 |
|
Technology and innovation has immense transformative powers and has vastly improved the lives of Americans. It also enables those of us in leadership positions to create a more transparent and connected democracy, and offers solutions to some of the more pressing problems faced by constituents.
My administration takes pride in the fact that we provide multiple avenues of information to keep Plainfield residents connected, informed, and involved in current affairs. We embrace and welcome transparency and communication and as such facilitate the flow of information through our website, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, and this weekly newsletter.
It gives me great pleasure to share with you another important piece in our ongoing commitment to offer access to information and services...
The Mapp App is a mobile app designed to put the information Plainfield residents need most in the palm of their hands. It will be accessible on your smartphones and tablet devices and is yet another technology medium, which will greatly enhance the level of service we are able to offer, and increase the speed of communications between City Hall and the Plainfield community.
The app offers one touch access to services which previously required a phone call and /or a trip to multiple sections of the City website. It streamlines many processes, and through the use of push notifications will enable this administration to share important, up to the minute updates and breaking news. We feel confident that this app will prove to be an invaluable resource to all constituents as they begin to use it.
At the end of the day our intent is simply to make Plainfield better, to improve the quality of life for all residents, and facilitate an easy flow of information. We will continue to work on staying abreast of innovation and utilizing it to make our lives easier and more connected. We value your input and look forward to communicating with you through the Mapp App.
Creating One Plainfield - One Future,
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
|
|
The Mapp App: Coming To Your Phone November 13... What Will It Do?
|
Digital communication is the dominant mode of communication today.
Good government includes understanding where the changes are taking place and staying abreast and taking advantage of those in order to stay connected.
The Mapp App - The City of Plainfield's Mobile App - has been custom designed to bring you the most up to date, useful and functional information that you will need. Whether you are a resident or just passing through Plainfield.
It provides on the spot solutions to the questions that residents ask most and includes:
- City directory with employee numbers and in app calling
- Job listings within the City
- Ability to report potholes
- Report downed city trees
- Events Calendar
- Directions to all Municipal locations whether walking, driving or by transit
- Pay a ticket online
- City Council information
- Crime tips hotline with one touch dialing
- Links to social media
- Plainfield restaurant directory
Plus, much more...
The app was custom designed to facilitate communication between the administration and constituents and also to put the services most needed in resident's hands. It works in tandem with the City's website and Social Media accounts
The app will be available for iPhone, iPad and on the Android platform for phone and tablet and will be released in seven days from today.
|
|
 |
|
Plainfield Unemployment By The Numbers: More People Have Joined the Workforce
|
|
|
Please be advised that the Plainfield Public Library has been reserved for Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 7:00 pm for a presentation by Pennoni and Hatch McDonald on the Flood Study Assessment. They will present and have time for a question and answer session with residents.
|
|
|
|
The Mayor's Youth Summit: Cancelled
|
I regret to announce that the youth summit planned at Plainfield High School for November 13, 2015 has been cancelled, based on circumstances beyond my control. The summit will now be held in early 2016; the new date and new location will be announced in the coming days.
I remain committed to addressing the concerns and fueling the aspirations of Plainfield's youth, and will continue to work with parents, guardians, community leaders and young people in preparing for the January event via listening and strategy sessions and additional outreach. The work continues and we need your participation to see it through. Please join us on this journey by lending your voice to the planning process and posting your "I Love Plainfield because..." videos on Instagram using the hashtag #ILovePlainfield. Contact Shep Brown at (908) 753-3519 for more information on how you can be part of this critical event for the future of Plainfield's youth.
|
|
| |
|
Halloween: Trunk or Treat 2015
|
Halloween 2015
On Friday, October 30, 2016, I was greeted by hundreds of smiles. These smiles were from excited and very happy costumed kids participating in this year's Trunk or Treat in the City Hall parking lot. It was a great event giving our children a wonderful opportunity to be festive, and for them and their parents to both meet and mingle with neighbors. There were prizes for costumes and plenty of treats for the children!
|
|
| |
|
Economic Development: Update
|
Development is Coming to the West-End!
