County of Union, New Jersey

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $4,321,987 to the County from the federal Continuum of Care program. The funding will support 19 service projects to help the homeless.

“The Continuum of Care program helps individuals and families find housing and face other challenges, including the cost of health care, education, and support services,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “This federal funding is an essential resource that provides our at-risk residents with tools and support for a stable home environment.”

According to the Annual Homeless Assessment Report, last year more than 1,000 individuals reported being homeless for the first time in Union County.

Another indicator of homelessness in Union County is the annual Point-in-Time survey, a national “snapshot” coordinated through HUD. The survey is conducted over a 24-hour period each January. In 2018, the survey identified more than 459 individuals as homeless in Union County, including 153 children.

Union County’s Code Blue night-time winter shelter initiative also provides a window into homelessness in Union County. During the winter of 2017-2018, the Code Blue initiative recorded 3,132 people in shelters who would otherwise face below-freezing weather on the streets. The total included 532 children.

The 19 service projects funded through HUD include permanent and transitional housing as well as support services to help homeless individuals and families obtain and maintain stable housing and independence, such as job training, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment.

Freeholder Chair Kowalski also noted that Union County competes for federal funding against other agencies across the country.

“Our ability to present a successful case before HUD stems from the strong, collaborative relationships we have forged with our local partners,” she said.

Each year, Union County’s Department of Human Services works with community partners to submit a joint application to HUD.

The partners included in the 2019 funding are Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, Inc., Community Access Institute, Community Access Unlimited, Covenant House New Jersey, Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, The Gateway Family YMCA, Homefirst Interfaith Housing and Family Services, Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth, Housing Authority of Plainfield, YWCA of Union County, and the Union County Department of Human Services.

For information about all services available through the Union County Department of Human Services visit ucnj.org/human-services.

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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 Fiscal Committee of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders today announced a set of open public hearings in March for the review of the 2019 Executive Budget.

The first two hearings—Monday, March 11^th in Kenilworth, and Tuesday, March 12^th in Elizabeth—will begin at 5 p.m. The third—and final hearing on Monday March 18^th in Westfield—will begin at 5:30 p.m. The departments and constitutional offices are listed below that will be appearing before the Freeholder’s Fiscal Committee.

While there are no public comments at these meetings, the public is welcome to attend and listen to the discussion. The Freeholder Board’s Fiscal Committee will conduct their review before the Freeholder Board as a whole votes to introduce the budget later this year.

 

 

 

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to two upcoming Sensory Friendly Theatre events at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway. The Sensory Friendly series, sponsored by the Freeholder Board, showcases exciting live performances in an environment tailored to audiences with autism and other sensory sensitivities.

“Sensory Friendly Theater provides an opportunity for children and their families to enjoy the enriching experience of live performances in a beautiful theatre, while providing a relaxed, judgement-free environment,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

The next performance in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series is the beloved ballet classic Sleeping Beauty, performed by the New Jersey Ballet Company on Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 p.m.

Since 1958, the New Jersey Ballet Company has brought the joy and beauty of dance to audiences throughout New Jersey. It is designated a Major Arts Institution by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

On Sunday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m., Sensory Friendly Theatre presents the Theatreworks USA production of Henry and Mudge, a musical based on Cynthia Rylant’s bestselling books about a small boy and his big dog.

The Sensory Friendly Theatre series began as an initiative of Freeholder Alexander Mirabella when he served as Chairman in 2012. It is designed according to guidelines that help reduce disturbances for youngsters who experience heightened sensory sensitivity. It has been supported by the Freeholder Board every year since then.

For each of the Sensory Friendly performances, the environment at the Union County Performing Arts Center is adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families.

Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at the performances. For more information on what to expect at Sensory Friendly Theatre visit ucpac.org/sensory-friendly-theatre.

All tickets for are $8.00 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the box office at 732-499-8226.

The Union County Performing Arts Center and box office are located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.

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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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Union County, NJ – As winter’s chill gives way to blustery spring weather, Union County residents and visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located in the Watchung Reservation.

Special programs for toddlers and preschool children continue each week throughout March, along with programs for school-age children.

“With the Watchung Reservation as a backdrop, Trailside helps raise awareness of our natural heritage through hands-on learning, exploration, and creativity,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “Generations of Union County residents have grown up with Trailside, and the Freeholder Board is proud to support this unique educational resource.”

• For toddlers and children up to age three (with adult), Trailside offers the Toddler Time series on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings.
• Preschool children ages three and four (with adult) are invited to join the Two of Us series on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.
• Small Fry Days on Wednesday mornings is a drop-off series tailored for children ages four to six.

