Carter was responsible for reviving the annual event in 2005 after it was dropped for a time. It had been the signature project of longtime Councilwoman Elizabeth Urquhart since 1988 (see Plaintalker's story here).
As reported by Dan, a resolution to close streets by City Hall was a "walk-on" item Monday. Carter expressed hope that there would be publicity on the city web site for the event, which will start at 7 p.m. Watchung Avenue from East Fifth to East Seventh Street will be closed from 6 p.m. for preparations. The event will take place in City Hall Plaza at 515 Watchung Ave.
This year's event will be relatively low-key compared to some past years, when the event included parades or contests among city wards for participation. But it is still a chance to meet fellow residents who want to improve the quality of life in Plainfield and for young people to meet police officers in a social setting.
National Night Out 2011 also includes an invitation to participate in Project 365, a program that encourages attention to a specific problem in a community, with the goal of solving it by National Night Out 2012. Certainly Plainfield has a choice of issues to address, ranging from gun violence to deterring youth from gangs and more.
Participation in these national programs gives the city a sense of joining with many others to fight crime and drugs and also offers a chance to be recognized for an outstanding effort. Freeholder Carter deserves credit for keeping up the tradition.
--Bernice
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