County of Union

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to invite the public to attend two events in Union County in honor of Juneteenth. First is a special free movie presentation of “The Woman King” at Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on June 17, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. In addition, residents are invited to the fourth annual Juneteenth Flag raising ceremony on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“This month, as we raise the Juneteenth flag high and celebrate other events, we honor the resilience, strength, and freedom of our African American community,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This flag represents the struggles and triumphs of a community that fought for their liberation against all odds. Let it serve as a symbol of unity, justice, and progress as we continue to strive for equality and a future where every individual is truly free. I hope to see all of our residents at the both the flag raising and the movie night.”

The Juneteenth Flag was created in 1997 to commemorate June 19, 1865, when the citizens of Galveston, Texas were finally notified about the abolition of slavery. President Lincoln had signed the Proclamation of Emancipation more than two years earlier, on January 1, 1863.

“As a Commissioner and an educator with a deep personal connection to Juneteenth, I stand proud today, celebrating the emancipation of my ancestors and the resilience of the African American community,” said Commissioner Rebecca Williams. “Juneteenth is not just a historical event; it is a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and education. Through knowledge and understanding, we honor the past, empower the present, and shape a better future for generations to come.”

The movie in the park will take place around dusk at approximately 8:30 p.m. “The Woman King” is a 2022 film that offers a fictional representation of the historical West African kingdom of Dahoney. It tells the story of an all-female elite warrior unit called the Agojie and their quest for freedom and justice. Please note that “The Woman King” is rated PG-13, and some subject matter may not be suitable for children under the age of 13. Popcorn will be available for free while supplies last.

“Knowledge and awareness in the black community unites us and makes it unfit to ignore the historical past of enslaved people, which is emblematic of Juneteenth. As we gather this month to commemorate the federal holiday, let us remember the significance of this day in history,” said Commissioner Dr. Angela Garretson. “Juneteenth symbolizes the liberation of enslaved people, and it is a time to recognize the progress black people have made and recommit ourselves to dismantling systemic injustices that persist. Let us strive to educate minds of all generations, ignite hearts, and foster a society where freedom and opportunity flourish for all.”

At the Union County flag raising, there will be a poetry reading by Elizabeth resident, Jeremiah LaPorte and a reading of the General Order No. 3, by Commissioner Rebecca Williams. The people were informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. There will also be a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by James Weldon Johnson, as a duet performed by singers Julia Arnold-Bouie and Willow Frazier, students at the Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains.

“Together, let us stand as a united community, celebrating the diversity that enriches us and embracing the shared vision of a future where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and every dream is within reach,” said Commissioner James Baker. “Embrace freedom. Celebrate Juneteenth.”

For more information about the Juneteenth Flag ceremony, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator Judith.Guest@ucnj.org or 908-527-4388.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are proud to announce as part of Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Stepping Up to Mental Health” initiative, through his 2023 Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County, the upcoming event “Mental Health Roundtable Focus on Children & Youth,” on June 13, 2023. This important event aims to bring together key stakeholders, experts, and community members to discuss and address the critical issue of access, equity, and affordability of behavioral health services for children and youth in the county.

“Stepping Up to Mental Health was one of my main focuses within my initiatives from my 2023 theme,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “This Mental Health Roundtable is a significant step in Union County’s commitment to prioritizing mental health and providing a platform for collective action and I am looking forward to attending, speaking and hearing from all of the panelists involved on how we can move forward together in helping our communities and residents who may be facing or know someone facing mental health issues.”

The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Kean University’s Liberty Academic Center, located at 1003 Morris Avenue, Building 2, in Union, NJ. It will feature engaging panel discussions led by prominent figures in the field, focusing on different aspects of the mental health system. The roundtable will serve as a platform to share insights, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration to improve the well-being of the children and youth in Union County.

The panel discussions will include: NJDCF Children’s System of Care, Improving Access, Equity & Affordability for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services, Union County Schools, and Hospital Systems. These panels will discuss how Union County, as a community, can address children and youth mental health challenges, while working with local leaders who understand the need and can be an active agent in facilitating a meaningful dialogue to analyze community supports and systems of care. Additionally, these panels will directly shape how collectively Union County can address the challenges and build a comprehensive Behavioral Health Continuum of Care for the children and youth of Union County. Attendee’s insight and collaboration in this high level discussion will create the playbook that will allow Union County to develop creative solutions towards influencing and impacting systemic change that will lead towards community alignment.

Recently, the State of New Jersey allocated $5 million funding for the Union County Mental Health Project, which will help expand access, equity, and affordability for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Care Services. Furthermore, as part of the roundtable, Governor Phil Murphy and Senate President Nicholas Scutari will provide valuable insight on ways to explore strategies to improve this access and speak about the subsidies.

“The insights gathered during the event will contribute to the development of strategies, policies, and programs to improve the accessibility and quality of behavioral health services for the younger population,” said Debbie Ann Anderson, Director of Human Services. “I would like to thank the State of New Jersey, particularly Governor Murphy and Senate President Scutari for their continued support and commitment to Union County and our Mental Health initiatives.”

