County of Union, New Jersey

Planned acquisition of a vacant property will improve public recreation and nature conservation along Passaic River in Berkeley Heights.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is moving forward with plans to improve public recreation and nature conservation along a section of the Passaic River Parkway in Berkeley Heights, through the acquisition of a vacant property at 735-737 Springfield Avenue, in Berkeley Heights.

The property is approximately 1-1/2 acres in size and is adjacent to the Passaic River on one side. Two other sides are bordered by the Passaic River Parkway, a County-owned, preserved open space that includes sections in New Providence and Summit as well as Berkeley Heights.

“The acquisition of this vacant property is a key step in our efforts to complete the vision of an interconnected series of greenways that link our public parks throughout Union County, providing new recreation opportunities as well as improving corridors for nature conservation,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “This is a big step forward for our public parks and our residents.”

“Opportunities to expand and improve open space in Union County are extremely rare, and this property is an especially important one in terms of environmental sensitivity and the availability of land for free and open use by the public. We are very proud to continue Union County’s long tradition of acting on strong public support for land conservation throughout Union County,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who chairs the Commissioner Board’s Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Board.

Berkeley Heights Township Mayor Angie Devanney said, “Today is a great day for Berkeley Heights. We began this journey in early 2019 when I approached the County Commissioners Open Space committee about the acquisition of vacant land as green space after the closure of Berkeley Caterers. Open space has always been, and continues to be, a priority of my administration.”

“My sincerest gratitude to Chairman Al Mirabella for making the trek to Berkeley Heights in May to discuss the vision for the area which can include walking trails and other passive recreation for our residents. I would like to thank all of the County Commissioners for investing in the future of Berkeley Heights,” concluded Mayor Devanney.

Plans for acquiring the property were first set in motion in 2018, when Mayor Devanney and Union County Manager Edward Oatman toured the property and discussed future use as County parkland with the owner.

The first parts of the Union County park system were assembled in the 1920’s by conservationists, who were becoming alarmed about rapid development and pollution along rivers in the area. They enlisted the Olmsted brothers, sons of the renowned landscape architect Frederick Olmsted, to design an interconnected system of riverside parks and open spaces.

The first parts of the park system encompassed a total of 2,000 acres. With public support, the system grew to more than 4,000 acres by 1930. The park system now encompasses more than 6,760 acres hosting a range of athletic and passive recreation uses as well as nature conservation and historic preservation.

The Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund was overwhelmingly approved by public referendum in 2000, with the initial goal of adding 100 acres of land to the County parks system – a challenging goal considering the pace of development in Union County throughout the 20^th century.

The Trust Fund has exceeded its goal with the addition of more than 300 acres since 2000, including formerly developed sites that have been rehabilitated for parkland.

The acquisition of the Springfield Avenue property will be covered by the Trust Fund at an anticipated cost of $2,560,000.00. As a condition of the sale, the current owner is demolishing the vacant building on the property.

For more information about the Union County parks system visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Residents can bring any pumpkin to any designated location for conversion to green energy.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents can put their Jack o’ Lanterns to good use after Halloween by participating in Union County’s Pumpkin Recycling Program, which returns this November after being a smash hit last year.

The pumpkins will be collected by the County of Union along with 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 County Commission Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope the #SmashItDontTrashIt pumpkin recycling campaign boosts public awareness about how we can keep food waste from going to waste.”

Three locations will be available for residents to drop off their pumpkins. Residents from any municipality in Union County can use any of these locations, regardless of their home town.

The program runs on weekdays only from Monday, November 1 through Friday, November 12, and each location is open from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. The locations are:

• 101 Berkeley Avenue in Berkeley Heights (the Berkeley Heights Department of Public Works, next to the new Municipal Complex)
• 523 Trenton Avenue in Elizabeth (the Elizabeth Municipal Recycling Yard)
• 1300 Lamberts Mill Road in Westfield (the Westfield Conservation Center)

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 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 is 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.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with both countywide and Union local recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Event originally scheduled for October 30 will take place on Sunday, October 31

Union County, NJ – Union County’s next drive-up emergency food distribution event will take place on Sunday, October 31, beginning at 8:00 a.m., at the campus of Kean University at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

The event was originally scheduled for October 30 and was rescheduled to October 31 due to anticipation of inclement weather.