Upcoming topics for Toddler Time, Two of Us, and Small Fry Days include animal survival tricks, rainforests, owls, and more. All three programs feature hands-on exploration, crafts and other fun activities tailored for different age groups.

Older children ages 7-10 can explore life under ice, animal tracking, and winter birding activities through the new Kids Exploration series on Saturday mornings.

For complete details including hours and participation fees, visit Trailside online and view the Winter 2019 brochure.

Registration for Trailside’s summer camps begins on March 2. Register online at ucnj.org/trailside. In-person registration is welcome at the Trailside Visitor Center on March 2 from 9:00 a.m. to – 4:00 p.m. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Out-of-county residents may register online or in person beginning Monday, March 4 at 9:00 a.m. For complete details view the Summer 2019 brochure online.

For more details and pre-registration information for all Trailside programs, visit online at ucnj.org/trailside, call 908-789-3670 or email trailside@ucnj.org.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

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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.

Five year agreement ensures continued care of Union County Juvenile detainees with Essex County; County to explore future usage of vacant Linden facility

In a cost-savings measure that will save millions, while ensuring the continued care of its youth offenders, the County of Union today announced it has officially closed its Juvenile Detention Center in Linden.

The closure marks the beginning of a five-year agreement with Essex County to provide ongoing juvenile detention services. The agreement has an option for renewal.

County officials decided to seek a shared services agreement as the number of County juvenile detainees at the facility have continued to show a long-term dramatic decline. The average daily population of County juveniles has declined from a high of more than 43 residents in January, 2012 to an average of just about ten this past year—a decline of more than 77 percent.

“The agreement with Essex preserves the rights, safety and dignity of incarcerated youth and minimizes the impact on effected employees of the former Linden facility,” said Union County Manager Edward T. Oatman. “Ultimately this is a prudent decision that had to be made, and one that will realize substantial savings for the County.”

Any remaining Union County detainees have been safely transferred to the Essex County Juvenile Detention facility in Newark, and all future offenders will be detained there.

The closure is expected to save $24.6 million over the first three years alone, according to Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

“This agreement not only realizes savings but also provides responsible and proper detention services,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski. 

The County had considered other facilities, but the Essex County facility was picked because it is nationally accredited, offers an all-day school, and recreation programs including a swimming pool. The County of Union will continue to provide transportation for the youth and their families to the Essex County facility—which is a short distance away (5.8 miles).

In all, 82 County employees are impacted by the measure including: 56 juvenile detention officers, 12 senior juvenile detention officers, seven supervisors, and seven civilian employees. 

The County’s Workforce Development Board was made available to all employees, and separated workers were, if they wished, able to take advantage of job training, resume assistance, and other employment programs.  A number of employees were rehired for similar positions at Essex County and a number of others found employment with the County of Union.

Overall, officials attribute the decline in detainees at the Union County facility in large part to the effectiveness of the state’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative. This is a comprehensive approach that provides mechanisms to detain fewer youth and relies on proven, family-focused interventions, education, mental health treatment and opportunities for positive youth development.

While no immediate determination has been made for the re-use of the Union County Detention Center once it is closed, the County will explore the most effective and efficient repurposing of the facility, added County Manager Oatman.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders encourages all residents to recycle clean, white, block-style Styrofoam at designated drop-off locations in their municipality, or at a countywide location in Springfield. As part of the effort to encourage Styrofoam recycling, the Freeholder Board has provided nine Union County municipalities with signage, educational brochures and new recycling bins.

Berkeley Heights, Cranford, New Providence, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, Summit, Union Township and Westfield have all received the new materials.

“The Styrofoam recycling programs enable Union County residents to help increase our efforts to conserve resources and manage our waste stream more efficiently. It is a good opportunity for all of us to ‘think globally, act locally,’” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.

Styrofoam is the common name for polystyrene, which comes under the Plastic #6 recycling category.

Residents who use the drop-off locations can help ensure that the program is successful by following the recycling rules.

All Styrofoam dropped off for recycling must be clean, dry, and in block form, such as that used for furniture and appliance packaging. Residents can look for the #6 recycling label to confirm it is acceptable for recycling.

The unacceptable list includes all food service items, packing peanuts, egg cartons, and any colored, wet, or dirty foam.

All Union County residents and businesses are welcome to bring clean, dry, block-form Styrofoam for recycling to Foam Pack Industries, located off Route 22 East at 72 Fadem Road in Springfield. The recycling bin is in the company’s parking lot and is accessible at any time.

The following municipal Styrofoam drop-off sites have are available only to residents of those municipalities, during the specified days and times:

Berkeley Heights:  Berkeley Heights DPW yard, 101 Berkeley Avenue, on the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

Cranford: Cranford Conservation Center, 210 Birchwood Avenue, on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

New Providence: New Providence DPW, 29 Park Place, on the first and third Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Plainfield: PMUA Transfer Station, 95 Rock Avenue, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Scotch Plains: Scotch Plains DPW, 2445 Plainfield Avenue, on Thursdays between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. 

