Union County, NJ — March 8, 2022 — Union County residents are invited to help clear litter and debris from parks along Green Brook on Saturday, March 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Green Brook is a tributary of the Raritan River that flows through Plainfield and 10 other municipalities.
“If you are looking for a way to make a real difference in our local environment, please come and join the clean-up project. Removing litter in and around Green Brook will help improve water quality and enable our natural open spaces to support more biodiversity,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.
The March 19 cleanup is hosted by the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership, NJ AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador Program, Central Jersey Stream Team, Union County Clean Communities Program, and the municipalities of Dunellen, Plainfield, Green Brook, North Plainfield, and Middlesex Township.
Registration is requested in advance. To register, visit the Lower Raritan Watershed Partnership at lowerraritanwatershed.org.
Volunteers can join any of four groups participating in the cleanup:
Plainfield and North Plainfield — meet near the playground at Green Brook Park, on Park Drive in Plainfield. Drivers can park on Park Drive.
Dunellen group — meet at the picnic tables at McCoy Park on 4th Street.
Green Brook Township — meet at Green Brook Regional Center, 275 Greenbrook Road (park in the right side parking lot)
Middlesex Township — meet at Mountainview Park, 300 John F. Kennedy Drive (use the Mountainview Park parking lot next to the high school).
Each group will provide their volunteers with supplies including gloves, grabbers, and bags.
Volunteers should bring their own water bottle, sun screen and bug repellent, dress in long clothing (shirts, socks, and pants) to protect against scratches, and wear comfortable shoes or boots (no sandals or flip-flops). Please be aware that shoes and clothing will most likely become dirtied during the project.
Schools and organizations in Union County can connect with a Watershed Ambassador to schedule an educational visit, arrange a volunteer activity, or assist with planning events related to water resources and conservation. Contact Cassidy Attanasio at wma7.njwap@gmail.com or 908-654-9855, or Ginny Rockey at wm9.njwap@gmail.com or 908-730-0270, ex. 224.
Quick links to all environmental activities and programs hosted by Union County are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.
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.
En reconocimiento del Día del Árbol 2022, la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se nuevo se une a la Junta Asesora de Árboles de Sombra del Condado de Union para proporcionar árboles gratis para nuestras escuelas locales.
“Estamos muy orgullosos de apoyara los maestros en sus esfuerzos para proporcionar experiencia de aprendizaje práctico para los estudiantes,” dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados Rebecca Williams. “El regalo de los árboles siempre ha sido recibido con entusiasmo por parte de las escuelas del Condado de Union, y esperamos que esta sea de nuevo una estación llena de éxito.”
Los estudios han mostrado que los árboles aumentan el valor de las propiedades además de los beneficios ambientales, como la absorción de contaminantes en el aire, mantienen los vecindarios frescos en el verano, previniendo erosión del suelo y ayudar a aliviar las inundaciones.
Además de regular árboles la Junta de Comisionados patrocina el concurso de poesía anual, y apoya el programa de conservación de los árboles por medio de los voluntarios de los Maestros de Jardíneria. volunteer tree conservation program.
Este año el árbol gratis es uno native del noreste, American Flowering Dogwood ( Cornejo Floreciente Americano).Miden alrededor de cinco pies de alto y pesan 20 libras. Cuando han completado su crecimiento son de 15 a 20 pies de alto.
Los árboles están disponibles a las escuelas a base de llegada, mientras duren los suministros.
La fecha límite para pedir los árboles es el 18 de marzo. Las escuelas deben ponerse en contacto con Madeline Brigantino, Asistente al Director del Departamento de Ingeniería y Obras Públicas del Vondado de Union, mbrigantino@ucnj.org o 908-789-3653.
Para las escuelas que reciban un árbol, las sesiones gratis para plantarlo y como cuidarlo está disponible para los estudiantes, maestros y padres voluntaries a través del Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward Program. Ls sesiones para los cuidados del árbol se llevarán a cabo en el Williams Nursery en Westfield el martes, 5 de abril, comenzando a las 10:00 a.m.
El Día del Árbol ha sido una Celebración Nacional desde el 1872, animando al público a plantar y a tomar cuidado de los árboles. Este año el Día del Árbol es el viernes 29 de abril.
