment:
*
2013 federal and state income tax return if you filed
*
2014 federal and state income tax booklet
*
1099 SSA and/or 1099 Forms
*
W-2 Forms per employer
*
1098 Form if you own a mortgage
*
Social Security card for all dependents
*
ID for anyone ages 18 and over.
*
All child care and dependent care provider info, including employer's name, SS
#
or EIN #.
*
Your 2014 Tax Receipt
*
All rent receipts or total annual rent paid if you are a tenant.
If
you're interested in having a PTR done, please have your "proof of taxes
paid" completed by the City Hall Tax Office prior to making an
appointment.
IRS
Can Help if W-2s Are Missing
In
most cases you get your W-2 forms by the end of January. Form W-2 (Wage and
Tax
Statement) shows your income and the taxes withheld from your pay for the year.
You need your W-2 form to file an accurate tax return. If you haven't received
your form by mid-February, click here to see resources from the IRS.
Until next time...
Stay
warm and have a great weekend!
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