County of Union, New Jersey

Download Executive Order 2025-01

At a press conference hosted this morning by Senate President Nicholas Scutari at Scotch Plains Township Hall, Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded announced that Union County will take immediate action to protect residents from the dangers posed by electronic bikes and scooters.

Effective today, Union County has issued an Executive Order prohibiting the operation of motorized vehicles — including electronic bikes and scooters — in all County parks. At its next meeting, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will move to amend the County Code to make clear that:

• The use of low-speed electric bicycles, motorized bicycles (e-bikes), low-speed electric scooters, and motorized scooters — as defined under N.J.S.A. 39:1-1 and N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.16 is prohibited upon any footbridge, bridle path, bicycle path, lawn, wooded area, park, playground, or any other property owned, leased, or otherwise under the control of the County of Union.
• This prohibition does not apply to activities specifically authorized by N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.3(b).

The Order specifically prohibits the following in County parks and on County-controlled property (per N.J.S.A. 39:1-1 and 39:4-14.16):

• Low-speed electric bicycles
• Motorized bicycles (e-bikes)
• Low-speed electric scooters
• Motorized scooters

“This Executive Order reflects our commitment to protecting the public and acting swiftly when safety is at stake,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Families deserve to enjoy our parks without worrying about fast-moving vehicles endangering children or seniors. By codifying this action, we are sending a clear message: safety will always be our top priority in Union County. We will continue working with the Senate President and state leaders to ensure these common-sense protections extend across New Jersey.”

Today’s Executive Order also complements the legislative initiative announced by Senate President Scutari, which aims to modernize New Jersey’s e-bike laws by updating licensing, classification, and safety requirements statewide. Together, these actions underline a shared commitment at both the county and state levels to protect residents, prevent accidents, and save lives.

“The dramatic increase in the use of e-bikes has created greater dangers for their operators, other motorists and pedestrians,” said Senator Scutari. “They are faster, more powerful and far more prevalent. We are in a new era of e-bike use that requires updated safety standards to help prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities.”

The announcement comes just days after a 13-year-old boy in Scotch Plains was killed in a collision involving an electronic bike, a tragedy that has shaken the local community and intensified calls for stronger protections.

“As a mother of five, the recent e-bike tragedies — especially the heartbreaking loss of a 13-year-old in Scotch Plains — strike very close to home,” said Union County Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “That is why today I announced this Executive Order. Our children deserve streets, parks, and neighborhoods where families can feel at ease. I’m grateful to Senate President Scutari for taking a leadership role in addressing this urgent issue and for working to put forward common-sense protections that put safety first. No family should ever have to endure this kind of loss again.”

The press conference also featured remarks from Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo, with additional Scotch Plains Council Members in attendance. Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski joined Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded at the announcement, along with Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Assemblyman Jim Kennedy, County Manager Edward T. Oatman, and several law enforcement officials representing departments across Union County. Their presence highlighted the importance of collaborative action at the municipal, county, and state levels in addressing this urgent safety concern.

Union County’s action will be enforced by County personnel and law enforcement, ensuring that motorized vehicles do not endanger pedestrians, joggers, seniors, and children in shared park spaces. The Commissioners emphasized that this is a first step while broader statewide policies are being considered, and that today’s announcement demonstrates Union County’s leadership in addressing public safety head-on while working closely with state officials to prevent future tragedies.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the City of Rahway cordially invite residents with disabilities and special needs, along with family and friends, to attend this year’s Family Spooktacular Night Celebration, taking place on Friday, October 17th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The free event will be held at the Rahway Recreation Center, located at 275 East Milton Avenue in Rahway. 

“Our annual Halloween celebration for residents with disabilities and special needs is always a fun time, and this year we’re excited to welcome the entire family to join us for some festive fun,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As always, the Commissioner Board and I are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can come together to celebrate and create lasting memories. I hope to see you all there!”

The 2025 Family Spooktacular Celebration will feature a variety of games, dancing, and a Haunted House for residents to explore. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween costumes for a chance to win prizes and be entered into our annual costume contest. Light refreshments will also be provided.

“The City of Rahway is excited to continue our partnership with the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs for the 2025 Family Spooktacular Night Celebration,” said Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe. “This celebration highlights our ongoing commitment to providing inclusive and engaging opportunities for every member of our community.”

Admission to 2025 Family Spooktacular Night is free, but registration is required. To register, please call 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

“We’re thrilled to bring back this popular event that captures the spirit of Halloween in a way that’s open and inviting to everyone,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council, Sergio Granados. “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together, unwind, and have some light-hearted, seasonal fun without any barriers. I would also like to thank the City of Rahway and Mayor Giacobbe for their ongoing support in making this possible. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!”

This event is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services, and in partnership with the City of Rahway.

For more information on the 2025 Family Spooktacular Night Celebration or other events hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, visit ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn or call 908-527-4781.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Master Gardeners of Union County are proud to announce that Thomas Mui, a graduating senior from the Horticulture Program at Union County Vocational Technical School (UCTECH) in Scotch Plains, is the recipient of the 2025 Master Gardener Scholarship.