Anyone interested in attending and being part of this robust event, must register by Thursday, June 8^th, 2023 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stepping-up-to-mental-health-tickets-648953737097 or contact the Union County Department of Human Services at (908) 527-4846 or email difss@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation are looking for volunteers in the Ashbrook Reservation Adopt-A-Park event on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. 

“This cleanup event will have a positive impact on the health of the Ash Brook Swamp and increase the enjoyment of the Ash Brook Reservation for all who pass through it,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I would like to thank all of those for coordinating this event, as well as all of the volunteers who sign up – I encourage everyone interested to register today.”

The event will be focused on removing leaves and debris from a drainage swale that flows to the Ashbrook, an important waterway within the Rahway River Watershed. By removing the debris, the water’s flow will be restored and it will minimize flooding of an adjoining walking trail.

The Project will be directed by Union County Park Environmental Services staff, with all tools supplied by Union County Parks.

This Adopt-A-Park event will take place at Ashbrook Reservation (meeting at Union County Vo-Tech Parking Lot), located at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains.

Residents interested should register at www.ucnj.org/ashbrook23/. For more information, please call Robert Berns with the Department of Parks and Recreation at (908) 789-3683.

Today, the Union County Board of County Commissioners launched a poll to invite residents to assist them in selecting a new seal for the County of Union.

“As we embark on this journey, we feel it is important that our community has a role in this process and therefore would love your feedback,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Since 1932, Union County has had a seal unlike any other, with the central image depicting the dramatization of the murder of Hannah Caldwell by a British solider. After her death, Hannah quickly became a symbol for the fight for independence, and the thought of changing this seal is not to take away the significance of our past but to recognize it in a different way, that is why we will be dedicating a page on our County website in honor of the important role she played in the rich deep history of Union County. By doing so we hope to educate our residents on who Hannah Caldwell was, the role she played in shaping history and how we can honor her in a more positive way than a dramatization of her death.”

The County of Union would like to invite its residents to submit their choice for one of the two options on the County website. To participate in the selection process, visit our website www.ucnj.org/seal or click the button on the homepage to cast your vote. Included on the website are images that show the two options with an explanation of what each seal represents.

With much consideration, two new seals were designed to represent the County’s strong roots, diverse present and future possibilities.  When residents view the two seal choices, they will see that there is one seal with a quadrant that includes a portrait of Hannah Caldwell, one that memorializes her in life, and places her alongside other strong symbols of Union County – transportation, open space and the Union County Courthouse. The other option is representative of one of our most recognizable landmarks, the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, which holds the County seat.

“When you look at individuals like President Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr. or President John F. Kennedy for example, each one of them were leaders in their own right and all three were assassinated. However, when we visit their monuments or view photos of them, we are often looking at the portraits of who they were in life and what significance they played in our history,” continued Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.

Polls will be open Monday, March 27, 2023 through Monday, April 24, 2023. The final result will be revealed at the Union County Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting on Thursday, April 27, 2023 in a special unveiling.

As part of the 2023 Chairman Initiatives, “Building a Stronger Union County,” the Union County Board of County Commissioners, are pleased to announce that a series of four informational sessions will be held for residents who wish to file a property tax appeal. The new, first-of-its-kind program is designed assist in navigating the appeal process without incurring unnecessary attorney fees, as part of Union County’s commitment to support long-term housing security.

“Taking care of our residents is something that our Commissioner Board strives to do and we believe that everyone can use assistance, especially when living costs are on the rise,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “These workshops, that include both information and filing assistance, will help ensure that people can access information on their property and possibly reduce their property taxes by appealing, all while Union County is covering the costs of the filing fee for those qualifying seniors and veterans who attend. Together, we continue to prioritize our efforts to strengthen the programs and services offered to our residents, while maintaining our strong financial footing – because we know that every dollar counts.”

The sessions will be conducted by staff attorneys with the Union County Office of the County Counsel. Attendees will learn how to file an appeal without an attorney; get assistance in completing the appeals application; and get help navigating online resources to obtain recent sales comparisons.

The sessions are free but registration is required in advance at www.ucnj.org/taworkshop. Please call Union County at 908-527-4182, if any additional assistance with registration is needed.

Any eligible Union County property owners can attend any of the following sessions:

• Rahway: Tuesday, February 28 at the Rahway Community Center, 275 East Milton Avenue, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
• Elizabeth: Saturday, March 4 at the Elizabeth Public Library, 11 South Broad Street, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
• Roselle: Thursday, March 9 at Union County’s Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive in Warinanco Park, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
• Plainfield: Tuesday, March 14 at the Plainfield Public Library, 800 Park Avenue, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Seniors and Veterans eligibility for a property tax waiver is based on the following qualifications:

• Must be a Union County resident
• Must be 62 years old or older, or a U.S. veteran honorably discharged from the military
• Must be the property owner of record with annual household income not greater than $65,000
• The tax assessed value of the home must not be greater than $399,000.

Union County will cover the filing fee for qualifying seniors and veterans who attend an information session. The fee is $5.00 for homes assessed up to $150,000 and $25.000 for homes assessed up to $399,000.

