County of Union, New Jersey

Los «Tree Stewards» Llegan a Más De 2,750 Estudiantes Del Condado De Union A Través De UN Programa De Educación Ambiental

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County’s 4-H Master Tree Stewards recently celebrated a successful season of environmental education, reaching more than 2,750 fourth-grade students across Union County during the winter and spring of 2026.

The Master Tree Steward program is made up of dedicated volunteers who receive specialized training through Rutgers Cooperative Extension and then bring their knowledge directly into local classrooms. Throughout the school year, Tree Stewards presented engaging, one-hour lessons designed to teach students about the importance of trees, environmental stewardship, and the role trees play in maintaining healthy communities.

“The commitment of our Master Tree Stewards helps inspire the next generation to appreciate and care for the environment around them,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “By bringing these lessons into classrooms throughout Union County, our volunteers are helping students develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and the importance of protecting it.”

The program provides fourth-grade students with hands-on learning opportunities that connect classroom education with real-world environmental issues, encouraging curiosity and fostering a greater appreciation for local natural resources.

Individuals interested in becoming a Master Tree Steward are encouraged to apply for the next training program, which begins in September. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by educating young people throughout Union County.

For more information about the Master Tree Steward Program or volunteer opportunities, contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Public Info

Tree Stewards Reach More Than 2,750 Union County Students Through Environmental Education Program

For more information about the Master Tree Steward Program or volunteer opportunities, contact 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

spanish-releases

El Condado De Union Presenta Una Demanda Para Exigir Responsabilidades Por La Demolición No Autorizada en Terrenos Protegidos Del Parque

El Condado de Union ha presentado una demanda civil contra Morais Automotive, LLC, 2735 Route 22 Property Associates, LLC y 2685 Route 22 Property Associates, LLC —entidades vinculadas a Open Road Subaru en Union—, solicitando una indemnización por daños y la restauración de terrenos del parque Smithfield, propiedad del Condado, en el municipio de Union. La demanda alega la tala no autorizada de aproximadamente 1,5 acres de terrenos públicos protegidos.

La demanda sostiene que se eliminaron sin autorización, permisos ni las aprobaciones requeridas unos 300 árboles maduros de terrenos del parque propiedad del Condado, y que se realizaron ocupaciones indebidas en dicha propiedad.

Asimismo, el condado alega que la tala se produjo en terrenos protegidos bajo el programa *Green Acres* de Nueva Jersey, el cual ofrece salvaguardas adicionales para los espacios públicos abiertos y los recursos naturales.

“Los parques públicos pertenecen a los habitantes del Condado de Union. Según las alegaciones de esta demanda, se eliminaron unos 300 árboles maduros de una propiedad del condado, lo que causó daños significativos a terrenos públicos protegidos”, declaró Ed Oatman, administrador del condado de Union.

“La pérdida va más allá de los árboles en sí. La destrucción de la vegetación y de la cubierta arbórea madura afecta al hábitat de la fauna silvestre —incluidas las zonas utilizadas por aves migratorias, ciervos y otras especies— y reduce el valor ecológico del parque”.

“El Condado no puede simplemente mirar hacia otro lado cuando se daña la propiedad pública a esta escala, especialmente cuando las alegaciones implican la eliminación de cientos de árboles maduros de terrenos protegidos. Según la demanda, estas acciones provocaron la pérdida de recursos naturales que tardaron décadas en crecer y de los que los residentes han disfrutado durante generaciones”.

“Tenemos la responsabilidad de proteger los terrenos que pertenecen a los contribuyentes, preservar nuestros parques y recursos naturales, y garantizar que quienes dañen la propiedad pública rindan cuentas. Ya se trate de un acre o de cien, las normas se aplican por igual a todos”.

“Esta demanda busca que los responsables rindan cuentas, restaurar el parque afectado y proteger los intereses de los residentes del condado de Union. Nuestros parques son bienes públicos y seguiremos tomando todas las medidas adecuadas para salvaguardarlos para las generaciones futuras”.