“The Master Garden Scholarship program not only provides tuition relief; it highlights the bright and motivated young individuals who are dedicated to creating a more sustainable future for Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “We are proud to recognize Thomas for his exceptional accomplishments and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.”

Thomas has demonstrated an extraordinary passion for environmental science and community service, earning recognition for his academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to sustainable gardening and conservation practices.

Throughout his high school career, Thomas excelled in science and environmental studies.  During his senior year, he took courses at Kean University.  He played a key role in helping the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter at UCTECH secure numerous awards over the past two years. In his senior year, he was part of two Career Development Event (CDE) teams that achieved top honors, including a first-place and second-place finish. At the 2024 National FFA Convention, Thomas competed in the Environmental and Natural Resources CDE, where he earned a gold ranking, while his team achieved a silver ranking.

Thomas is now attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York, where he plans to apply his knowledge of environmental science and natural resources to the field of civil engineering.

Each year, the Master Gardeners of Union County award a scholarship to support local students pursuing higher education in plant science, ecology, sustainability, or related fields. This initiative reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.

“We are thrilled to recognize Thomas Mui for his outstanding achievements,” said Patricia Paul, President of the Master Gardeners of Union County. “His dedication to environmental science and his leadership within the community embody the values of our organization. We look forward to watching his continued success.”

The Master Gardeners of Union County congratulate Thomas Mui and look forward to following his future contributions to our planet and communities.

“The Commissioner Board and I are proud of the great partnership we have with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the Master Gardeners of Union County, and equally share in congratulating Thomas Mui for this achievement,” said Bette Jane Kowalski, Union County Commissioner and Rutgers Cooperative Extension Liaison. “This moment serves as an affirmation that the path to a greener and more sustainable future is by empowering the next generation, supporting their education, and helping them develop their skills, as individuals and as leaders.”

The Master Gardener program is part of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a partnership between Rutgers University, the County of Union, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program trains volunteers to assist the public with environmentally responsible gardening and horticultural practices.

For questions or more information on the Master Gardeners Free Helpline, call 908-654-9852 or visit mastergardeners-uc.org. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and the 4-H youth development program, visit ucnj.org/rutgers-cooperative-extension-of-union-county/.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites nonprofit organizations to attend a free Zoom professional development workshop, Marketing Success on Any Budget, on Wednesday, October 22 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. Hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, the 90-minute session will present proven strategies that help nonprofits reach their revenue goals.

The workshop is presented by Nancy Sergeant, an advertising-industry veteran and the founder of Sergeant Marketing, who helps leaders of small nonprofits compete with large organizations by aligning marketing, operations and fundraising. Participants will learn how to increase engagement with prospects, and how to map the stages in their prospects’ journey.

Attendees will receive valuable guidance and actionable steps regarding how to: define goals, track KPIs, and measure success; create ideal prospect personas; leverage search engines and AI; apply best practices for email marketing, social media, content creation, and other marketing tools; and scale successful marketing efforts through revision and repurposing. Attendees will be provided with a post-event link to a video summarizing key principles, insights, and steps to implement.

“Union County is proud to support the growth and success of our nonprofit community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “This workshop is a valuable opportunity for local organizations to expand their impact and strengthen their outreach.”

Organizations wanting to attend this free workshop can register at https://ucnj.org/marketing-success-on-any-budget. Organizations that receive funding through Union County’s Local Arts Grant (LAP), History Grant, and HEART (History Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant are encouraged to attend. Other non-profit organizations based in New Jersey are also welcome.

This workshop is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, an office of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550.

On June 20, 2025, officers from the Union County Police Department responded to Cedarbrook Park in Plainfield, NJ, after receiving a report of an individual being stabbed. A juvenile victim had sustained a knife wound to the face.

The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Plainfield Village Apartments, located on Randolph Road adjacent to Tëmike Park. Officers Roman and Gray of the Union County Police Investigations Division led a months-long investigation into the case.

The investigation ultimately identified two juvenile suspects from Plainfield, alleged to be gang members connected to multiple incidents. The Union County Prosecutor’s Office approved charges against both juveniles.

On September 23, 2025, members of the Investigations Division facilitated the surrender of one of the juvenile suspects. The suspect was arrested, charged, processed, and remanded to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center pending a court date in Superior Court.

Charges filed in this case include:

• 2C:12-1b(1) Aggravated Assault (2nd Degree)

• 2C:12-1b(2) Aggravated Assault with a Weapon (3rd Degree)

• 2C:39-4d Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (3rd Degree)

• 2C:39-5d Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (4th Degree)

Charges and an arrest remain pending for the second juvenile suspect.

Please note for clarification: Mr. Bermeo is responsible for the full cleanup cost, which is currently assessed at $1,100.22. The phrase ‘in excess of $1,000’ in the press release prior was intended to reflect this total.

On September 23, 2025, patrol officers from the Union County Police Department discovered illegal dumping activity in the Watchung Reservation, located in Mountainside, NJ.

Following a swift investigation by the Union County Police Investigations Division, Mr. Adrian Bermeo of Elizabeth, NJ, was identified as the suspect and subsequently charged on September 25, 2025.

