County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ — Union County residents can put their Jack o’ Lanterns to good use after Halloween by participating in Union County’s new Pumpkin Recycling Program. The pumpkins will be collected by Union County and other local governments and brought to an organic waste recycler in Elizabeth, where they will be transformed into green energy.

“The Pumpkin Recycling Program is an easy, convenient way for Union County residents to support the renewable energy industry, which creates new jobs and helps improve the health and well-being of our communities,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope the #SmashItDontTrashIt campaign boosts public awareness about new opportunities for keeping food waste from going to waste.”

Two locations will be available for residents to drop off their pumpkins, each day from Monday, November 2 through Friday, November 6, from 9:00 am to 2:00:

— 151 Boulevard in Cranford (the County Emergency Services Yard)

— 1300 Lamberts Mill Road (the Westfield Conservation Center)

Both locations are available to all Union County residents.

Only pumpkins will be accepted at these locations; other food waste is not accepted. Candles and decorations must be removed.

Residents are advised to wear masks and observe social distance when dropping off their pumpkins.

The Pumpkin Recycling Program will send pumpkins to a processing facility in Elizabeth operated by the firm Waste Management. The company’s proprietary recycling system converts food waste into an organic slurry, which is used to increase the output of biogas and other renewable products at municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Food waste is a global problem that contributes to excess greenhouse gas emissions while burdening local governments with waste disposal costs. In the U.S. alone, more than 52 million tons of food are displaced in the U.S. each year according to some estimates.

Traditionally, food waste is sent to landfills or burned in waste-to-energy facilities. New organic recycling systems provide a more sustainable way to manage food waste.

Union County residents can also help reduce food waste by using up leftovers and donating unused shelf items before their sell-by date expires.

To keep up to date with all local and countywide recycling programs and events in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach app. For more information about Recycle Coach and all recycling programs sponsored by Union County, visit ucnj.org/recycle.

For quick links to all environmental programs and activities in Union County visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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Nearly $300,000 in awards will help revitalize gems from Union County’s past.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that 10 unique historic preservation projects in eight different municipalities will receive grant money in 2021 as part of the Preserve Union County program, administered by the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

“Funding from Preserve Union County helps our local historic sites undertake needed renovations and improve public access, providing residents and visitors with new insights into our heritage,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“These sites contribute to civic pride and community spirit, while providing us with a more complete understanding of the lives of our forebears. They inspire us to create a legacy of our own for the next generation, and the Commissioner Board is proud to support the efforts of local preservationists,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who is Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

The Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000. It has provided the Commissioner Board with the ability to preserve over 315 acres of land throughout the County of Union. In addition to acquisition of land, creation of parkland, and updating of recreational facilities throughout the county, the grant programs of the Trust Fund provide an avenue for municipalities to focus on their hometown recreational priorities, increase tree plantings, and stabilize and restore historic sites.

The following municipalities received grants from the 2021 round of the Preserve Union County program:

• Berkeley Heights: $20,000 to watertight the Littel-Lord Farmstead by addressing the foundation, sagging floors, exterior walls, and broken windows.
• Cranford: $2,500 for the installation of central air conditioning and a new wall heater in the Hanson House.
• Elizabeth: $70,000 for the installation of a monument at Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church & Cemetery, and to coordinate the inclusion of the proposed museum as a destination/tour site.
• Fanwood: $55,000 for replacement and repairs of the existing roof at the Fanwood Carriage House.
• Kenilworth: $16,000 to reinstall screen doors and windows at the Nitschke House.
• Plainfield: $31,320 total – $14,940 to restore and repair the north porch steps and adjacent walkway of the Plainfield Performing Arts Center, and $16,290 to enhance the front façade of the duCret School of Art, as well as to replace wooden windows.
• Rahway: 30,000 to complete the final of a 4-phase exterior restoration of the Merchant and Drovers Tavern building.
• Scotch Plains: $75,000 total – $35,000 to match the NJ Historic Trust Grant award to restore the two fireplaces, interior walls, stairway, and floors on the first-floor interior of the Rotary Frazee House, and $40,000 for ballroom floor replacement, basement step enclosure, mold remediation, and the purchase of de-humidifiers at the Shady Rest Golf & Country Club.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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19 municipalities also received matching “tree for tree” grants.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that grants have been awarded to 20 municipalities for improvements to recreation resources for children, through the Kid’s Recreation Trust Fund. In addition, 19 municipalities were awarded matching grants for planting new trees through the Greening Union County program.