La demanda solicita una indemnización por daños y perjuicios, la retirada de las ocupaciones indebidas, la restauración del parque afectado, la replantación de árboles y otras medidas que determine el tribunal. El Condado presentó la demanda ante el Tribunal Superior y continuará ejerciendo todos los recursos legales disponibles para restaurar los terrenos del parque afectados y proteger la propiedad pública.

Dado que el asunto se encuentra actualmente en litigio, el Condado no hará más comentarios sobre cuestiones jurídicas específicas planteadas en la demanda.

Public Info

Union County files Lawsuit Seeking Accountability for Unauthorized Clearing of Protected Parkland

Union County has filed a civil lawsuit against Morais Automotive, LLC, 2735 Route 22 Property Associates, LLC, and 2685 Route 22Property Associates, LLC, entities associated with Open Road Subaru in Union, seeking damages and restoration of County-owned parkland at Smithfield Park in Union Township. The complaint alleges the unauthorized clearing of approximately 1.5 acres of protected public land.

The complaint alleges that approximately 300 mature trees were removed from County-owned parkland without authorization, permits, or required approvals and that encroachments were placed on County-owned property.

The County further alleges that the clearing occurred on parkland protected under New Jersey’s Green Acres program, which provides additional safeguards for public open space and natural resources.

“Public parkland belongs to the people of Union County. According to the allegations in this lawsuit, approximately 300 mature trees were removed from County-owned property, resulting in significant damage to protected public land,” said Union County Manager Ed Oatman.

“The loss extends beyond the trees themselves. The destruction of vegetation and mature tree canopy affects wildlife habitat, including areas used by migratory birds, deer, and other species, and diminishes the ecological value of the park.”

“The County cannot simply look the other way when public property is damaged on this scale, particularly when the allegations involve the removal of hundreds of mature trees from protected parkland. According to the complaint, these actions resulted in the loss of natural resources that took decades to grow and that residents have enjoyed for generations.”

“We have a responsibility to protect taxpayer-owned land, preserve our parks and natural resources, and ensure that those who damage public property are held accountable. Whether the property involved is one acre or one hundred acres, the rules apply equally to everyone.”

“This lawsuit seeks to hold the responsible parties accountable, restore the affected parkland, and protect the interests of Union County residents. Our parks are public assets, and we will continue to take all appropriate action to safeguard them for future generations.”

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, removal of encroachments, restoration of the affected parkland, replanting of trees, and other relief as determined by the court.

The County filed the lawsuit in Superior Court and will continue to pursue all available legal remedies to restore the affected parkland and protect public property.

Because the matter is now pending litigation, the County will not comment further on specific legal issues raised in the complaint.

Public Notices

Resolution Number 2026-340

The intent of this notice is to comply with publishing requirement of N.J.S.A. 5:30-11.9 (c) 6.

Whereas, on November 8, 2022, the County of Union did enter into an Agreement with Challenger Fence, Inc., 53 Kentucky Avenue, Paterson NJ 07503, through the public bidding process (BA#32-2022/Resolution Number 2022-963) for the purpose of providing Fencing Systems Services for twenty-four (24) consecutive months upon full execution of the contract, with the provision for one (1) twenty-four (24) month optional extension, in an amount not to exceed $210,000.

Whereas, by way of Resolution 2025-90, adopted on January 23, 2025, the County of Union exercised its only option to extend the contract for twenty-four months in an amount not to exceed $351,410.

Whereas, by way of Resolution 2026-340, adopted on May 28, 2026, it was determined necessary to amend the Agreement with Challenger Fence, Inc., 53 Kentucky Avenue, Paterson NJ 07503 to increase the original contract amount by $80,000.00 for a new contract amount not to exceed $431,410.