Union County’s food distribution events are coordinated by the Union County Board of County Commissioners with support from Village Supermarkets, Gargiulo Produce and CMC Foods.

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required.

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Union. The first 1,000 participants will be provided with fresh produce and shelf-stable items on a first come, first served basis.

COVID-19 vaccinations and tests are also available at all of these events.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indication of how many people reside in their household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy, and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per recipient at each event.

• For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.
• To learn more about Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.
• To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.
• To learn more about CMC Foods, visit: https://cmcfoods.com.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners advises residents impacted by Tropical Storm Ida that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the deadline to apply for individual assistance. The new deadline is Monday, December 6.

“The extended deadline will help enable residents to complete the application process in time, while also dealing with the disruption caused by the storm,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

Union County is one of 12 counties in New Jersey designated for disaster relief through FEMA after the remnants of Hurricane Ida swept through the region in the form of a destructive tropical storm. The other counties are Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, and Warren.

To apply for disaster assistance with FEMA, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app, or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

The toll-free telephone lines are currently operating from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily. Relay users can provide FEMA with the number for their service, and multilingual operators are available.

Union County residents are also reminded that the federal Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans. More information is available online at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/s or call SBA at 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

For information and updates on 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County residents urged to get their free booster shots as soon as possible.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot can receive one free of charge through Union County’s free COVID-19 vaccination program.

“We strongly encourage vaccinated residents to get the recommended COVID-19 booster shot as soon as they are eligible, in order to continue protecting themselves against this devastating virus,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We will continue to devote all available resources in Union County and work with our state partners towards the goal of providing booster shots to every eligible resident. With four million residents eligible for booster shots statewide that is a massive undertaking and we are determined to do our part.”

“The Commissioner Board is committed to empowering Union County residents by making vaccinations and boosters available as soon as possible,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety Committee. “The New Jersey Department of Health aims to fully vaccinate 85 percent of the population by year’s end, and we will be increasing our outreach in the coming weeks to help meet that goal.”

Currently, 73 percent of Union County’s eligible population is fully vaccinated.

Residents can check their eligibility for a booster shot online at ucnj.org/covid19/covid-19-pfizer-booster-dose.

To make an appointment for a booster shot through Union County’s free COVID-19 vaccination program, visit ucnj.org/covid19/vax.

Currently, free booster shots for the Moderna vaccine are available at the Union County vaccination clinic located on the campus of Kean University in Union Township.

Free booster shots for the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available at the Union County vaccination clinic located at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle.

Union County’s mobile clinics will be offering booster shots for all three vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.

The mobile clinics will be visiting the following locations in the coming weeks:

Wednesday, October 27, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Fanwood Scotch Plains YMCA

1340 Martine Avenue

Seasonal flu shots will also be available at this event.

Saturday, October 30, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue

COVID-19 emergency food supplies will be distributed at this event.

Sunday, November 7, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Heard AME Church

310 E 8th Street, Roselle

Wednesday, November 10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Casano Community Center

314 Chestnut Street

Roselle Park

Wednesday, November 10, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Senior Center

968 Bonnel Court

Union Township

Saturday, November 20, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue

COVID-19 emergency food supplies will be distributed at this event.

Sunday, November 21, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Gerald B. Green Plaza

200 West Second Street, Plainfield

COVID-19 emergency food supplies will be distributed at this event.

Saturday, December 4, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue

COVID-19 emergency food supplies will be distributed at this event.

Saturday, December 18, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue

COVID-19 emergency food supplies will be distributed at this event.

Sunday, December 19, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Gerald B. Green Plaza

200 West Second Street, Plainfield

COVID-19 emergency food supplies will be distributed at this event.