Both grant programs are funded through the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

“Since 2000, the Open Space Trust Fund has helped maintain, improve, and expand our public recreation and open space resources,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella, “The pandemic has awakened a new spirit to reconnect with the outdoors, making these grant programs all the more important throughout the Union County community.”

“These two grant programs enhance the quality of life in our urban and suburban communities, by providing assistance to local recreation programs for children and by helping municipalities create beneficial treescapes,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmierei-Mouded, who is the Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

The Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000. It has provided the Commissioner Board with the ability to preserve over 315 acres of land throughout the County of Union. In addition to acquisition of land, creation of parkland, and updating of recreational facilities throughout the county, the grant programs of the Trust Fund provide an avenue for municipalities to focus on their hometown recreational priorities, increase tree plantings, and stabilize and restore historic sites.

The following municipalities received grants from the 2021 round of the Kids Recreation Trust Fund:

Berkeley Heights: $40,000 for replacement of wooden picnic tables, installation of security cameras, tennis court improvements at Columbia Park, and turf field drainage assessment and DEP permit analysis for Lower Columbia Park Soccer Field.

Clark: $100,000 for the replacement of the exiting baseball and soccer fields that are being converted to turf

Cranford: $60,000 for Indoor Tennis Court Renovation, Johnson Park beautification, and Adams Avenue Field Concession Stand

Elizabeth: $150,000 for improvement to the Sixth Street Playground, installing drainage improvements, lighting, landscaping, trash and recycling receptacles, and installing bike racks

Fanwood: $30,000 for installation of a Gazebo-playground at Forest Road Park

Garwood: $30,000 for removing curbing and constructing an ADA accessible ramp at Hartman Park and a pavilion at Garwood Sports Complex

Hillside: $43,055 for installation of new, upgraded basketball court surfacing at the Maple Avenue Park

Kenilworth: $30,000 for new and improved park equipment at the Borough’s three pars with specific concentration to Urquhart and Louis Wood Parks

Linden: $50,000 for reconstruction of the existing basketball courts at St. Marks Place

Mountainside: $30,000 for improvements to the Deerfield School Baseball & Softball Field and Echo Brook Field at Borough Hall

New Providence: $30,000 for removal and replacement of the pavilion in the center of Veterans Memorial Park to provide a more user-friendly park space

Plainfield: $33,500 for resurfacing of basketball courts at Maple Crest Park

Rahway: $60,000 for replacing the playground structure and safety surface at Grover Cleveland Field

Roselle: $60,000 for improvements to Poplar Street Park, including replacing equipment per ADA and OSHA and addressing drainage and landscaping issues

Roselle Park: $40,000 for playground safety and featured equipment improvements to Acker Park and Aldene Park

Scotch Plains: $65,000 for playground improvements and upgrades to the walkways and landscaping at Greenside Park

Springfield: $40,000 for installation of of a variety of modern and interactive playground elements at Irwin Park

Summit: $50,000 for improvements to the Paddle Tennis Court at Wilson Park, replacing wooden boards, and updating the park’s entrance to make it ADA-compliant with a wheelchair-accessible ramp

Union: $70,000 for the first phase of a large-scale upgrade to Weber Park, including the installation of a Bankshot Basketball Court, relocating the hitting wall, curb cut, making accessible parking spaces, the conversion of one tennis court to include pickle ball lines, and a new walkway

Westfield: $43,320.40 for the installation of an ADA-compliant playground structure and equipment at Windsor Park

The following municipalities received grants through the 2021 round of the Greening Union County Grant Program:

Berkeley Heights: $4,000   

Clark: $3,500

Cranford: $2,500

Elizabeth: $16,000

Fanwood: $1,375

Garwood: $2,500

Hillside: $2,500

Kenilworth: $3,000

Linden: $6,000

New Providence: $2,500

Plainfield: $10,000

Rahway: $5,000

Roselle: $2,500        

Roselle Park: $5,000

Scotch Plains: $3,750

Springfield: $4,000

Summit: $8,000                             

Union: $7,000                                                                                          

Westfield: $10,000

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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The Hudson County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Reintegration Program has been nationally recognized for its ability to provide comprehensive education, training, housing, financial, medical, and social support to detainees as they transition back into society.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that Union County has entered into an agreement with the Hudson County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in partnership with the Hudson County Department of Housing and Community Reintegration, to provide residential substance abuse treatment and reentry Services to inmates from Union County.