This increase represents an amount in excess of 20% of the original bid award limit pursuant to the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law NJSA 40A:11-1. This increase was deemed necessary during the current twenty-four-month term of this Agreement for guardrail replacement at Lenape Park were not included in the original Request for Proposals as it was unforeseeable for the County to need such additional services. There is an additional need to replace guide rails throughout Lenape Park to address safety issues and concerns. It is in the best interest of the County to include these additional services to the services originally contracted for in order to maintain effective direction and order in the overall project.

James E. Pellettiere, RMC

Clerk of the Board of Union County Commissioners

Public Info

Important Update Regarding Section 8 Waiting List Applications

The Union County Housing Choice Voucher Program opened the waiting list on June 1 at 9AM. The public notice stated that 500 applications would be accepted. When 500 applications were received at 9:08AM, the portal stopped allowing access to the application. Persons with applications in process at that time were allowed to complete their application and were added to the list which is now much larger than originally anticipated.

Please note: submitted applications cannot be changed. If your current mailing address changes, you should notify the program administrator Development Directions, LLC in writing, at 1600 St. Georges Ave, Rahway, NJ 07065.

The waiting list is accessed as vouchers become available. There is no way to determine how long it will take to work through the waiting list. You may be contacted within several months or it could take several years.

spanish-releases

El Condado De Union Anuncia UN Nuevo Programa Piloto De Microtránsito A Demanda Para Ampliar El Acceso Al Transporte

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union ha aprobado un contrato con River North Transit, LLC (Via), un proveedor líder de soluciones de movilidad pública, para lanzar un nuevo programa piloto de microtránsito bajo demanda, diseñado para ampliar el acceso al transporte y la conectividad para los residentes del Condado de Union.

El programa piloto, con una duración de un año y cuyo inicio está previsto para el verano del 2026, introducirá un servicio de transporte público flexible y basado en la tecnología, que operará dentro de una zona de servicio definida y centrada en la intersección de la Ruta Estatal 28 y South Avenue (Ruta del Condado 610). El área de servicio abarcará un radio de aproximadamente 1,5 millas y atenderá a más de 35.000 residentes.

«El Condado de Union continúa buscando formas innovadoras de mejorar la movilidad, la accesibilidad y la calidad de vida de nuestros residentes», afirmó Joseph C. Bodek, Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union. «Este programa piloto nos ayudará a comprender mejor cómo las opciones de transporte modernas y bajo demanda pueden complementar los servicios de tránsito existentes, al tiempo que amplían el acceso a empleos, atención médica y otros destinos esenciales para los residentes de toda la comunidad».

El microtránsito es un servicio de transporte compartido bajo demanda que utiliza tecnología y enrutamiento dinámico para conectar a los pasajeros con sus destinos de manera más eficiente. Los usuarios podrán solicitar viajes a través de una aplicación móvil, un portal web o por teléfono; el sistema asignará puntos virtuales cercanos de recogida y descenso para ayudar a reducir los tiempos de espera, minimizar los desvíos y optimizar las rutas.

El programa tiene como objetivo ayudar a superar las barreras de transporte relacionadas con el empleo, el acceso a la atención médica, las compras y las conexiones de «primera y última milla» con los servicios de transporte público existentes.

«Me complace asociarme con el Condado para llevar los servicios de microtránsito a Westfield», declaró el alcalde de Westfield, Jeremy Berman. «A medida que continuamos buscando enfoques significativos para reducir el tráfico y brindar soluciones de transporte de última milla a la comunidad, confío en que este innovador programa piloto ayudará a hacer que el transporte sea más eficiente para nuestros residentes».

El Condado seleccionó a River North Transit (Via) a través de un proceso de contratación competitivo. Actualmente, Via opera programas de microtránsito en todo Nueva Jersey y recientemente completó su viaje de microtránsito número tres millones en todo el estado. La empresa se asocia con municipios y agencias de transporte en todo el país para proporcionar servicios de movilidad pública impulsados por la tecnología. En virtud del acuerdo, Via proporcionará una solución de transporte llave en mano que incluye vehículos, conductores, tecnología de programación, atención al cliente, mantenimiento, participación comunitaria e informes de desempeño. El servicio operará, como mínimo, de lunes a viernes, de 7:00 a. m. a 7:00 p. m., y será accesible para pasajeros con discapacidades, en cumplimiento con los requisitos de la ADA.