Springfield: Springfield Municipal Pool parking lot, 40-44 Morrison Road, first Saturday of every month from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 am.

Summit: Transfer station, 40 New Providence Avenue, Tuesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Union: Union DPW, 1 Swanstrom Place, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Westfield: Westfield Conservation Center, 1300 Lamberts Mill Road. Styrofoam may be dropped off whenever the facility is open (visit westfieldnj.gov for days and hours of operation).

The Styrofoam recycling program is part of Freeholder Chair Kowalski’s environmental initiatives for 2019. Other recycling initiatives this year include a new interactive display at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, new educational programs focusing on senior centers, continued promotion of “Recycle Right!” compliance guidelines, and the new “Reel In and Recycle” anti-litter campaign for Union County Parks.

For more information about Styrofoam recycling visit ucnj.org/recycling/styrofoam.

For all other Union County recycling programs call the Union County Recycling Office at 908-654-9890 or visit online at ucnj.org/recycle.

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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.

Photo caption: Union County Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski (right) and Cranford Deputy Mayor Ann Dooley visit the Styrofoam drop-off site at the Cranford Conservation Center on Birchwood Avenue to raise awareness about Styrofoam recycling. To assist in the recycling effort, the Freeholder Board has provided new signage and recycling bins for Cranford and eight other municipalities in Union County. All Union County residents can drop off clean, white, block-style foam for recycling at designated locations in their municipality or at a countywide site located in Springfield. For complete details visit ucnj.org/recycling. Credit: Jim Lowney/County of Union.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that 30 Union County trees are now registered with the State of New Jersey Big Tree Conservation Program. Most of the trees were nominated by Fanwood resident Dean Talcott, as part of the Union County 4-H Master Tree Stewards volunteer program.

The Master Tree Stewards recruit new volunteers every year. All Union County residents are welcome to join.

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board I would like to thank Mr. Talcott and the Master Tree Stewards for making a difference in our community,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Big Tree Conservation Program reminds us all that trees play essential roles in neighborhood quality of life as well as environmental health. It is a welcome addition to our ongoing tree conservation programs.”

In addition to their role in habitat preservation, trees in urban areas improve air quality, ease storm water runoff, and prevent erosion with massive root systems that absorb rainwater and hold the soil around them together.

By creating shade and releasing water vapor from their leaves, trees also reduce the urban heat island effect. Studies have shown that trees can reduce peak summer temperatures by up to 9 degrees Fahrenheit.

Community beautification, recreation, and even property values are also linked to a healthy treescape.

The Master Tree Stewards is an all-volunteer program dedicated to raising awareness about the value of trees. The program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, supported in part by the Freeholder Board.

No experience is needed to join. Master Tree Stewards are trained and certified by experts with the Extension. Their mission includes visiting schools throughout Union County to provide free in-class lessons about the value of trees to fourth grade students.

As one highlight of the Big Tree project, Union County now has five of the nine Northern Red Oaks listed statewide on the registry. The Northern Red Oak is the state tree of New Jersey. Other species in Union County that are now listed on the Big Tree registry include Horse Chestnut, American Sycamore, Katsura Tree, and Blue Atlas Cedar.

The Big Tree Conservation program is run by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Forest Service, which has been keeping a record of the largest trees in the state of New Jersey since the 1950s. Each tree on the list also has environmental and historical value. 

Among other recent projects, the Master Tree Stewards have also marked “tree trails” along walking paths in Union County parks. Visitors can look for trees tagged with a QR code and use their smart phones to learn more about each tree.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is part of a nationwide program coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aimed at enlisting volunteers to share fact based research with the public.

The next Master Tree Stewards training classes begin this fall, including guided walks in local nature preserves.

To register for the classes and for more information, visit the Extension on line at ucnj.org/rce or contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at the Extension office in Westfield at 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or email jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

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.

Photo caption: Union County’s volunteer Master Tree Stewards are dedicated to raising awareness of the important role of trees. As one of their projects, this massive Tulip Poplar in Echo Lake Park will be included in a state registry. Any Union County resident can join the Master Tree Stewards. For more information visit ucnj.org/rce or contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz, 908-654-9854 (ext. 3) or email jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

Jerry Zaro, the New Jersey Trustee to the Gateway Development Program, will discuss and update the public about the project. NJ Transit officials invited

CRANFORD, NJ—-The Raritan Valley Rail Coalition (RVRC), a rail-advocacy group representing 1.7 million residents in four counties along NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Rail line, will sponsor a free presentation on the Gateway Project, beginning at 7:00 p.m, Tuesday, March 26^th at the Cranford Community Center. 