Para saber obre estos programas pongánse en contacto con Jim Nichnadowicz, Rutgers 4-H agente,al 908-654-9854 o jnichdadowicz@ucnj.org. No se necesita experiencia previa para unirse a este programa. Un curso de entrenamiento se lleva a cabo cada año.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension está apoyada en parte por la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union y sus oficinas están en el Collen Fraiser Building en el complejo del Condado de Union en Westfiel, 300 North Avenue East. Para información en todos los programas incluyendo el de los Maestros de Árboles, Mastros Jardineros y Maestros Ambientales visite ucnj.org/rce.
En reconocimiento del Día del Árbol 2022, la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union se nuevo se une a la Junta Asesora de Árboles de Sombra del Condado de Union para proporcionar árboles gratis para nuestras escuelas locales.
“Estamos muy orgullosos de apoyara los maestros en sus esfuerzos para proporcionar experiencia de aprendizaje práctico para los estudiantes,” dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados Rebecca Williams. “El regalo de los árboles siempre ha sido recibido con entusiasmo por parte de las escuelas del Condado de Union, y esperamos que esta sea de nuevo una estación llena de éxito.”
Los estudios han mostrado que los árboles aumentan el valor de las propiedades además de los beneficios ambientales, como la absorción de contaminantes en el aire, mantienen los vecindarios frescos en el verano, previniendo erosión del suelo y ayudar a aliviar las inundaciones.
Además de regular árboles la Junta de Comisionados patrocina el concurso de poesía anual, y apoya el programa de conservación de los árboles por medio de los voluntarios de los Maestros de Jardíneria. volunteer tree conservation program.
Este año el árbol gratis es uno native del noreste, American Flowering Dogwood ( Cornejo Floreciente Americano).Miden alrededor de cinco pies de alto y pesan 20 libras. Cuando han completado su crecimiento son de 15 a 20 pies de alto.
Los árboles están disponibles a las escuelas a base de llegada, mientras duren los suministros.
La fecha límite para pedir los árboles es el 18 de marzo. Las escuelas deben ponerse en contacto con Madeline Brigantino, Asistente al Director del Departamento de Ingeniería y Obras Públicas del Vondado de Union, mbrigantino@ucnj.org o 908-789-3653.
Para las escuelas que reciban un árbol, las sesiones gratis para plantarlo y como cuidarlo está disponible para los estudiantes, maestros y padres voluntaries a través del Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward Program. Ls sesiones para los cuidados del árbol se llevarán a cabo en el Williams Nursery en Westfield el martes, 5 de abril, comenzando a las 10:00 a.m.
El Día del Árbol ha sido una Celebración Nacional desde el 1872, animando al público a plantar y a tomar cuidado de los árboles. Este año el Día del Árbol es el viernes 29 de abril.
Para saber obre estos programas pongánse en contacto con Jim Nichnadowicz, Rutgers 4-H agente,al 908-654-9854 o jnichdadowicz@ucnj.org. No se necesita experiencia previa para unirse a este programa. Un curso de entrenamiento se lleva a cabo cada año.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension está apoyada en parte por la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union y sus oficinas están en el Collen Fraiser Building en el complejo del Condado de Union en Westfiel, 300 North Avenue East. Para información en todos los programas incluyendo el de los Maestros de Árboles, Mastros Jardineros y Maestros Ambientales visite ucnj.org/rce.
Union County, NJ – March 4, 2022 – In recognition of Arbor Day 2022, the Union County Board of County Commissioners is once again partnering with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board to provide free trees for local schools.
“We are very proud to support teachers in their efforts to provide a valuable hands-on learning experience to their students,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “The tree giveaway has always received an enthusiastic response from schools in Union County, and we are looking forward to another successful season.”
Studies have shown that trees improve property values and provide many other civic and environmental benefits, such as absorbing airborne pollutants, keeping neighborhoods cool in the summer, preventing soil erosion, and helping to alleviate flooding.
In addition to the tree giveaway, the Commissioner Board also sponsors an annual Arbor Day poetry contest, provides municipalities with tree-for-tree matching grants, and supports the Master Tree Stewards volunteer tree conservation program.
