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“In the City of Plainfield we look out for one another,” said Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp in a May 31 statement announcing some very welcome news for residents behind on their bills.

Plainfield, as a part of a partnership between Mapp and the City Council, will pay more than $1.1 million to New Jersey American Water to pay off arrears for residents who are more than 60 days behind in their payments and face possible service interruption.

The one-time remittance is meant to provide relief from the economic pressure many are facing from COVID, while preserving quality of life for residents.

“When one resident suffers, we all suffer,” said Mapp. “As mayor of this wonderful Queen City, it’s my passion and my duty to continuously seek ways to elevate the quality of life of our residents and to alleviate hardships if at all possible.”

The city mailed letters to the impacted residents informing them of the payment. The highest amount paid was $20,000, while the average arrear was $600.

Nearly 2,000 households will benefit from the relief program. It follows several other such COVID-related initiatives Plainfield has initiated, including paying property taxes for senior citizens, rental assistance for residents facing eviction, and employment placement through Plainfield Action Services.

“I encourage everyone to #LovePlainfield, and get involved by sharing your feedback, volunteering, and spreading the word that Plainfield is a great place to Live, Work, and Play,” said Mapp.

“We are One Plainfield, working toward One future.”