Plainfield Business Grand Opening and Networking Events
Community Development
Boston Community Capital, a highly regarded nonprofit, recently introduced New Jersey to their Stabilizing Urban Neighborhood (SUN) Program which helps homeowners facing foreclosure repurchase their homes with mortgages they can afford. The SUN Program offers homeowners savings on 30 year mortgages and monthly payments that are, on average, nearly 40% less than their previous payments.
The SUN Program is designed to assist New Jersey homeowners facing foreclosure or eviction due to foreclosure. It is geared to homeowners who are late on their mortgage and often "underwater," owing more than their home is currently worth. There is no fee to apply. You can find out if you are eligible by calling SUN's toll-free number: 855-604-4663.
|
|
| |
|
Public Affairs and Safety: Update
|
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the Department of Public Affairs and Safety would like to thank all residents and children for adhering to the voluntary curfew for Halloween. Additionally, we are happy to report that there were no major Halloween related incidents reported on Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st. Thanks again for everyones cooperation.
|
|
| |
The Jersey Job Club gives you the tools and support you need to find a job. We will help you develop new skills and build upon skills you already have. There are 23 local Job Clubs and six statewide industry-specific talent network Job Clubs throughout New Jersey.
T
o find a good job in challenging times, successful job seekers look for opportunities to get an edge. The Jersey Job Club is just such an opportunity - and the sooner you start, the sooner you'll get results.
Job Seekers - Click on Link Below for a Listing of Local Job Fairs
|
|
|
|
Division of Parks & Recreation: Updates
|
|
| |
|
Senior Citizens Center: Events
|
HIDDEN TREASURES THRIFT SHOP
Store hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Come and enjoy the savings.
VAN TRIP TO WATCHUNG SQUARE MALL
Join the seniors as they take a trip to the Watchung Square Mall on 11/9/15 at 11 a.m.
PLAINFIELD SENIOR CENTER MEMBERSHIP
The next membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 10th at 10:30 a.m.
The Center will be closed on 11/11/15 in observance of Veteran's Day.
SPRING FASHION SHOW MEETING
Join Johnnye Hansford on Thursday, November 12th at 5:00 p.m. for an informational meeting for the upcoming Senior Center Spring Fashion Show.
PRAISE MOVES YOGA
Learn how to exercise your body, mind and spirit with certified yoga instructor Kim Todd every Friday morning from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
VAN TRIP
On November 13th the seniors will be taking a trip to the movies at 12:45 p.m. (movie TBD)
THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER
The Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner will be held on Thursday, November 26th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We invite members who are celebrating the holiday alone to come out and join us. The center will be closed from Friday, November 27th through Sunday, November 29th and will re-open on Monday, November 30th at 9:00 a.m.
SAVE THE DATE: THE HOLIDAY PARTY IS COMING
The annual holiday party will be held on Friday, December 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Washington Community School. Due to a lack of participation in our large catered events, the center staff requests that all updated Plainfield residents leave a $10.00 deposit to reserve their seat. Once you attend the event, your deposit will be refunded to you on the following Monday. To attend, non-Plainfield residents must pay $20.00 which is non-refundable. In order to ensure accurate attendance, all guests are asked to sign up in advance. If you require transport, please print your name, address and phone number on the East or West End ride list.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
The Plainfield YMCA - A Lifesaving Community Organization Since 1872
By VICTORIA CARUSO
October 31, 2015 at 4:00 AM
PLAINFIELD, NJ - For over 140 years, the Plainfield YMCA has been working to strengthen and meet the needs of the community and surrounding areas. Established in 1872 - just five years after Plainfield Township itself was founded and located at 518 Watchung Avenue since 1929 - the Plainfield Y is much more than a recreation and wellness center.
While the Plainfield YMCA does feature an indoor heated swimming pool, basketball courts, running track, fitness center and free-weight room, it also serves as a community leader in social services, providing much-needed assistance and support to low-income families.
