Plainfield’s special Joint Land Use Board Meeting was held on Saturday at City Hall to introduce the public to members of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustments, Historic Preservation Commission and Shade Tree Commission.

Representatives from the Housing Authority of Plainfield, the Plainfield Board of Education, and the Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority were also invited to speak. Ron Scott Bey led the agenda after opening remarks from Mayor Adrian Mapp, and Director of Economic Development Valerie Jackson, who thanked board members for their volunteer work to make Plainfield a better city.

Commission chairs provided brief overviews of their respective boards, beginning with Alex Ruiz, Zoning Board President. The Board of Education’s Carmencita Pile gave a short update on the search to replace Dr. Ronald Bolandi, currently serving as the interim superintendent, as well as the New Jersey Schools Development Authority’s Woodland School construction project.

There are plans underway to review the city’s Master Plan, a city guide updated every ten years. A project manager and a planning board committee will be established to oversee the process and provide regular updates to the Planning Board. Jackson said residents already have the opportunity to provide feedback at planning board meetings, and will be able to comment on the Master Plan update.

PMUA’s Eric Jackson gave a presentation on economic development around the city. She said the groundwork has been laid to build investor confidence; simple, efficient processes are in place, and there is a continuity of leadership.

Jackson mentioned UEZ and Opportunity Zones, specific investment funds available, and indicated that there will be upcoming seminars to educate the public on opportunities.