The Union County Board of County Commissioners stands in solidarity with our Haitian community and with local leaders calling for an immediate extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.
The humanitarian, security, and political conditions in Haiti remain deeply unstable. Forcing families to return under these circumstances would place lives at risk and separate parents from children, workers from jobs, and neighbors from the communities they help strengthen every day.
Haitian TPS holders are integral members of Union County — they are essential workers, small business owners, caregivers, and parents raising families who call this county home. They contribute to our economy, our schools, our faith institutions, and our neighborhoods.
Union County has long been a place that values dignity, compassion, and fairness. We believe federal policy must reflect those same principles.
In keeping with these values, the Union County Board of County Commissioners urges members of Congress to sign Discharge Petition No. 15, H.Res. 965, allowing for consideration of H.R. 1689, which would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status. We call on federal leaders to act with urgency to provide stability, certainty, and protection for Haitian families who deserve safety, not displacement.
Union County will continue to stand with our Haitian residents and community partners in calling for policies that uphold human dignity, family unity, and public safety.
Notice is hereby given that County of Union Paratransit System will make application to New Jersey Transit for one extended cutaway vehicle and $240,000.00 in operating funding, with a required $60,000.00 local match, to assist in providing transportation for senior citizens and/or persons with disabilities in Union County.
This project will be partially funded with FTA5310 funds under a grant submitted to the Federal Transit Administration. Any interested party who has a significant social, economic or environmental interest, please send comments within 30 days to: Karen Dinsmore, Union County Paratransit, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, 2nd Floor, Elizabeth, NJ 07207.
TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to the provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975) the Union County Transportation Advisory Board has established the following meeting dates for 2026:
All Union County TAB meetings in 2026 will be held virtually at 3:30 PM on the first Wednesday of the months and dates noted below. All meetings will be held virtually unless otherwise noticed as in-person meetings. Any in-person meeting held, duly noticed, will be located at the first floor Conference Room in the County Engineering Building, 2325 South Avenue in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
As Union County prepares for a major winter storm, residents are reminded that 9-1-1 is for life-threatening emergencies only. During severe weather, emergency lines must remain available for those who truly need immediate help.
CALL 9-1-1 ONLY IF:
Someone is trapped or in immediate danger
There is a medical emergency
Lives are at risk
DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 OR POLICE TO REPORT:
Power outages
Snow-covered or unplowed streets
Downed trees without injuries
General storm or weather questions
Law enforcement and dispatch centers do not have additional information on power restoration or plowing schedules. Calling for non-emergencies delays response for critical situations.
POWER OUTAGE REPORTING
PSE&G Customers:
Call 1-800-436-7734
Text “OUT” to 4PSEG (47734)
Report online at nj.myaccount.pseg.com/mydashboard/outage
JCP&L Customers:
Call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877)
Text “OUT” to 544487
Report online at firstenergycorp.com/outages
ADDITIONAL SAFETY REMINDERS
Extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills are expected
Limit time outdoors and dress in layers if you must go out
Ensure medical devices and backup batteries are fully charged
Check on seniors, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance
SNOW REMOVAL QUESTIONS
For snow removal concerns, please contact your local public works department. Crews will be working throughout the storm and afterward as conditions allow.
Thank you for helping keep emergency services available for true emergencies.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is deeply saddened by the passing of former Governor and longtime State Senator Richard J. Codey.
Governor Codey devoted his life to public service, spending decades advocating for the people of New Jersey with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right — particularly for those who were most vulnerable. His leadership, humility, and courage left a lasting mark on our state and set an example for generations of public servants.
Union County joins the people of New Jersey in honoring his legacy and extending our heartfelt condolences to the Codey family, his friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his service.