This year’s free Arbor Day tree is a tree native to the northeast, the American Flowering Dogwood. They are about five feet tall and weigh about 20 pounds. When fully grown they will be about 15-20 feet tall.
The trees are available to schools on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.
The deadline for free tree requests is March 18. Schools may contact Madeline Brigantino, Assistant to the Director, Union County Department of Engineering, Public Works and Facilities Management, mbrigantino@ucnj.org or 908-789-3653 to request a tree.
For schools that receive a tree, free sessions in tree planting and care are available to students, teachers, and parent volunteers through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension 4-H Master Tree Steward Program. The tree care sessions will be held at Williams Nursery in Westfield on Tuesday, April 5 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Arbor Day has been a National Observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees. This year Arbor Day falls on Friday, April 29.
The U.S. Forestry Service, the Arbor Day Foundation and other partners have developed free, user-friendly software to calculate the dollar value of trees in urban communities. For more information visit iTreeTools.org.
To find out more about 4-H and the Master Tree Steward program, contact Jim Nichnadowicz, Rutgers 4-H agent, 908-654-9854 or jnichdadowicz@ucnj.org. No experience is needed to join the Tree Steward program. A training course is held each year, featuring guided walks in area parks and nature preserves.
The Rutgers Cooperative Extension is supported in part by the Commissioner Board and is headquartered in the Colleen Frasier Building at the Union County complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East. For information on all Extension programs, including Master Tree Stewards, Master Gardeners, Environmental Stewards, and the 4-H youth development program visit ucnj.org/rce.
For quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities, visit The Green Connection online at ucnj.org/green-connection.
Image credit: via Creative Commons (By Eric Hunt – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0).
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.
La Junra de Comisionados del Condado de Union invita a los residentes a disfrutar de una producción de música, baile y humor del reconocido grupo Artrageous. El show se llevará a cabo a la 1:00 p.m. el domingo, 13 de marzo en el Union County Performing Arts Center, situado en el 1601 Irving Street en Rahway.
La presentación es parte de las series Sensoriales de Teatro son patrocinadas por la Junta de Comisionados. Todos los boletos son $8.00 por persona y se pueden adquirir por adelantado. Para comprar los boletos visite ucpac.org; los asistentes pueden llamar a la taquilla 732-499-8226 para comprarlos por adelantado.
“El Teatro Sensorial ha traído la inclusion, y enriquecedora experiencia de presentaciones en vivo a miles de residentes del Condado de Union desde que comenzamos estas series en el 2012 y estamos muy felices de darle la bienvenida a Artrageous a nuestra comunidad,” dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados Rebecca Williams.
Artrageous es un grupo de artistas, cantantes, bailarines y músicos del desierto de Nuevo Mexico, con una gran energía. Su enfoque único y dinámico combina arte, música, canciones, y humor con un fuerte mensaje sobre el arte y la experiencia humana.
Las regulaciones de seguridad del COVID-19 están en efecto para todas las presentaciones en el UCPAC. Para detalles visit ucpac.org/covid-19. Aquellos que reserven boletos deben chequear las actualizaciones antes de llegar al teatro.
El Teatro Sensorial presenta espectáculos en vivo en un ambiente amigable para niños con autismo y otras sensibilidades. La audiencia puede esperar iluminación y sonidos relajados con otros ajustes durante la presentación. Para detalles completos visite ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.
Las próximas presentaciones de la serie incluye Pete the Cat el 24 de abril en conjunto con la Ciudad de Rahway y el Alcade Ray Giacobbe , y el ballet clásico Cinderella el 7 de mayo.
Si desea ver una lista de las actividades para las personas discapacitadas y necesidades especiales patrocinadas por el Condado de Union visite la página ucnj.org/reserve.
Para ponerse en contacto con la Oficina de Personas Discapacitadas y Necesidades Especiales visite ucnj.org/dhs o llame al 908-527-4807.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de union se complacen en anunciar que el Trailside Nature and Science Center ofrecerá un campamento de primavera de tres días en el mes de abril para dos grupos edades de 7-9 y otro de edades de 10-12. Para inscribirse visite ucnj.org/trailside y siga en el enlace .
El Trailside está situado en la Reservación de Watchung en el 452 New Providence Road en Mountainside.
