"Building A Diverse and Inclusive Community"

Dear Community Member,

We are working to build a community that reflects the diversity and inclusivity we cherish. Our city, Plainfield, is a tapestry of various ethnicities, cultures, and economic backgrounds, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive here.

Housing affordability is not just a local issue; it is a national conversation and a pressing need in communities across the country. Here in Plainfield, we must ensure that our city remains accessible to everyone, from young professionals starting their careers to long-time residents and seniors. This commitment is not just a policy goal but a moral imperative. The strength of our community lies in its diversity, and to preserve this strength, we need to make sure that housing is available and affordable for all.

To achieve this, we are working on expanding affordable housing initiatives, continuing to streamline the permitting process for new developments, and incentivizing the construction of mixed-income housing. These measures are designed to address the various needs of our residents. Affordable housing is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it requires a multifaceted approach that considers the diverse economic realities of our community.

One of the cornerstones of our strategy is the upcoming affordable housing options that will soon become available. We will see the addition of four hundred (400) affordable housing units over the next few years. These new developments are not just about providing shelter but about creating homes. Homes where families can grow, where young professionals can start their journeys, and where our seniors can enjoy their golden years in comfort. We are committed to ensuring that these housing options are not only affordable but also of high quality because we believe that everyone deserves a beautiful and safe place to call home.

Additionally, we continue streamlining the permitting process for new developments. This helps us to accelerate the construction of new housing units by cutting red tape and simplifying bureaucratic hurdles. This will not only help meet the immediate demand for housing but also ensure that future growth is sustainable and inclusive.

Incentivizing the construction of mixed-income housing is another crucial aspect of our plan. We believe that a healthy community is one where people from different financial backgrounds live side by side, learning from each other and contributing to a dynamic city life. Mixed-income housing projects will ensure that our neighborhoods are diverse and that the benefits of living in our city are shared equitably.

Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive community where everyone has a place to call home. This vision is not just about housing; it is about building a city where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We understand that the journey towards this goal will require collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment.

My administration and I are dedicated to making Plainfield a place where everyone can live and thrive regardless of their background or financial means. We are committed to doing our part to ensure that all residents can stay in Plainfield and continue contributing to our community's rich tapestry. Together, we can build a community that reflects our values and provides a bright future for all its residents. Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we work toward this shared vision.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creating One Plainfield. One Future.

Sincerely,

Mayor Adrian O. Mapp

City of Plainfield

"Construyendo una comunidad diversa e inclusiva"

Querido(a) Community Member,

Estamos trabajando para construir una comunidad que refleje la diversidad e inclusión que apreciamos. Nuestra ciudad, Plainfield, es un tapiz de diversas etnias, culturas y antecedentes financieros, y es nuestra responsabilidad colectiva asegurar que todos tengan la oportunidad de prosperar aquí.

La asequibilidad de la vivienda no es solo un problema local; es una conversación nacional y una necesidad apremiante en las comunidades de todo el país. Aquí en Plainfield, debemos asegurarnos de que nuestra ciudad siga siendo accesible para todos, desde los jóvenes profesionales que comienzan sus carreras hasta los residentes de larga data y las personas mayores. Este compromiso no es solo un objetivo político, sino un imperativo moral. La fortaleza de nuestra comunidad radica en su diversidad y, para preservar esta fortaleza, debemos asegurarnos de que la vivienda esté disponible y sea asequible para todos.

Para lograrlo, estamos trabajando en la expansión de las iniciativas de vivienda asequible, continuando con la agilización del proceso de permisos para nuevos desarrollos e incentivando la construcción de viviendas para ingresos mixtos. Estas medidas están diseñadas para abordar las diversas necesidades de nuestros residentes. La vivienda asequible no es una solución única para todos; requiere un enfoque multifacético que tenga en cuenta las diversas realidades económicas de nuestra comunidad.

Uno de los pilares de nuestra estrategia son las próximas opciones de vivienda asequible que pronto estarán disponibles. Veremos la incorporación de cuatrocientas (400) unidades de vivienda asequible en los próximos años. Estos nuevos desarrollos no solo tienen como objetivo proporcionar refugio, sino también crear hogares. Hogares donde las familias puedan crecer, donde los jóvenes profesionales puedan comenzar su camino y donde nuestros adultos mayores puedan disfrutar de sus años dorados con comodidad. Nos comprometemos a garantizar que estas opciones de vivienda no solo sean asequibles, sino también de alta calidad, porque creemos que todos merecen un lugar hermoso y seguro al que llamar hogar.

Además, seguimos agilizando el proceso de permisos para nuevos desarrollos. Esto nos ayuda a acelerar la construcción de nuevas unidades de vivienda al reducir la burocracia y simplificar los obstáculos burocráticos. Esto no solo ayudará a satisfacer la demanda inmediata de vivienda, sino que también garantizará que el crecimiento futuro sea sostenible e inclusivo.

Incentivar la construcción de viviendas para personas de ingresos mixtos es otro aspecto crucial de nuestro plan. Creemos que una comunidad saludable es aquella en la que personas de diferentes orígenes económicos conviven, aprenden unos de otros y contribuyen a una vida urbana dinámica. Los proyectos de viviendas para personas con ingresos mixtos garantizarán que nuestros vecindarios sean diversos y que los beneficios de vivir en nuestra ciudad se compartan de manera equitativa.

Nuestro objetivo es crear una comunidad diversa e inclusiva donde todos tengan un lugar al que llamar hogar. Esta visión no se trata solo de vivienda; se trata de construir una ciudad donde se celebre la diversidad y todos tengan la oportunidad de triunfar. Entendemos que el camino hacia esta meta requerirá colaboración, innovación y un compromiso inquebrantable.

