'From rebellion to renaissance': Plainfield mayor charts course for city's future
PLAINFIELD – Mayor Adrian Mapp said he has seen great change in this city of more than 50,000 residents.
During his recent State of the City address, Mapp, who this year began his third term as mayor, focused on the rebellion borne of frustration and fueled by the desire for equality from 50 years ago of the community that has now entered its renaissance with dedication, hard work, focus and vision, he said.
"We have journeyed from rebellion to renaissance. We have proven that we are not a people who will go gently into that good night. Instead, we resisted, we rejected the expectations set for us and developed our own," Mapp said in the speech.
Mapp set an agenda for 2022 that focuses on finances, infrastructure, recreation, public safety and development.
Financially this year, Mapp intends to maintain the city's A1 bond rating, keep the city's tax collection rate at about 97% and preserve a zero-audit finding, he said.
"Our primary infrastructure goal for the remainder of 2022 is to replace all outdated parking meters. We'll add new pay stations, which will provide residents with more convenient options to pay by coins, credit cards or phone. Our newly created Parking Utility will ensure that our parking infrastructure meets the needs of our residents and visitors," Mapp said.
The city also has plans to replace its current fleet of vehicles with more environmentally friendly electric vehicles and install charging stations at City Hall and other locations, the mayor said.
Local: Plainfield High School names its track after famed alum and Olympic gold medal winner
Mapp said the city also has plans for the second phase of improvements at the Rushmore Recreational Complex which will include a spray park, a competition-size pool, a large deck and a new building with restrooms and locker rooms.
This year the city will continue to work the Plainfield Police Department on reducing the crime rate and increasing traffic enforcement in an effort to make the city a safe place to live, work and play, the mayor said. With the Plainfield Fire Department, the city is looking to replace suppression vehicles and turnout gear and develop a new in-house training facility at Engine 3 Station, Mapp said.
"In keeping with our proactive approach, we have plans to build a mobile restroom equipped with shower units for times of unforeseen disasters that affect the city," he said.
The city also is looking to build a broadband network to facilitate wireless internet access in public areas, provide increased camera surveillance citywide and crowd monitoring, the mayor said.
Mapp said other projects underway include a five-story residential apartment complex located at 1000 North Ave., the first significant development near the Netherwood Train Station, which will transform the area from a vacant, underused industrial zone to a vibrant, mixed-use section in the North Transit Oriented Development area. In addition, several residential projects are under construction on South Avenue, the largest being The Centurion Plainfield, he said.
“This year, we plan to complete the pedestrian mall and launch Restaurant Row, an entertainment complex that provides an event center, an anchor restaurant and other eateries," Mapp said. "With new marijuana laws in place, you can expect to see cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers opening shops in our city. This new booming industry will stimulate our economy, serving as a substantial equity component for vendors that incorporate local hiring and sourcing. New construction and new businesses coming to our city mean more job opportunities for our residents."
"Now is the time to sustain this renaissance as a legacy for the next generations. Now is when we ride the wave of development to greater prosperity for every resident. Now is when we will see the fulfillment of our vision for the Queen City. Now is when we cross the invisible line from dream to reality," said Mapp, adding the city will no longer be ignored, overlooked, overshadowed or denied.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Plainfield NJ Mayor Adrian Mapp delivers annual State of City address