Resolutions in support of the agreement were passed by the Commissioner Boards of Hudson and Union counties on Thursday, September 23.

“Union County has been pursuing opportunities to reduce incarceration, prevent recidivism, and help individuals in the criminal justice system find a secure economic and social footing in their community. The new agreement with Hudson County builds on that commitment by allying our efforts with a top-rated program,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“We’re pleased to enter this agreement with Union County,” said Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise. “Our Corrections & Rehabilitation Center will provide state-leading, innovative substance abuse treatment and community reintegration services for those entrusted to us by Union County. I want to thank Chairman Mirabella and the Union County Board of Commissioners for their vote of confidence in our facility. This is the future for HCC&R—one focused on offering a progressive, treatment and reintegration-based approach to reducing recidivism throughout the region.”

The Hudson County Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Reintegration Program has been nationally recognized for its ability to provide comprehensive education, training, housing, financial, medical, and social support, providing a variety of medical, social, and clinical services on-site.

Hudson County is the only jail in the State, and one of few nationally, to have a certified one-stop employment and training center operating within its walls, including adult life skills, literacy, ABE, ESL, and High School Diploma classes, as well as New Jersey Department of Labor Certified pre-vocational training and other vocational training along with additional resources including a law library.

In addition, the Hudson County Division of Reentry runs the only county-based residential substance abuse treatment program certified by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health & Addictions Services. The program is designed to address housing and other barriers to reentry along with direct clinical care.

Hudson County’s comprehensive reentry program includes a pre-release program coordinated with welfare benefits, housing, and follow-up care with appropriate medication.

The agreement with Hudson County will involve the transfer of Union County inmates currently housed at the Delaney Hall facility in Essex County. A grant from the New Jersey Department of Corrections will cover the cost of the program.

The agreement with Hudson County is part of a series of steps taken by the Union County Commissioner Board that reflect broad changes in the criminal justice system.

This year Union County successfully completed the transfer of inmates from the Union County Jail in Elizabeth to the Essex County Jail, a move that is expected to save approximately $103 million over five year.  The transfer follows a significant drop in the Union County Jail population.

In 2019, Union County also closed its Juvenile Detention Center, saving $24.6 million a year, and sending its detainees to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark.

Funding for the Hudson County program is provided through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to Ride for Freedom XXV, hosted by Rolling Thunder Inc.®, New Jersey Chapter 2 on September 19^th.

Departing from Warinanco Park on to St. George’s Avenue in Roselle, kickstands will go up and the motorcycle rides will begin at 11:30 a.m. sharp.

“The Commissioner Board and I are excited for this wonderful event, as it brings awareness to American prisoners and those missing in action,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please join us as we all ride for freedom.”

Registration is $10 per motorcycle and all benefits will go to the NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation & Vietnam Era Museum.

Residents and visitors are highly encouraged to come out and spectate. 

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Cleanup project in Hillside is part of a project involving several parks along the Elizabeth River.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners in partnership with the company United by Blue and other community partners invites residents to join in a cleanup project at Conant Park in Hillside, taking place on Saturday, September 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Online pre-registration is strongly recommended at https://unitedbyblue.com/pages/join-a-cleanup. Walk-ins are also welcome to register at the site beginning at 10:00 a.m. (entrance to park is directly off of Conant Avenue).

The event features a visit from Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center and giveaways from the Bureau of Recycling.

“The Commissioner Board appreciates all of the residents who are coming together to help clean up the Elizabeth River in Hillside,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As these clean-ups are family friendly and ability inclusive, feel free to bring the entire family.”

“United by Blue is taking the lead with partners like Union County Board of Commissioners to help maintain a clean and welcoming space at Conant Park, which is the centerpiece of many community gatherings to enjoy nature and the park amenities. Collaborating with residents and volunteers is always rewarding for all who contribute to the beauty of one the many parks in the county, and I am proud to support this effort in making a difference for the environment, too.” said Union County Commissioner and Hillside resident Dr. Angela R. Garretson.

Keeping the parks along the Elizabeth River free of litter is important because windblown items from land can easily fall into the river and flow into Newark Bay, where it is harder to recover and a greater threat to wildlife.

