The Forgotten 'Charlottesville' of Plainfield

Not surprisingly, the City will be holding their own candlelight vigil for the victims of Charlottesville see here. Let us remember the counter protests in Charlottesville were to defend the removal of Confederate statues. Monuments that remind us of the harshest moments in American history, slavery.

But what is happening in our own town? Especially since we just hit the 50 year mark after the 

 Photo by David Rutherford

Plainfield Rebellion. What we see are monuments going up in all empty and underdeveloped areas in our city. Luxury apartments, high-priced retail space, etc. Who will benefit from all this? Will we? Our youth? Those that are still here living below the poverty line. But yet everyday, we have to see these monuments that didn't include us in their decision making. They didn't offer our youth an internship to show them how to lay a brick, much less offer them an entry-level job in the process of development that is now taking over our town.

What use is it to us that racist statues are coming down in the South when the latter is being erected here? We are the Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition (PAVC), and our name says it all. We are against any forms of violence and we have been on the forefront on gun violence that has plagued our city. Why the city would not include PAVC in their upcoming vigil shows us that their interests lies in their own selfish capitalistic interests. Smoke and mirrors at the end.

Here at PAVC we ask the community to join us in standing firm to reflect on the vision and mission that we can unite on the one issue that unites us all. Which is standing up against all forms of supremacy and hate. Hate that robs our brothers and sisters of opportunities and a just life. We will not allow the Forgotten 'Charlottesville' to exist in Plainfield. These are the words and heart of PAVC.

#BUILD - Being United & Involved Local Development !

Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition

Plainfield's Pay to Play

Plainfielder's BE WARNED-  The administration put forth an ordinance eliminating the local Pay-To-Play Law.  Council President Rebecca Williams estimated that P2P adds 15-20% to the cost of affected contracts and pledged to make sure that " Plainfield passes the strongest municipal P2P ordinance possible."  Councilman Storch wrote that P2P was an "invisible tax on Plainfield residents" and "creates a lack of confidence among voters."  Even City Committeeman Bob Bolmer wrote that the P2P reform ordinances passed in 2011 were "historic measures".  I guess we'll see on Tuesday if this was really all about principle or simply meant to hinder the political opposition.  Meanwhile, the 'whereas' portion of the repeal ordinance is totally disingenuous:  This is not about Citizen's United and the unknown sources of Federal PAC money.  It is about making municipal political contributions AND receiving municipal contracts.  Our City Council should reject this race to the bottom with the same unanimous vote Rebecca urged for passage, that "would clearly demonstrate that we are public servants in the best sense of that phrase."

 

Sincerely,

 

Alan Goldstein

Season Greetings from Councilwoman Diane Toliver

First Ward Councilwoman Diane Toliver wishes the Plainfield community a happy and safe festive season and blessed New Year!

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo!

Thanksgiving Greetings from Councilwoman Diane Toliver

First Ward Councilwoman Diane Toliver wants to wish all of the many people in her ward and the City of Plainfield a joyous and safe holiday on this Thanksgiving Day. She is grateful on this day for having the opportunity to serve all of Plainfield's residents. Have a Great Thanksgiving with family and loved ones!

Un-United Plainfield

 

 

Peace is a state of being that calls for cohesiveness and not division. How could the City have an event called Peaceful Plainfield held at the library and neglect to at least invite the Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition? An organization that’s been on the forefront addressing the issue of gun violence and finding solutions to stop it from infiltrating our community.

Often, you hear the slogan, ‘One Future – One Plainfield’. But shouldn’t we be asking, “Will there ever be a united Plainfield?” When the City neglects to ask any participation from the Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition, much less formally invite them. Do they really expect us to believe in their slogan? And yet, they advertise that many community activists will be in attendance. Which community activists? Are they even aware of which community activists and organizations have been marching and rallying since the start of fatal shootings this year? Why do they choose to ignore a grassroots organization? Wouldn’t it be in the best interest of the City, that we all at least strive to work in unifying to combat a strong issue in our community?

We do not have any political agendas. Our agenda is that gun violence be taken seriously. We will continue to strive for peace, progress and prosperity for all.

Plainfield Anti-Violence Coalition

UNITY SUMMIT - YOUTH AND COMMUNITY

 

UNITY

SUMMIT

YOUTH AND COMMUNITY

 

THURSDAY - JUNE 23, 2016 - 5:00 – 7:00 PM

 

RUTH FELLOWSHIP CHURCH MINISTRIES

733 South 2nd Street, Plainfield, NJ

 

ADDRESSING GUN VIOLENCE

      POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY         

COMMUNITY UNITY

 

SPONSOR: NATIONAL UNITED YOUTH COUNCIL INC. – SALAAM ISMIAL, DIRECTOR

 

WEBSITE: WWW.UNITEDYOUTHCOUNCIL.ORG 215-316 -7952

Enough is Enough Press Conference

Salaam Ismiall from National UnitedYouth Council will be conducting a press conference on Tuesday, May 31st at 1:00 pm on the corner of Liberty Street and W. 4th Street. Located near Liberty Village. He, along with the community will be addressing the recent fatal shootings in Plainfield.

 

 

NAACP Candidate Forum 5/22 at 5:15 pm

 

Please attend the N.A.A.C.P. Candidate Forum today, Sunday at 5:15 pm located at 1357 W. 3rd St. Plainfield at the Mohawk Lodge. Come and be part of the process and learn where your candidates stand on issues! Rev. Tracey L Brown and Alma Blanco, Plainfield City Council candidates will be in attendance.