“Los programas de Trailside ofrece a los jóvenes la oportunidad de experimentar actividades divertidas mientras exploran el patrimonio de la naturalesa en la Reservación de Watchung ,” dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados Rebecca Williams.
Dos sesiones están disponible una del 12 al 14 de abril, y la otra del 19 al 21 de abril. Ambas sesiones son grupos pequeños de solo medidía de 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. las dos son llueva o brille, Both camps are rain or shine, al aire libre y dentro del complejo.
Los participantes se unirán a los naturalistas del Trailside para explorar la naturaleza en la primavera, como los senderos la vida acuática que incluye pez luna, renacuajos y salamandras.
Los campistas también podrán aprender a identificar la vida salvaje local a través de los sonidos y las señales que dejan a su paso, ellos verán serpientes y tortugas vivas de la colección del Trailside, y observarán la actividad de los halcones peregrinos a través de las cámaras del Condado de Union.
La cuota es de $100 para los residentes del Condado y $115 para los no residentes.
Para más información sobre el campamento de primavera y otras actividades en el Trailside, visite ucnj.org/trailside o llame al 908-789-3670.
La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union condena el ataque de Rusiaa pueblo de Ucrania y le pide a los residentes del Condado que apoyen a las organizaciones que están proporcionando asistencia médica y otros suministros a las víctimas de guerra, incluyendo a los regugiados y a los que se encuentran dentro de Ucrania.
La bandera Ucraniana ha sido izada en el Condado de Union (Corte Judicial), situada en el 2 Broad Street en Elizabeth, como símbolo de solidaridad.
“Las democracias del mundo se han unido a condenar el ataque y un grupo de aliados dirigido por los Estados Unidos han tomado acción para ayudar a Ucrania. En apoyo a este esfuerzo le pedimos a los residentes del Condado de Union ayuda para el pueblo Ucraniano contribuyendo con las organizaciones que están proporcionandp suministros médicos, comida y otras formas de socorro,” dijo la Presidenta de la Junta de Comisionados Rebecca Williams.
Además de la Ukrainian Red Cross y el Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja, alguna de las muchas organizaciones que están aceptando contribuciones son:
CARE: Agua, comida, productos de hygiene para mujeres, niñas, familias y adultos mayores a través del Ukrainian Crisis Fund.
Doctors without Borders: Están movilizados en Ucrania y países cercanos para proporcionar apoyo médico.
Voices of Children: Terapia Artística y otras forma de apoyo al trauma de los niños.
El jueves 3 de marzo, la Junta de Comisionados pasó una resolución, patrocinada por la Junta, condenando la declaración de guerra y la invasión a Ucrania por la Federación Rusa la semana pasada, y apoyamos el derecho de que Ucrania sea un país democrático, independiente y una nación libre de la influencia de Rusia o de cualquier otro país.
Tel texto de la resolución lee:
MIENTRAS QUE, el 24 de febrero, 2022 la Federación Rusa declaró la Guerra e invadió a Ucrania desde el Norte, Este y Sur y bombardeó varias regiones de Ucrania incluyendo la capital de Kiev en violación de la ley internacional; y
mientras que, el 28 de febrero, 2022, el equipo de seguimiento de lo derechos humanos de las Naciones Unidas confirmó 376 bajas cíviles en Ucrania incluyendo 94 muertes, después de solo tres días de lucha, y que cada día que pasa se han contabilizado más bajas y más destrucción ha sido documentada; y
MIENTRAS QUE, los Estados Unidos de América, y la comunidad internacional ha respondido a estas violaciones mediante la imposición de algunas de las sanciones más duras jamás impuestas contra Rusia y los principales individuos en Rusia, resultando en inmediata y significativas consecuencias financieras para los bancos y la bolsa; y
MIENTRAS QUE, el Estado de New Jersey condena la invasión de Ucrania, y apoya los continuos esfuerzos diplomáticos para resolver el conflicto, haciéndose eco de las voces de todo el mundo diciendo “No” a la Guerra; y
MIENTRAS QUE, el pueblo de Ucrania, dirigido por su Presidente elegido democráticamente ha demostrado una valentía inquebrantable en respuesta al acto no provocado de agresión por Rusia y están decididos a preservar su país y su democracia:
POR LO TANTO QUEDA RESUELTO, que esta Junta se une a la Legislatura del Estado de ew Jerseyy condena la invasión de Ucrania por Rusia y brinda apoyo a los ciudadanos de Ucrania en la búsqueda de la democracia e independencia. Además, la Junta apoya la prohibición propuesta por New Jerseyde fondos de pensiones y acuerdos de inversión del gobierno local con rusia y Bielorussia;
SEA ADEMÁS RESUELTO, que la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Union implora a Rusia volver a las soluciones diplomáticas para resolver esta situación con el gobierno democrático e independiente de Ucrania.