Chairman Bodek Delivering 2026 SpeechCommissioner Williams Swearing InJoseph Bodek Chairman Swearing InCommissioner Williams Vice Chair Swearing inStanley Neron Swearing InJoseph Signorello III Swearing InCommissioners & Clerk of the BoardSenate President Nicholas ScutariCommissioners, County Clerk, Gov-Elect, Senate PresidentCounty Clerk RajoppiGovernor Elect Sherrill
At the 169th Reorganization Meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Joseph C. Bodek was sworn in as Chairman of the Commissioner Board. Chairman Bodek announced his Chairman’s Initiatives for 2026 under the theme, “Union County 2026: Honoring the Past, Strengthening Our Tomorrow,” emphasizing stewardship, continuity, and strengthening the programs and services residents rely on every day.
“Union County has a strong foundation built by generations of residents, leaders, and public servants who cared deeply about this community,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “As Chairman, my focus is on honoring that legacy while strengthening the work we do today — ensuring our services remain reliable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of our residents. Together, we will continue moving Union County forward with purpose, responsibility, and respect for those who came before us.”
Chairman Bodek joined the Union County Board of County Commissioners in 2023 after being appointed to fill a vacancy on December 14, 2022. His commitment to public service is rooted in decades of experience in local government and a deep understanding of how communities function and thrive.
A lifelong New Jersey resident, Chairman Bodek grew up in Jersey City and has lived in Linden since graduating high school, where he continues to reside with his wife, Christine. He is the proud father of two children — Joseph John Bodek and Beth Ann Rivera — and grandfather to Evelyn, Adalyn, and Aria.
Chairman Bodek’s public service career spans more than four decades. He first served in elected office as a member of the Linden Board of Education beginning in 1981, where he served for more than 12 years. In 1989, he became Clerk to the Union County Utilities Authority, a role he held for more than 30 years, overseeing environmentally responsible solid waste operations before stepping down to become a County Commissioner.
As a County Commissioner, Chairman Bodek has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Union County College Board of School Estimates, Union County Vocational-Technical School Board of Estimates, Solid Waste Advisory Board, Construction Board of Appeals, Union County Voter Accessibility Advisory Board, and the New Jersey League of Municipalities. In addition, he continues to serve as City Clerk for the City of Linden, a position he has held for over a decade.
Chairman Bodek’s 2026 Chairman’s Initiatives focus on honoring Union County’s history while strengthening the foundation for the future. This includes recognizing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States through educational and community-based programming that highlights Union County’s role during the American Revolution, as well as thoughtfully commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The initiatives also emphasize reinforcing core County services, advancing public safety and emergency preparedness, investing in parks, environmental stewardship, and quality-of-life improvements, and expanding opportunities for youth and community engagement through recreation, education, and enrichment programs.
At the Reorganization Meeting, Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams was sworn in as Vice Chair of the Board. County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi and Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams were sworn in for new terms of office, while Stanley J. Neron and Joseph Signorello III were sworn in for their first terms as Union County Commissioners.
Chairman Bodek also recognized outgoing Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon for her leadership throughout 2025, thanking her for guiding the Board with collaboration, accessibility, and a strong focus on resident engagement and service delivery.
During the meeting, the Commissioners also voted on appointments to various County advisory boards and approved the Board’s 2026 schedule and procedural rules.
Residents can learn more about the Union County Board of County Commissioners and the 2026 Chairman’s Initiatives by visiting www.ucnj.org.
TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to the provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-6, Chapter 231, P.L. 1975) the Union County Planning Board has established the following meeting dates for 2026:
(All meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month except for November as this meeting will be held on the third Wednesday of the month, due to conflicting holiday, and August has no meeting scheduled unless otherwise noticed.)
January 14
February 11
March 11
April 8
May 13
June 10
July 8
September 9
October 14
November 18
December 9
All virtual board meetings will be held at 6:00 PM and any in person meetings will be held at 7 PM in the Conference Room, first floor, County Engineering Building, 2325 South Avenue, Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
Under the terms of the “Open Public Act” P.L.., 1975, C. 231, and as per Resolution Number 2025-1001 adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Union on December 18, 2025, the 2026 Installation Ceremony and Reorganization Meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners will be held on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in the Courtroom of the Honorable Assignment Judge Lisa Miralles Walsh, at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
James E. Pellettiere, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners
Temporary Service Adjustments Expected During Transition
Union County today announced that Brooklyn Kitchen will assume operations of the County’s Senior Nutrition Program, effective January 1, 2026. The program provides nutritious meals to eligible older adults through home-delivered services and congregate meal sites throughout Union County.