 

 



Park Hotel Face Lift

 

Has anyone noticed the Park Hotel finally going through some renovations? Finally, right?

 

What are your thoughts on Park Hotel and it's future? 

Response to Blogger Bernice Paglia

To:  Bernice Paglia - Plaintalker II Blog

In response to both your blog posts dated April 2nd and March 20th for Sal Carrano, Chairman of the Citizen Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC):

Plainfield Shooting in Second Ward

Support Rally for Lieutenant Ken Reid

Please join us in next rally in support of Lieutenant Ken Reid. We will start our rally for justice at Angels for Action, at 209 W. 2nd St. Plainfield at 5:30 pm on Monday 3/14 to gear up for the 8 pm City Council Meeting at 325 Watchung Ave. Plfd. Lt. Ken Reid will address the crowd at this rally.

Let us show the community that once again, we will not tolerate any forms of injustice as we see here displayed with the political assassination and outright discrimination against 30-year veteran Lt. Ken Reid led by department heads and our Mayor who has not publicly addressed our outcries for answers.

We are honored to have Salaam Ismiall from National United Youth Council, Inc., a strong community activist leading the way for us to demand that the injustices against our brother in blue, Lt. Ken Reid cease now!

Photo on right, courtesy of Oscar Quintana - Americano Newspaper

We Support Lieutenant Ken Reid!

We ask the community to rally behind Lt. Ken Reid, a 30 year veteran who has dedicated his life to serving on the Plainfield Police force. We demand answers for the community! There is an injustice occurring against Lt. Reid.  We want to know why is Lt. Reid being singled out, harassed and why he is being pressured into retirement? Why is he being threatened with getting demoted? Lt. Reid is more than deserving of his title that he earned serving the public all his life. Why is he being threatened with six months without pay? Why has someone been placed in this department to get rid of those that don’t fall in line? Are these orders from our Mayor? If so Mayor, you will not get away with this!

Let us say as a community, you cannot shakedown pillars to our community! We should as a community, stand and say – Enough is Enough! Please come and show your support for Lt. Ken Reid on Wednesday, 3/9 at 1 pm in front of Plainfield Courthouse at 325 Watchung Ave.  Lt. Reid has been there for us, and now it is time to be there for him!

Horizons - Flooded Basement Apartments

Flooding on 2/24/16

Apparently, city officials finally did take heed into tenant's ongoing complaint at the former Tepper's building. To think we were even accused of making things up, really? Yes, there are basement apartments at the Horizons and it is shocking to know that no one from the city knew this. What is more shocking and disappointing, is that the tenant who wishes to remain anonymous had all requests for help ignored, both by building management and city officials since October of last year. See OPRA request submitted to the administration that went unanswered and also letter sent to Plainfield Action Services (PAS) where our Mayor was copied (dated last year):

Nevertheless, we are happy to be informed that the city and building officials finally listened and are now looking into these mysterious basement apartments at Horizons that no one knew about. Stay tuned for updates and don't forget, The Pulse of Plainfield is here to advocate for the community.

Follow your own rules Plainfield!

A New Era of Plainfield Politics

 

 

I'm sure Plainfield is buzzing. The Mayor has chosen his candidates to run for City Council. His picks?

 

Charles McRae for Third Ward

Rebecca Williams for At Large

 

 

We are happy to officially announce here at The Pulse of Plainfield, as Independent Democrats, we will be supporting the duo we know will bring about positive change to Plainfield. We are so proud to announce our support of candidates:

 

Tracey L. Brown for At Large

Alma Blanco for Third Ward

 

 

Please stay tuned for updates on our campaign trail! A campaign is nothing without the will of the people. Let us put community first before everything and let us be a city where everyone counts!



 

 

Horizons - Basement Apartments?

 

Did anyone know that Horizons at Plainfield has basement apartments? Apparently there are four basement apartments. The featured image is of sump pumps that were installed outside of the subterranean windows of the apartments due to ongoing flooding issues.

Water seepage & window view

The basement apartments have windows that have a great view of brick walls that contain the sump pumps and have a secured crate on top. So if there is a fire, how would a tenant escape?

The masonry in the basement is deteriorating. Is this safe for tenants living in basement living spaces?

Masonry/Column deterioration

Whatever happened to the planned Senior Center they planned on putting in the basement? The City was not able to utilize the space for another benefit for the community? Looks like now the entrance to the planned Senior Center is now blocked off. What are they hiding?

If tenants in this building are complaining of any safety violations, are they being addressed in a proper manner by the Administration? Are they doing so in a way where tenants do not have to fear any form of retaliation? What is the turn-around time for addressing code violations and inquiring if the proper permit and certificates were filed? One may ask, was there ever a variance issued for this building to allow subterranean apartments?

If anyone else in the community is concerned about any safety and code violations in their buildings, please let us know. When we come forward with what is hidden, that is when we get answers.

Keep Out Plainfield!

Inspiration behind The Pulse of Plainfield

Photo by Baratunde

Welcome to The Pulse of Plainfield. We are happy to announce a new community blog for Plainfield. We welcome all the community to write for our blog. Our blog will concentrate on 'we' the community. Here, we believe the 'community' is first. Without the community, we are nothing. So this blog is fully dedicated to 'we' the people.

As Plainfield residents, we have much to be proud of and much to improve. Let us use this platform to collaborate on ideas and advocate effectively for 'all' of Plainfield. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please submit your writing pieces and images to pulseofplfd@gmail.com