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has sparked a new refugee crisis while raising awareness about the needs of millions of refugees around the world, and underscoring how racism and bias can obstruct those seeking safe haven.
Union County residents are encouraged to donate to local efforts in aid of Ukrainian refugees, and to international aid organizations in this time of extraordinary need.
A donation drive for emergency items in aid of Ukrainian refugees has been organized by 24 law enforcement agencies in Union County. Donation bins are available at:
Offices of local police departments
Office of the Union County Sheriff (lobby of the County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth)
Office of the Prosecutor (lobby of the Ruotolo Building, 32 Rahway Avenue in Elizabeth)
Union County Division of Police (lobby of the Ralph J. Froehlich Public Safety Building, 400 North Avenue East in Westfield)
On Saturday March 26 only, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Union Police Department will also accept donations during the Union County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, starting at 1:00 p.m. at the corner of Caldwell and Morris Avenues in Union Township.
Financial donations: In addition to the Red Cross, many other international aid organizations are accepting donations in aid of refugees from Ukraine and other regions facing humanitarian crises, including:
Union County residents can also reach out to a their local civic or faith organization to find out how to help non-citizens, especially people of color, who have been victimized by racism and bias while attempting to flee Ukraine.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners works with faith based and non-profit organizations to help ensure justice and fairness for undocumented persons in our community, and to help legal immigrants on a path to full citizenship.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners joined with other officials to raise the Ukraine flag at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth on Thursday, March 3, as a symbol of solidarity with the people of Ukraine (credit: David Pilmenstein/County of Union).
Additional Aid Organizations (this list will be updated periodically)
CARE: Water, food, hygiene kits and other aid prioritizing women, girls, families, and the elderly through the Ukrainian Crisis Fund.
Voices of Children: Art therapy and other forms of trauma support for children.
Full text of Union County press release, March 4, 2022:
Union County Commissioner Board Condemns Attack on Ukraine
Union County, NJ – March 4, 2022 – The Union County Board of County Commissioners condemns the unprovoked attack by Russia on Ukraine and encourages County residents to support organizations that are providing medical assistance and other supplies to victims of the war, including refugees as well as those within Ukraine.
The Ukrainian flag has also been raised at the Union County Courthouse, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, as symbol of solidarity.
“The democracies of the world have united to condemn the attack, and a coalition of allies led by the United States has taken action to assist Ukraine. In support of this effort, we encourage Union County residents to help the people of Ukraine by contributing to reliable, trusted aid organizations that are providing medical supplies, food, and other forms of relief,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams.
In addition to the Ukrainian Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross, some of the many aid organizations accepting contributions are:
CARE: Water, food, hygiene kits and other aid prioritizing women, girls, families, and the elderly through the Ukrainian Crisis Fund.
Doctors without Borders: Mobilized in Ukraine and nearby countries to provide medical support.
Voices of Children: Art therapy and other forms of trauma support for children.
On Thursday, March 3, the Commissioner Board passed a resolution, sponsored by the entire Board, condemning the declaration of war and subsequent invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation last week, and supporting the right of Ukraine to exist as a democratic, independent nation free of the influence of Russia or any other country.