“It cannot be understated: the Gateway Project, and related work, which has been long postponed, comprise the most significant economic impact project in the nation.  It is urgent to New Jersey, the northeast, and in fact the entire country, that Federal funding be secured and the project proceed expeditiously,” said Bruce Bergen, a former Union County Freeholder who is the Chairman of the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition. “The regional economy would be dealt a catastrophic blow if one of the two existing tunnels, which have seriously deteriorated, fails or is forced to close for a substantial period of time for repairs.” 

All are welcome to attend the free event. The Cranford Community Center is located at 220 Walnut Avenue in Cranford, with onsite parking.

Jerry Zaro, an attorney with Sills, Cummis and Gross P.C. in Newark, serves as Chairman of the Gateway Development Corporation (GDC) and will be the featured speaker. The GDC oversees the Gateway Project, the multibillion-dollar infrastructure initiative to build new rail tunnels under the Hudson River, rehabilitate the already-existing 108-year-old tunnels (which were badly damaged by Superstorm Sandy), build a new Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River, expand New York’s Penn Station, and related projects. It would be the largest current infrastructure project in the United States.

Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp noted: “Reliable train service, including a one-seat ride to New York, is key to the continued revitalization of New Jersey’s urban centers, and the economic well-being of our residents and businesses. Funding must be secured to complete these initiatives, rebuild our roads and bridges and keep our cities moving forward.”  Plainfield has two train stations on the Raritan Valley Rail line.

Peter Palmer, former Somerset County Freeholder and current RVRC Trustee, said that commuters continue to suffer from delays and cancelations from an over-burdened and antiquated train system in dire need of upgrades. Somerset County has five train stations along the Raritan Valley Rail line.

“Our residents who rely on train service are being pushed to their limits,” said Palmer. “Further delay in making desperately-needed improvements to train service will damage regional economic development. The Rahway Rail Coalition will continue to advocate as strongly as possible on their behalf.

Bette Jane Kowalski, Chair of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and a RVRC Trustee, is promoting Union County’s efforts on the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition this year as part of the Board’s 2019 initiatives. Union County has eight stations on the Raritan Valley line, including one in Cranford, where Freeholder Kowalski resides.

“We have heard from many residents who have been personally impacted by the delays and cancellations,” said Freeholder Kowalski. “We will continue to make our voices heard for the completion of the Gateway Project and the restoration of the one-seat ride for direct service to New York.”

Hunterdon County Freeholder J. Matthew Holt, a RVRC Trustee, stated: “Both the Gateway Project and restoration of the one seat ride on the Raritan Valley rail are crucial to the economic vitality of our region. Making these improvements would not only make the commute better, but bring economic benefits to the region—including increased home values, and increased commerce.” There are four train stations along the Raritan Valley rail line in Hunterdon County.

George Ververides, Director of County Planning for Middlesex County, and RVRC Trustee, said: “Middlesex County strongly supports the completion of the Gateway Project and the restoration of the one-seat ride on the Raritan Valley Rail line. Transit delays are impacting productivity and the economy. It is also a public safety issue and major quality of life issue as well for residents who commute.”

The Gateway Project improvements are in the heart of the Northeast Corridor, the most heavily used passenger train line in the United States, which accounts for 20 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). It’s estimated that 10 percent of U.S. GDP depends on transit between New York and New Jersey alone.

The Northeast Corridor carries more than 800,000 passengers in 2,000 trains daily across eight states, and Washington D.C.  A 2016 Amtrak report found that implementation of the full Gateway project could generate $3.87-worth of economic benefits for every $1 spent.

The Raritan Valley Rail Coalition, which represents Union, Somerset, Middlesex and Hunterdon Counties, was created nearly two decades ago to campaign for a one-seat ride on the Raritan Valley Line, which has 23,500 passengers daily, making it NJ Transit’s third most-used rail line. While track connectivity existed into New York, Raritan Valley riders always had to get off in Newark and switch trains because their diesel engines were not allowed into the tunnels under the Hudson River.

That changed in 2014, when NJ Transit began using dual-mode locomotives that could switch from diesel to electric power, making it possible to have a direct ride into New York City.  NJ Transit introduced limited, one-seat ride service during off-peak hours in January, 2015, but then suspended it last year.

The Coalition, which also consists of a Mayors’ Alliance and of County and State officials, can be reached on email at info@Raritanvalleyrail.com,  is on the web at raritanvalleyrail.com/, on Facebook at facebook.com/raritanvalleyrail/, and Twitter at  twitter.com/rvrailcoalition.

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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.