Mi administración y yo estamos dedicados a hacer de Plainfield un lugar donde todos puedan vivir y prosperar independientemente de su origen o medios económicos. Estamos comprometidos a hacer nuestra parte para garantizar que todos los residentes puedan quedarse en Plainfield y seguir contribuyendo al rico tapiz de nuestra comunidad. Juntos, podemos construir una comunidad que refleje nuestros valores y brinde un futuro brillante para todos sus residentes. Gracias por su continuo apoyo y compromiso mientras trabajamos hacia esta visión compartida.

#LovePlainfield #AmoPlainfield

Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro.

Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp

Ciudad de Plainfield

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Introducing Island Vibez Dispensary: Celebrating the New Female Black-Owned Business in Plainfield

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

On Tuesday, July 30th, the City of Plainfield proudly welcomed a new addition to its cannabis industry: Island Vibez Dispensary. This new business is owned and operated by a dynamic and passionate female entrepreneur, Alexis Henderson. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a testament to the city’s support and enthusiasm for diverse business ownership, especially in Plainfield, where diversity is celebrated.

Members of the City Administration and community leaders were present to show their support. Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and Council President Steven Hockaday emphasized the significance of continuing to support locally-owned businesses, stating, “Our local businesses are the backbone of our economy.” The presence of Council Vice President Robert Graham, Councilman Charles McCrae, cabinet members, local business owners, and enthusiastic residents further underscored the support and collaborative enthusiasm for small businesses.

Alexis Henderson is a lifelong resident of Plainfield. She is the Chief Operating Officer of Island Vibez, and she has a passion and vision to bring a slice of the Caribbean to Plainfield. Alexis’s journey to opening Island Vibez is a testament to her determination, creativity, and commitment to the city. The dispensary will contribute significantly to the local economy, creating jobs, generating revenue, and stimulating the local economy.

As Island Vibez opens its doors, the future looks bright for Alexis and her team. As it continues to grow and thrive, it will undoubtedly inspire other aspiring entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth of the city’s local economy.

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Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs to Host Q&A Workshop on 2025 Grant Opportunities on August 28th

August 6, 2024

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a free online Q&A workshop providing information and guidance on three 2025 grant programs administered by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs: the Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant, the History Grant, and the Local Arts Grant.

“Arts, history, and cultural programming are vital to the enrichment of our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We encourage organizations with interest to participate in this workshop and explore these funding opportunities to bring engaging programs to Union County.”

The live Q&A will be hosted on Zoom on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and is geared towards organizations and individuals needing basic information about these grant programs and the application processes. Guidelines for the grants will be provided.

Union County arts, history, and cultural organizations, as well as municipal government offices and libraries, are welcome to register to learn about these opportunities to apply for funding of programming to take place during the 2025 calendar year, January 1 through December 31.

“The grant programs administered by our Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs provide crucial support to local organizations, helping them to preserve our rich history and present arts and educational programs,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “This workshop is an excellent opportunity for organizations to learn how they can benefit from these grants.”

The Union County HEART Grant funds projects related to local history, the arts, and humanities and is funded through the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The Union County History Grant funds history organizations and history projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. The Union County Local Arts Program funds arts organizations and arts projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

To register for this workshop, visit ucnj.org/cha-workshop . For questions, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Joint Statement from Governor Murphy and Acting Governor Way on the Passing of New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice James H. Coleman, Jr.

August 5, 2024

“We are saddened by the passing of Associate Justice James H. Coleman, Jr., a lifelong trailblazer who served for nearly a decade as the first Black Justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court.

“Born as the son of a sharecropper in racially segregated Virginia, Justice Coleman’s life embodies the history of inequality and the quest for progress that have always been intertwined in America’s story. Despite growing up in a society pervaded by white supremacy, Justice Coleman served his nation as a U.S. Army Reservist and received his undergraduate and law degrees from two historically Black universities, Virginia State University and Howard University School of Law. After law school, he moved to New Jersey and built a legal career in private practice and at the New Jersey Department of Labor. He became a workers’ compensation judge and then went on to serve in virtually every part of our State’s judiciary, often making history as the first African American to hold those judgeships.

“His career of excellence and unparalleled experience led to his nomination by Governor Christie Whitman to the New Jersey Supreme Court in 1994. When confirmed by the Senate, Justice Coleman became an inspiration to millions of New Jerseyans who finally saw that communities of color could be reflected on our State’s highest court. During his nine years on the Court, he changed the trajectory of our state’s history and left a permanent impact on our State’s jurisprudence.

“Our prayers are with his wife Sophia Coleman, children Kairon and James, and his beloved grandchildren, as well as everyone who knew and loved him. New Jersey will be forever grateful for Justice Coleman’s extraordinary life.”

Statement by President Joe Biden on Next Steps on Student Debt Cancellation

July 31, 2024

Today, my Administration took another major step to cancel student debt for approximately 30 million Americans. By providing more information to borrowers on how they can take advantage of our upcoming debt relief programs, borrowers will be prepared to benefit swiftly once the rules are final. Despite attempts led by Republican elected officials to block our efforts, we won’t stop fighting to provide relief to student loan borrowers, fix the broken student loan system, and help borrowers get out from under the burden of student debt.

Today’s announcement comes on top of the significant progress we’ve made for students and borrowers over the past three years. That includes canceling student debt for nearly 5 million Americans so far through various actions; providing the largest increases to the maximum Pell Grant in over a decade; fixing Income-Driven Repayment so borrowers get the relief they are entitled to under the law; and holding colleges accountable for taking advantage of students and families.

From day one of my Administration, I promised to fight to ensure higher education is a ticket to the middle class, not a barrier to opportunity. I will never stop working to make higher education affordable and to make sure our Administration delivers for the American people.

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