On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, The Union County Board of County Commissioners through our Department of Human Services kicked off our annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count and Survey of the Homeless population throughout the cities in our jurisdiction.

The PIT, also known as NJCounts, takes place every January and asks for a count of unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. This program ran through Tuesday, January 31st, is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and for the tenth year, Monarch Housing Associates coordinates the statewide effort, along with Continuums of Care.

“The Point-In-Time Count is an important initiative that gives our Department of Human Services a more accurate count of persons experiencing homelessness and gathering information on what resources are needed, “said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, who also serves as liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “At the end of the day, these individuals are members of our community and understanding the scope of homelessness in our County is vital. It also helps us assess what caused them to become homeless; how long they have been on the streets and what is preventing them from becoming or staying housed and most importantly providing them with the resources to get out of homelessness.”

In 2022, due to the effects of the pandemic, Union County altered how they conducted the count versus previous years. Teams of Union County staff, government officials and local nonprofit organizations banded together in smaller groups of 4-6 people during a seven (7) day period in the morning, afternoon and late evening hours. Smaller groups surveyed people throughout the County who “sleep outdoors, in parks, alleys, under bridges, or places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, abandoned buildings, garages, or other structures without electricity or water.”

For the 2023 unsheltered count, which took place at 3:00 a.m. on January 25th, thirty three (33) volunteers gathered at Social Services in Elizabeth and Plainfield and surveyed the areas of Elizabeth, Plainfield, Summit, Roselle, Roselle Park, Garwood, Linden, Rahway, Hillside and Union. The five groups that went identified fourteen (14) unsheltered homeless persons that were further assessed for services at the Union County DHS/Division of Social Services office. Over 200 adults and children were provided shelter through the County’s Code Blue program. The group also provided materials for the homeless, including blankets, coats, clothing, toiletries, socks, hats, gloves, sandwiches, provided by Be the Change from Kean University, scarves, soup, provided by Mo’s Café and hot coffee.

On Wednesday, January 25th and Thursday, January 26th, service fairs were held by the City of Plainfield and the Plainfield Action Services at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center and the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless at the Mickey Walker Center in Elizabeth. Plainfield’s service fair had a total of sixty-one (61) persons in attendance and Elizabeth’s service fair had a total of two-hundred and seven-nine (279) persons in attendance. Both service fairs offered resources from over eighteen (18) social service providers. The Union County Office of Health Management also provided forty-three (43) individuals with the COVID-19 vaccination; of which sixteen (16) of them either received their first dose or completed their primary series. All forty-three (43) persons received a gift card from NJDOH for $25.

During the seven (7) day count, which took place from January 25 through January 31, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, a total of five (5) groups, representing a total of sixteen (16) volunteers went out to survey the homeless throughout Union County in: Elizabeth, Plainfield, Summit, Roselle, Roselle Park, Garwood, Linden, Rahway, Hillside and Union. The five groups that went identified twenty-four (24) homeless persons.

The data collected during NJCounts also helps determine how much McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance HUD funding Union County will receive and provides crucial resources for the homeless and housing insecure living in Union County.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced that the County of Union is allocating $2.2 million in CDBG funds through US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to organizations to help residents impacted by Covid-19.

“This is an investment in our County that will help provide important building upgrades and social services to organizations in helping residents who still may be recovering from Covid-19,” Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Many residents faced financial and career hardship due to the pandemic and this additional money will help boost the many programs and services our residents need. I encourage all organizations who are eligible to log onto our website and apply today. Together, we will continue to build a stronger Union County to strengthen our community and improve the quality of life for all.”

The funding is to be spent to prepare for, respond to, or prevent COVID-19. Any project administered with these funds must also meet CDBG regulations and criteria. Funding is available in specific assistance categories for organizations to administer to residents impacted by COVID-19.

In making decisions for funding with this special CDBG-CV allocation, Union County will consider factors such as the eligibility, national objective and whether the project provides substantial community benefits to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. Projects must serve a majority of low and moderate-income persons.

Projects must be ready to implement immediately. Eligible sub-recipients may use the funds for building improvements (public facilities); and public services that prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The County of Union encourages applicants only to apply to administer funds within their capacity.

“The Community Development Block Grant program makes a big difference in our County and it is with grants like these that we are able to make important investments in infrastructure, and most importantly investments in our residents,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon, who serves as the CDBG Liaison. “Organizations who are accepted are going to benefit greatly from this funding and their growth will overall help us continue to succeed as a County.”

Applications will be reviewed and scored for the applicant’s financial/accounting capacity and compliance, community need for the proposed project, overall project benefits, experience and HUD compliance. By request, translation services and documents, as well as alternative accessible document formats, are available to persons with varying language needs or disabilities.

The CDBG-CV Application is now available on our website www.ucnj.org/cdbg and will close on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 5pm.  Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.

If you have any questions about the funding, required documents, or eligible projects, please contact Brandon Givens, Director, at 908-527-4462 or by email at bgivens@ucnj.org. For more information please visit: www.ucnj.org/cdbg.