Click Here for Entire Article
|
|
| |
|
Plainfield Learning Center
|
Soon We'll Cure Diseases With a Cell, Not a Pill | Siddhartha Mukherjee | TED Talks
|
|
|
Current medical treatment boils down to six words: Have disease, take pill, kill something. But physician Siddhartha Mukherjee points to a future of medicine that will transform the way we heal.
|
|
|
|
Union County Update:
Transportation Master Plan
|
|
|
State of New Jersey: State's Property Tax Relief Program Operates According to Its Own Calendar
|
Due to Christie administration's budget juggling, credits scheduled to be applied to tax bills in May 2016 are for taxes homeowners paid way back in 2013
The calendar may say it's 2015, but the year that matters most right now is still 2013 - at least when it comes to one of the state's most popular property tax relief programs. That's because Gov. Chris Christie, faced with budget shortfalls in recent years, has delayed paying out Homestead property tax relief credits several times, each time pushing back for several months the state's distribution schedule for the credits.
That means applications that went out this year to more than a million homeowners who potentially qualify for the program's tax credits are linked not to their 2015 property tax bills or even those from last year, but to property tax bills that were paid in 2013. And the state's current payment schedule, barring any new delays, calls for the property tax relief that homeowners are applying for this year to go out from the state in May 2016.
Officials from the state Department of Treasury, which administers the Homestead program, recently granted a two-month extension for those still filling out applications for their 2013 Homestead credits, which show up now as a direct credit on local property tax bills instead of the rebate checks of years past. Treasury's new
application deadline is Dec. 31, 2015.
"By extending the application deadline to Dec. 31, we will give those who might have missed out the chance to apply and receive their benefit in 2016," acting state Treasurer Robert Romano said.
Click Here to Read Entire Article
|
|
|
|
Senator Cory Booker: Booker, Colleagues to CFPB: Protect Formerly Incarcerated from Predatory Prison Prepaid Cards
|
|
Press Release from Senator Booker's website: https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=325
October 28, 2015,
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Senators say: Any reductions to the wages and account balances of formerly incarcerated people on these cards could harm successful reentry efforts.
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) today sent a letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) urging them to address the predatory behavior in the prepaid card market that impacts formerly incarcerated people.
Sen. Booker was joined by Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Dick Durbin(D-IL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Al Franken (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeffrey Merkley (D-OR), Edward Markey (D-MA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
"Today, some firms charge high fees on prison prepaid cards that create significant barriers to reentry for formerly incarcerated people. Most corrections agencies that report using prepaid cards also report that fees are imposed on cardholders, including unusual fees such as weekly maintenance fees....
As the Bureau moves forward with finalizing a proposed rule to strengthen protections for prepaid products, we urge you to take a second look at the impact of prepaid cards in the unique prison context. Prison release cards are a critical tool for people leaving prisons to transfer their earned wages and/or commissary account balances to a prepaid card. Any reductions to the wages and account balances of formerly incarcerated people could harm their ability to successfully reenter society
," the Senators wrote.
"
Given the limited review of prison release cards in the CFPB's 2014 study of prepaid account agreements, the potential for financial abuse in the vendor-correctional facility relationships, and the distinctive vulnerability of men and women leaving prison, we request that the CFPB address issues surrounding prison release cards under the current rulemaking process for prepaid cards. Additionally, we request that the CFPB take a targeted look at a prison release card agreements and compare the provisions of these agreements to agreements in the broader prepaid card marketplace," the Senators concluded.
|
|
|
|
President Obama: The President visits Integrity House in New Jersey
|
|
|
|
Published on Nov 2, 2015
President Obama delivers remarks after visiting Integrity House, a halfway house in Newark, NJ. November 2, 2015.
|
|
|
|
|
Please have family and friends sign up to receive these important weekly updates. They can sign up by calling (908) 753-3310 and providing their email address.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
