Plainfield is "The City of Tomorrow," says Mayor Adrian Mapp
PLAINFIELD - Mayor Adrian Mapp envisions a city with expanded technology infrastructure and green initiatives while exploring new investments to attract more talent and innovation.
Mapp delivered his vision during his 2024 State of the City address, "The City of Tomorrow, Today," on Thursday at Charles and Anna Booker Elementary School.
Mapp, in his 11th year as mayor, said he sees a city where children are surrounded by cutting-edge technology, clean air, environmentally conscious spaces, world-class infrastructure and vibrant recreational facilities.
The mayor said Plainfield is working toward the development of a fiber optic infrastructure to support hyper-fast internet and the city's connectivity for the next 30 to 50 years, as well providing free WiFi in city parks, downtown gathering spots and municipal buildings.
Plainfield is also believed to be the first New Jersey community to offer AI-powered translation services at council meetings, he said.
Mapp noted major development projects have added more than 600 residential units and more than 300,000 square feet of commercial space to the city.
But in welcoming those developments, the mayor also acknowledged some challenges and addressed "the elephant in the room" – last year's condemnation of an unsafe West Front Street apartment building that displaced tenants.
"This action was not taken lightly, and it was not a popular decision with some, but as your mayor, my first obligation is to ensure the safety and well-being of all Plainfield residents, and that sometimes entails taking difficult and unpopular action," Mapp said.
"The decision to condemn these buildings stemmed from our deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Plainfield," the mayor continued. "We could not overlook the hazardous living conditions — such as severe rodent infestations and unsanitary environments that could breed and spread disease — without taking decisive action to compel landlords to rectify these deplorable conditions and meet their legal and moral obligations to their tenants."
According to Mapp, about three-quarters of the families have been relocated to safe housing while resources are available for the remaining families who are unreachable or have refused assistance.
Mapp reaffirmed his commitment to providing affordable housing in the city, adding he expects to see the completion of more than 400 new affordable housing units in the next year.
At the same time, Mapp said, the city will intensify efforts to address homelessness and urged anyone with ideas and suggestions to come forward.
More: Here's where a new Plainfield apartment building might be built
Mapp said the city has a rapidly growing cannabis retail sector, with Queen City Remedies on South Avenue one of the first in the state to secure an annual license from the Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
"This year, we look forward to welcoming six more cannabis-related businesses, marking a significant milestone in our city's economic diversification," Mapp said.
The city also expects to break ground on the 55,000-square-foot Plainfield Center of Excellence, the mayor said.
"The Center of Excellence is poised to be a transformative space for our community, a place where aspirations are nurtured and realized. Imagine walking an indoor track during the winter or taking a few laps in the heated swimming pool. For those who enjoy golf, a simulator is available, alongside a state-of-the-art gym for fitness enthusiasts. Beyond physical activities, the center will offer co-working spaces and educational classes, supporting both professional and personal growth," said Mapp, adding part of the Center of Excellence will be allocated for affordable housing.
More: Montgomery school board member quits after charged with theft from Plainfield district
He said residents will soon be able to enjoy the Rushmore Recreational Complex which will include a competition-sized swimming pool, a spray park, basketball courts, and a playground, along with a large turf field.
Mapp said there has been a 12% reduction in Plainfield's overall crime rate since 2017, and between 2015 and 2023, a 17 % decrease in violent crime with only one homicide last year.
The mayor said the city is embracing the transition to renewable energy and has introduced 21 hybrid vehicles and installed electric vehicle charging stations.
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 is "The City of Tomorrow," says Mayor Adrian Mapp