Union County residents in need of a free COVID-19 test can get one at any of the mobile vaccination sites. Union County also provides free COVID-19 tests at the Kean University campus in Union Township and Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield. For more information visit ucnj.org/covid19/covid-19-testing-options.

Residents who are not yet vaccinated are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The COVID-19 virus and its variants are still actively circulating throughout New Jersey and elsewhere, exposing unvaccinated Union County residents to additional risks.

Vaccination has proven to significantly reduce the risk of death from COVID-19, as well as reducing the risk of permanent, long term health impacts and avoiding the financial consequences of hospitalization and follow-up care.

Unvaccinated residents can get their free COVID-19 shots by setting up an account at ucnj.org/covid19/vax and making an appointment.

Please note that at the present time, Union County’s free vaccination program is offering the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to residents seeking their first or second shot. The Moderna vaccine is currently being offered only as a booster for vaccinated residents.

Vaccines and booster shots are also available on a walk-in basis at the Union County Immunization Clinic located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note that this clinic is available to income-eligible households.

Union County residents who are home-bound or have difficulty leaving the home can arrange for a home vaccination visit by contacting Union County’s service provider, Mobile Medical Services. Call 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator, leave a voice message after hours to receive a callback, or email a callback request to vaccine@mmst.io. Messages are returned on the following business day.

For additional assistance in making an appointment for a booster shot or vaccination, contact the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7VAX (7829), weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Residents seeking to use Union County’s free COVID-19 testing program at Downs Hall on the Kean University campus are advised that no testing will be conducted on Veterans Day, Thursday November 11, due to the holiday. Instead, testing will be available on Friday, November 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Also, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no testing at Downs Hall on Thursday, November 25. Instead, testing will be available on Wednesday, November 24, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Residents received up to $250 reward for turning in unwanted guns.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s 2021 Gun Amnesty Buyback event was a success, with residents turning in more than 525 unwanted guns in exchange for rewards of up to $250.00 per weapon. The countywide event was held on Saturday, October 23, at locations in Elizabeth, Plainfield and Westfield.

No questions were asked, and guns in any condition were accepted.

“I want to thank all of the residents who participated in the event as well as the law enforcement officers who worked to create a safe environment for those returning guns,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope this event raises awareness about the importance of getting unwanted guns off our streets and out of our neighborhoods.”

“Dedicated collaboration between state, county, and local organizations made Saturday’s three gun buyback events a success,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “The enthusiastic participation of community members highlights the importance of fostering relationships between law enforcement agencies and the citizens we serve, as we work towards our common goal of safer communities. We look forward to hosting more events in the future.”

“Gun buybacks are an important part of the gun safety toolkit, along with reasonable, common sense regulations that reduce the threat of gun violence and prevent criminals from accessing guns,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, the Chairman of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. “This was a collaborative effort and I want to thank everyone involved.”

The Union County Gun Amnesty Buyback program was supported by the Union County Board of County Commissioners and sponsored by the Union County Prosecutor and the Union County Sheriff with the Union County Division of Police and the police departments of the cities of Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Westfield.

For questions about the buyback event, call the Union County Department of Public Safety at 908-654-9816.

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.

Final countywide scrap metal recycling events of 2021 will be held on November 4 and 20; program will resume next spring after winter hiatus.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents that Union County’s final free scrap metal recycling drop-off events for this year will take place in November. A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to gutters and sheds, will be accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway.

“This countywide program helps to fill a service gap in some Union County municipalities that currently have no outlet for scrap metal recycling,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Al Mirabella. “As a community, we benefit across the board by recycling more and throwing away less waste – and we also stand to gain some revenue from the program.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted free of charge on Thursday, November 4 and Saturday, November 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two countywide drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard

• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive Rahway off St. Georges to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites.

For everyone’s safety, residents must wear face coverings, keep their windows closed and remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed, easily accessible to staff, for safe no-contact removal from vehicle.

These are Union County’s final two scrap metal recycling events for 2021. The schedule will resume in April 2022 after a winter hiatus.

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, pots and pans, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with both countywide and Union local recycling programs in Union County, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.