“As we welcome our new partner, our top priority is ensuring that Union County seniors continue to receive their meals safely, reliably, and without interruption,” said Chairwoman Lourdes Leon. “We are working closely with Brooklyn Kitchen during this transition and will keep residents informed every step of the way.”
During the initial transition period, eligible seniors may notice some temporary adjustments as the new vendor ramps up operations:
Meal delivery times may vary as routes are adjusted and drivers learn new schedules. Some deliveries may arrive earlier or later than usual during the first few weeks.
Frozen meals will be provided temporarily in January before the program transitions back to hot meals. These meals meet the same nutritional standards and help ensure consistent service during the transition.
New staff will be providing service, including drivers and congregate site personnel who are being trained and on boarded. All staff are screened and trained to support senior safety and nutrition.
No changes are expected at congregate sites. All 17 congregate meal sites across Union County will continue to receive hot meals on their regular schedules.
“This program is about care, consistency, and making sure no senior goes without a meal — especially during a time of change,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council. “When County management learned this transition needed to happen sooner than expected, we moved quickly to put a plan in place that protects our seniors and keeps meals coming. That commitment to people — and to showing up when it matters — is something I will always be proud of.”
Eligible seniors who are already enrolled in the Senior Nutrition Program do not need to take any action to continue receiving meals. Residents with questions or feedback are encouraged to contact the Union County Division on Aging at 908-527-4870.
This event has been postponed. We will send out an update when an new date has been established.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners, through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, is excited to announce its first event of the new year in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The Lenape: Native Americans, New Jersey, and American History, presented by Seton Hall University history professor, Dr. Sean P. Harvey, will delve into the rich and complex history of the Lenape people who inhabited New Jersey during the European colonization. The free and informative event will take place on Tuesday, January 27th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Liberty Hall Museum in Union, in the wagon shed. Attendees may pre-register at www.ucnj.org/250.
“The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is a moment we can all celebrate together as a community. It connects us not only to our ancestors who courageously fought these historic battles, but also to the roots of the cities we live in and the places we love to visit,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman, Lourdes M. Leon. “By exploring our past through history seminars like our Lenape presentation, we can understand how our ancestors lived and appreciate the values of freedom and unity that are still important today.”
Presenter Dr. Sean P. Harvey teaches courses on Colonial America, Revolutionary America, Democracy, Slavery, and Manifest Destiny, as well as Native American History before Removal. He also conducts surveys of American history and departmental seminars. He is the author of Native Tongues: Colonialism and Race from Encounter to the Reservation and serves on the Editorial Board of Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Council at the McNeil Center for Early American Studies and the Revolution NJ Scholarly and Public Programs Working Group, and co-edited Reviews for Journal of the Early Republic from 2014 to 2017.
A countywide event calendar was created earlier this year, allowing municipalities and authorized organizations to submit their commemorative programs for approval and inclusion. Residents can explore upcoming activities and learn more by visiting www.ucnj.org/250.
“We’re excited to continue adding events to this calendar throughout the year, giving our residents and guests plenty of opportunities to celebrate this significant moment in our history together,” said Union County Commissioner Rebecca Williams, Chair to the Union County 250th Committee. “I encourage any historical organizations and local community groups to submit their 250th Anniversary events to our email for review.”
Residents, historical organizations, and community groups are encouraged to submit their 250th Anniversary-related events through the official Union County 250th Anniversary Event Calendar, available at www.ucnj.org/250.
For more details and updates on the celebration, visit ucnj.org/250 and follow Union County on social media.
This event is supported in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs.
For more information about this event and other programs highlighting the arts and the history of Union County, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202. You can reach us by telephone at (908) 558-2550. NJ Relay users should dial 711, or you can send an email to culturalinfo@ucnj.org.