The full text of the resolution is as follows:
WHEREAS, On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation declared war and began a large-scale invasion of Ukraine from the North, East, and South and bombed various regions across Ukraine including the capital of Kyiv in violation of international law; and
Whereas, As of February 28, 2022, a United Nations human rights monitoring team had confirmed 376 civilian casualties in Ukraine, including 94 deaths, after only three days of fighting, and that as each day has passed, more casualties have been tallied and more destruction documented; and
WHEREAS, the United States of America, as well as the international community have responded to these violations by levying some of the toughest sanctions ever imposed against Russia and top Russian individuals, resulting in immediate and significant financial consequences for the Russian banking and financial markets; and
WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey condemns the invasion of Ukraine, and supports continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, echoing the voices of people all over the world in saying “No” to war; and
WHEREAS, the people of Ukraine, led by their democratically elected President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have shown unwavering bravery in response to the unprovoked act of aggression by Russia and are determined to preserve their country and democracy:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board joins with the Legislature of the State of New Jersey and condemns the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and supports the citizens of Ukraine in pursuing democracy and independence. In addition, this Board supports New Jersey’s proposed ban on pension fund and local government investment deals with Russia and Belarus;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of County Commissioners implores Russia to return to diplomatic solutions to resolve this situation with the democratic and independent government of Ukraine.
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.
During tonight’s Union County Board of Commissioners meeting it was announced by Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is the Chair for the Fiscal Committee, that there will be a zero percent increase in Union County’s 2022 Budget for the 3rd year in a row.
“I would like to recognize that while it is not easy to always get there – our Union County team were once again able to provide all of the services, programs and help our residents need, while maintaining this zero percent tax increase another year in a row,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Our residents will always be a top priority for us and I am looking forward to expanding our initiatives for an even better Union County.”
Since the pandemic began, the County of Union has prioritized its efforts to strengthen the safety and services for its residents and this year’s budget continues to reflect those essential services. It was also announced by Commissioner Granados that the County of Union continues to maintain their Aaa credit rating, which is the highest a county government can obtain, further demonstrating their strong fiscal footing.
Some of the essential services that were funded include:
COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Centers at various locations throughout Union County – including stationary sites, mobile units, pop-up locations, registration and call-in center operations.
Opening of the new federally certified campus lab in conjunction with Kean University for diagnostic testing and critical public health research during the pandemic.
Emergency COVID-19 food distributions, which included 45 distribution events throughout Union County, providing over 4.1 million meals to approximately 35,000 households.
Assisted over 71 families and 257 individuals residing throughout the County who were impacted by Hurricane Ida by providing emergency housing, meals, and support services.
Thousands of Senior Citizens throughout the County received a variety of cultural, educational, nutritional, medical, health related and recreational programs.
“Still impacted from the effects of the pandemic and Hurricane Ida, residents across our county are still facing various issues such as unemployment and food hardships to needing property tax or rental assistance,” said Commissioner Granados. “As Commissioners, we knew that we needed to keep the tax increase at zero percent to further help our constituents and it was through the vision and advisement of the County Commissioners, as well as the planning & execution by County Manager Ed Oatman, who worked with his Department Heads to ensure we were able to come to this result.”
This budget also funds the Chair’s “Connecting Our Community,” initiatives for 2022, which include technology and infrastructure improvements, mental health and educational programs and upgrades to our parks and recreational facilities.
“Today’s budget is a result of a collaborative effort, the culmination of months of planning, community outreach, and hard work,” said Ed Oatman, County Manager. “I want to thank our Board of County Commissioners for their vision and our Directors for working together in crafting this budget. We will continue the progress we have made, providing a high quality of life for all residents in Union County.”
In the coming weeks, the County of Union will be holding Special Fiscal Committee Meetings, which will be open to the public. If any resident of Union County would like to attend these meetings and hear about the many things each Department has done as well as new initiatives, they can attend the meetings at the County Administration Building, located at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16th and Wednesday, March 23rd.
The meetings are between the Fiscal Committee and the County Departments and there will be no public commentary. The purpose of these meetings are to review and craft a final document for passage. Officials will review all of the documents submitted and the budget will be introduced on April 7th. Members of the public will have a chance to speak in regards to the budget on May 12th before it is adopted.
Union County, NJ — March 8, 2022 — Union County residents are invited to help clear litter and debris from parks along Green Brook on Saturday, March 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
“I would like to recognize that while it is not easy to always get there – our Union County team were once again able to provide all of the services, programs and help our residents need, while maintaining this zero percent tax increase another year in a row,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Our residents will always be a top priority for us and I am looking forward to expanding our initiatives for an even better Union County.”