All cleanup supplies will be provided by United by Blue, including gloves, bags, safety materials, and reusable cleanup supplies. The supplies are industrially cleaned between uses, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own supplies if they feel more comfortable

Volunteers are reminded to wear closed toed shoes and clothes that may get dirty. Long pants and bug spray are highly encouraged.

Volunteers are also encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles. A water station will be available at the site to refill the bottles.

Although this event is fully outdoors, participants should bring a mask in case of close proximity situations.

United by Blue is a clothing brand that provides sustainable fashion for all. Striving for cleaner oceans and waterway, for every product purchased, United by Blue removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways. Please visit https://unitedbyblue.com/ for more information.

For more information please contact Union County’s Department of Parks and registration at 908-527-4900.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Special disaster nutrition assistance is in effect until September 30.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises SNAP recipients in Union County that they are eligible for special disaster food assistance from now through September 30.

SNAP is the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The special assistance was applied for and received by the New Jersey Department of Human Services after FEMA issued a Major Disaster Declaration for counties impacted by Tropical Storm Ida, including Union County as well as Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic, and Somerset.

“Tropical Storm Ida has created new burdens on many households, including those impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. I would like to thank the Murphy administration for their work in securing additional federal nutrition assistance for Union County and others affected by the storm,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. 

SNAP recipients in Union County can use their EBT benefits cards to purchase hot food at participating NJ SNAP retailers until Sept. 30, 2021.

For a list of participating retailers visit the interactive map at the U.S. Department of Agriculture website, usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator. Please note that the hot food waiver only applies to items purchased from SNAP-approved retailers located in the 10 counties under the Major Disaster Declaration issued by FEMA.

SNAP recipients in Union County also have until September 30 to request replacement benefits for food lost due to the impact of the storm.

All current Union County SNAP recipients can report food loss due to the impact of the storm by calling the Union County Social Services office at 908-965-2700.

Clients who are currently receiving SNAP benefits, can also report food loss by sending an email to elizredetbank@ucnj.org. In the email, please be sure to state your name, case number and address, and include  a brief statement  regarding your loss of food items only.

All Union County residents impacted by Tropical Storm Ida can visit ucnj.org/ida for additional resources and instructions on applying for assistance.

Union County has also scheduled mobile storm recovery assistance centers to provide guidance in person. The next event will be held Tuesday, September 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Rahway at the  Community Center, 3 City Hall Plaza.

An event will also be held on Friday, September 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Plainfield at Black Lives Matter Plaza (City Hall), 515 Watchung Avenue.

Any Union County resident impacted by the storm can visit any of these events, regardless of their home town. Additional events will be added soon. For an updated list visit ucnj.org/ida.

Union County residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can also receive supplies of fresh produce and shelf-stable foods at Union County’s ongoing series of emergency food distribution events. For a list of upcoming food distribution events visit ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Need Assistance?

• Residents needing assistance with shelter, food and other resources can call the Union County Department of Human Services Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.
• Regular hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. will resume on Friday, September 3.

County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza

• Resuming normal operations on Friday.

County Clerk’s Operations

• Resuming normal operations on Friday.

Surrogate Operations

• Resuming normal operations on Friday.

Vaccination and Testing Operations:

• Covid-19 testing at Kean –  Due to inclement weather and flooding on the Kean University Campus, Union County Covid-19 testing for September 2, 2021 will be postponed until Friday, September 3, 2021 between the hours of 8am – 12pm.
• Mobile Vax operation updates below
• Any vaccination appointments for the Dunns Center that were scheduled for Thursday will be moved to next week.

Wednesday, September 1st  – Hillside
Postponed to Saturday, September 4th; Noon to 2pm
Held during “Success Is In The Bag” Back to school Giveaway – First Baptist Church
166 Hillside Avenue
Rain date –  Saturday, September 4th Noon to 2pm
Pfizer / J & J Vaccines offered; Covid testing available

Thursday, September 2nd –   Elizabeth
Postponed to Thursday, September 9th; 3pm to 5pm
Make the Road NJ
42 Broad Street
Pfizer / J & J Vaccines offered; Covid testing available

Thursday, September 2nd  – Union
Postponed to Wednesday, September 8th; 3pm to 5pm
Union (Back to School) Rabkin Park
1 Swanstrom Place E
Pfizer / J & J Vaccines offered; Covid testing available

Recycling Events and Programs

• The scrap metal drop-off program for Thursday, September 2 has been cancelled at both the Cranford and Rahway locations.
• The next scheduled drop-off date is Saturday, September 18.