Los funcionarios del Condado señalaron que el programa piloto también permitirá al Condado de Union evaluar futuras oportunidades de transporte e identificar formas adicionales de mejorar la conectividad y la accesibilidad del transporte local.

Se anunciará más información sobre el programa —incluyendo los detalles de su lanzamiento, los horarios de servicio y la información para los pasajeros— antes de su puesta en marcha oficial, prevista para finales de este verano.

Public Info

Union County Announces New On-Demand Micro-Transit Pilot Program to Expand Transportation Access

The Union County Board of County Commissioners has approved a contract with River North Transit, LLC (Via), a leading provider of public mobility solutions, to launch a new on-demand micro-transit pilot program designed to expand transportation access and connectivity for Union County residents.

The one-year pilot program, beginning in Summer 2026, will introduce a flexible, technology-based public transportation service operating within a defined service zone centered around the intersection of State Route 28 and South Avenue (County Route 610). The service area will cover approximately a 1.5-mile radius and serve more than 35,000 residents.

“Union County continues to look for innovative ways to improve mobility, accessibility, and quality of life for our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “This pilot program will help us better understand how modern, on-demand transportation options can complement existing transit services while expanding access to jobs, healthcare, and other essential destinations for residents throughout the community.”

Micro-transit is an on-demand shared transportation service that uses technology and dynamic routing to connect riders to destinations more efficiently. Riders will be able to request trips through a mobile app, web portal, or telephone service, with the system assigning nearby virtual pickup and drop-off locations to help reduce wait times, minimize detours, and optimize routes.

The program is intended to help address transportation barriers related to employment, healthcare access, shopping, and first- and last-mile connections to existing public transportation services.

“I’m pleased to partner with the County to bring micro-transit services to Westfield,” said Westfield Mayor Jeremy Berman. “As we continue to pursue meaningful approaches to reducing traffic and bringing last-mile transit solutions to the community, I’m optimistic that this innovative pilot program will help make transportation more efficient for our residents.”

The County selected River North Transit (Via) through a competitive contracting process. Via currently operates micro-transit programs across New Jersey and recently completed its three millionth micro-transit trip statewide. The company partners with municipalities and transit agencies nationwide to provide technology-enabled public mobility services.

Under the agreement, Via will provide a turnkey transportation solution that includes vehicles, drivers, scheduling technology, customer service, maintenance, community engagement, and performance reporting. The service will operate at minimum Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will be accessible to riders with disabilities in compliance with ADA requirements.

County officials noted the pilot program will also allow Union County to evaluate future transportation opportunities and identify additional ways to improve local transit connectivity and accessibility.

More information regarding the program, including launch details, service hours, and rider information, will be announced prior to the official rollout later this summer.

spanish-releases

El Condado De Union Ofrece UN Taller Gratuito Para Organizaciones Artísticas Sin Fines De Lucro: Fortalezca Su Organización a Través De La Defensa Y Las Colaboraciones Cívicas

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union invita a las organizaciones artísticas y a otras entidades sin fines de lucro a asistir a un taller gratuito de desarrollo profesional titulado “Fortalezca su organización a través de la Defensa y las Colaboraciones Cívicas”, el martes 16 de junio a las 3:30 p. m. La sesión es organizada por la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y del Patrimonio del Condado de Union y se llevará a cabo a través de la plataforma Zoom.