Cleanup efforts required the removal of debris equivalent to two 17-yard dumpsters. Mr. Bermeo later turned himself in to police and provided a full confession.

He has been charged with violating N.J.S.A. 13:1E-9.3(A), a Disorderly Persons Offense that carries a $2,500 fine for a first offense. He also received a County Ordinance violation for Driving Off Roadway and will be held responsible for cleanup costs exceeding $1,000.

Mr. Bermeo was processed and released pending a court date in municipal court.

Please be advised that the Union County footpath bridge at Mohawk Park in Cranford will be closed for paving on Wednesday, October 1.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners joyously announces that tickets for The Great Pumpkin Sail of 2025 will be available for purchase beginning Wednesday, October 1st at 9:00 a.m. at ucnj.org/ticket. The highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday, November 1st, at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.

“This is one of our most cherished fall traditions in Union County, and one that adults and kids alike truly enjoy,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Watching your carved Jack-o-Lanterns sail away with their pumpkin pals, creating this illuminated floating masterpiece – it’s one of those experiences that makes this season magical. I hope you join us.” 

The Great Pumpkin Sail provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to have their Jack-o-Lantern added to a float and watch them sail on Echo Lake.

The event will take place on Saturday, November 1st at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside, with three sessions scheduled. The first session will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The second session will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The third session will run from 8:15 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for the Great Pumpkin Sail are sold on a per-family basis, with one ticket covering up to six family members. Larger families may purchase an additional ticket to cover up to six more family members. There is a two-ticket limit per family.

The cost is $12 per ticket for Union County residents and $16 per ticket for out-of-county residents. Each family ticket includes the right to float one pre-carved Jack-o-Lantern, weighing no more than eight (8) pounds after carving.

Tickets must be purchased in advance as space is limited. In the event of inclement weather, the rain date has been scheduled for Sunday, November 2nd.

The Great Pumpkin Sail of 2025 is presented by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on the Great Pumpkin Sail and other events organized through the Department of Parks and Recreation, please visit ucnj.org/parks, email parksinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4900.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County invite residents to take advantage of their free Gardening Helpline, a trusted local resource for advice on gardening, landscaping, and plant care. Staffed by trained Master Gardener volunteers, the helpline is available by phone at 908-654-9852 and email at mastergardeners@ucnj.org to answer a wide range of horticultural questions.  Residents can also visit the Master Gardeners headquarters, located at 151 Grant Street in Berkeley Heights.

“The Master Gardeners Helpline provides valuable support to residents all across Union County who need guidance on caring for their gardens and houseplants, combining expert advice with human connection,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “Whether it’s identifying pests, improving soil, or learning when to plant, our volunteers make it easier for residents to find answers and succeed in their gardening efforts. They’re also available by email, making this resource accessible and convenient for everyone.”

The Master Gardeners Helpline can assist with a variety of gardening inquiries, including identifying plant diseases and pests, providing advice on lawn care, composting, and fertilizing, and offering tips for both vegetable and flower gardening. Additionally, they can guide you on selecting native and pollinator-friendly plants, as well as address questions related to pruning, watering, and soil management. All responses are informed by Rutgers University’s science-based curriculum and the volunteers’ extensive field experience.

“Whether you’re a new gardener wondering when to plant tomatoes, or you’re dealing with pests or yellowing leaves, our volunteers are ready to help,” said Goda Dattatreya, leader of the helpline team of volunteers.

The helpline is available Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Friday until 1:00 p.m. during the months of April through November. From December to March, the helpline operates on Mondays and Wednesdays only, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with Friday hours continuing until 1:00 p.m. The Master Gardener’s Helpline offers assistance by phone at 908-654-9852 or email at mastergardeners@ucnj.org. Residents are encouraged to include photos of plants, pests, or problems when emailing the helpline.

“This helpline is part of our mission to support residents with accurate, research-based information that’s tailored to local conditions,” said Pat Paul, a Cranford resident and President of the Master Gardeners program.

Residents interested in gardening education and community service are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Master Gardeners training program, which begins in early January and runs through May at Trailside Nature and Science Center. The program includes horticultural education, hands-on training, and outreach opportunities throughout Union County.

For more information, call 908-654-9852, email mastergardeners@ucnj.org , or visit ucnj.org/rce.

“Our Master Gardeners training program is an excellent way for residents to contribute to bettering our planet and give back to their community, while doing something they enjoy,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “I encourage those interested in volunteering for this program to contact the master gardeners for more information.” 

The Gardening Helpline is just one facet of the Union County Master Gardeners program. Volunteers also care for the 1.5-acre Demonstration Garden located at the Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside. Visitors are welcome on Saturday mornings (weather permitting) and guided tours and seasonal events are available by arrangement.

The Master Gardener program is part of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, a partnership between Rutgers University, the County of Union, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program trains volunteers to assist the public with environmentally responsible gardening and horticultural practices.

For questions or more information on the Master Gardeners Free Helpline, call 908-654-9852 or visit mastergardeners-uc.org. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and the 4-H youth development program, visit ucnj.org/rutgers-cooperative-extension-of-union-county/.

We appreciate your patience while our Parks team completes this important work to ensure the bridges remain safe and accessible for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.