“Las organizaciones artísticas desempeñan un papel importante en el fortalecimiento de nuestras comunidades, el enriquecimiento de la vida cultural y la unión de las personas”, afirmó el Presidente de la Junta de Comisionados, Joseph C. Bodek. “Este taller brinda a los líderes de organizaciones sin fines de lucro herramientas valiosas para establecer alianzas, interactuar con el gobierno local y abogar por los recursos que necesitan para continuar sirviendo a los residentes. Nos enorgullece apoyar oportunidades que ayudan a nuestras organizaciones artísticas y culturales a crecer y prosperar en todo el Condado de Union”.

Este taller de 75 minutos será presentado por personal de ArtPride New Jersey, una organización que promueve, difunde y defiende las artes y a las entidades artísticas, incluyendo labores para aumentar la financiación de las artes a nivel local, Estatal y Nacional. Los asistentes aprenderán pasos valiosos y prácticos para aprovechar la participación cívica, desarrollar colaboraciones intersectoriales beneficiosas y establecer contactos con funcionarios y agencias locales, con el fin de fortalecer sus propias organizaciones artísticas a largo plazo. Los presentadores involucrarán a los participantes en la iniciativa de ArtPride para mejorar la comunicación y compartir información con los líderes municipales sobre las múltiples formas en que las artes y la cultura enriquecen la vida comunitaria.

Vincent Hall, Director de Operaciones de Defensa en ArtPride, lidera las iniciativas de defensa y asuntos Gubernamentales a nivel Federal. Él presentará el taller junto a Vanessa Ramalho, Directora de Relaciones Externas, quien respalda la labor de Defensa y asuntos Gubernamentales de ArtPride, encabezando los esfuerzos para impulsar prioridades legislativas que apoyen a las artes en Nueva Jersey.

Las organizaciones interesadas en asistir a este taller gratuito pueden inscribirse en www.ucnj.org/artpride.

Se alienta a asistir a aquellas organizaciones que reciben financiamiento a través de la Subvención de Artes Locales (LAP), la Subvención de Historia y la Subvención HEART (Educación Histórica y Artes al Alcance de Miles) del Condado de Union. También son bienvenidas otras organizaciones sin fines de lucro con sede en Nueva Jersey.

Este taller es posible gracias a los fondos proporcionados por el Consejo Estatal de las Artes de Nueva Jersey (New Jersey State Council on the Arts), una agencia asociada del Fondo Nacional para las Artes (National Endowment for the Arts). Para más información, comuníquese con la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales y del Patrimonio del Condado de Union —una oficina del Departamento de Parques y Recreación— a través de culturalinfo@ucnj.org o llame al 908-558-2550.

Public Info

Union County Offers Free Workshop for Arts Nonprofits: Strengthen Your Organization Through Advocacy and Civic Collaborations

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites arts organizations and other nonprofits to attend a free professional development workshop, Strengthen Your Organization through Advocacy and Civic Collaborations, on Tuesday, June 16 at 3:30 pm. The session is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, and will be conducted via Zoom.

“Arts organizations play an important role in strengthening our communities, enriching cultural life, and bringing people together,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This workshop gives nonprofit leaders valuable tools to build partnerships, engage with local government, and advocate for the resources they need to continue serving residents. We are proud to support opportunities that help our arts and cultural organizations grow and thrive throughout Union County.”

The 75-minute workshop is presented by staff from ArtPride New Jersey, which advances, promotes, and advocates for the arts and for arts organizations — including work to increase arts funding at local, state and national levels. Attendees will learn valuable, actionable steps for leveraging civic engagement, developing beneficial cross-sector collaborations, and connecting with local officials and local agencies, to fortify their own arts organizations over the long haul. The presenters will involve participants in ArtPride’s initiative to increase communication and share information with municipal leaders about the many ways arts and culture improve community life.

Vincent Hall, Director of Advocacy Operations at ArtPride, leads advocacy and governmental affairs on the federal level. He will present the workshop with Vanessa Ramalho, Director of External Relations, who supports ArtPride’s advocacy and government affairs work, leading efforts to move forward legislative priorities that support the arts in New Jersey.

Organizations interested in attending this free workshop can register at ucnj.org/artpride.

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.