Author: Web Site Administrator

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the 2025 grant awards under the Union County Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. This year, more than $1.14 million has been allocated to municipalities and local organizations through three countywide programs: the Kids Recreation Trust Fund, Greening Union County, and Preserve Union County.

These grants support the development of parks and recreation facilities, expand tree planting and environmental sustainability efforts, and help restore and protect the historic sites that shape Union County’s cultural heritage.

“Each year, these grant programs strengthen the public spaces that bring our communities together,” said Commissioner Chair Lourdes M. Leon. “From playground improvements and trail enhancements, to tree planting and historic preservation, these investments reflect our commitment to supporting families, improving quality of life, and maintaining the character and history that make Union County unique. We are proud to partner with our municipalities and organizations as they continue to build vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable neighborhoods for all residents.”

This year’s funding supports local projects in every corner of Union County, including:

• Kids Recreation Trust Fund: $784,800.00 awarded to municipalities to improve playgrounds, athletic fields, courts, walking paths, and other recreational facilities for children and families.
• Greening Union County: $100,000 awarded for the planting of trees in public spaces to support environmental health and beautification efforts.
• Preserve Union County: $298,902.00 awarded to historical societies, museums, and landmark stewards for restoration, preservation, and educational enhancements.

“As Chairman of the Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Committee, it is an honor to see the continued impact these grants have across our County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “These investments create opportunity — for children to play in safe and modern facilities, for families to enjoy cleaner and greener parks, and for our seniors to stay active and connected in the communities they helped build. They also ensure the stories and history that define Union County are preserved for future generations. Together, we are building communities that are healthier, more resilient, and more vibrant.”

In his remarks on October 23rd’s Union County Board of County Commissioner’s meeting, Commissioner Granados also recognized the work of his fellow committee members Commissioners Bette Jane Kowalski, Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, and Rebecca Williams, as well as the Office of Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, led by Director Victoria Durbin-Drake, Angelica Cedeño and Victoria Rendon, for their leadership and oversight in bringing this year’s funding forward.

2025 Grant Awards Include:

Funding for these programs is provided through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

For more information, please contact Angelica Cedeno, Deputy Administrator, at acedeno@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2279. 

Please be advised that the Union County footpath bridge at Mohawk Park in Cranford will be closed for paving on Wednesday, October 1.

We appreciate your patience while our Parks team completes this important work to ensure the bridges remain safe and accessible for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying Thursday, September 4, 2025, between the hours of 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM Weather Permitting. Check below for a list of areas to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654-9835.

• Cranford – Riverside Dr.
• Hillside –  Harvard Ave. Area, Cornell Ave., John St., Eastern Pkwy., McLean Pl. area, Aldine St. Area, Williamson Ave. Mertz Ave., Clark St., Munn Ave.
• Mountainside – 1400 block Rt.22
• Plainfield – Huntington Ave. between Plainfield Ave. and Maltby Ave., Grant Ave., Wadsworth Ave., Deborah Ct., Leland Ct., Raymond Ave., Cole Pl., Milton Pl., Berkeley Ter., Andover Ave., Acadamy Ave., Reeves Ter., Carlisle Ter., Wiley Ave. Area
• Rahway – Midwood Dr., Crescent Dr., Lakeside Dr., Milton Blvd.
• Roselle Park – Hawthorne St., Columbus Pl., Roosevelt St. Area
• Union – Gifford Ct., Hobson St. Area, Savitt Pl., Doris Ave. Area, Interlux paint property
• Westfield – Carleton Rd., Midwood Pl., Fairfield Cir., Cacciola Pl., Stirling Pl., Ripley Pl., Livingston Pl.

Lately, I’ve been hearing a growing wave of concern from voters about mail-in ballots (VBMs): how they’re sent out, how they’re counted, and whether they’re truly secure.

This concern isn’t unfounded – it’s being fueled by a flood of misinformation that’s threatening to undermine the confidence in one of the most secure and accessible voting methods we have.

It’s time to set the record straight.

Mail-in ballots, long known as absentee ballots, have evolved significantly over the years. In New Jersey, for example, voters no longer need to provide a reason to vote by mail. What was once a highly restrictive process—only available to those in the hospital or overseas, and not even extended to pregnant women—is now an accessible option for all registered voters.

This change is especially critical for two of the largest and most influential voting blocs in our country: university students and senior citizens. Many students attend college far from their registered voting districts, and many seniors prefer the safety and convenience of voting from home. For both groups, mail-in ballots provide a secure, reliable, and accessible means to make their voices heard—no matter where they are.

Importantly, the mail-in ballot process is highly regulated to safeguard against fraud. Voters must fill out a formal application and sign it. That signature is then carefully compared to the one on file in the statewide registration database. Only if the signatures match is a ballot issued. If there’s a mismatch, voters must provide verified identification before receiving a ballot.

Deadlines matter: For the November 4th General Election, the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot in New Jersey is Tuesday, October 28th. To be counted, all vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by the close of Election Day. Ballots are not counted until Election Day, and results are not released until after polls close, ensuring fairness for all voters—whether they vote early, by mail, or in person.

Allegations of widespread voter fraud are not supported by evidence. Investigations by reputable and diverse sources—including the Brennan Center, the Republican National Lawyers Association, the Government Accountability Office, and top universities like Arizona State and Columbia—have concluded that voter fraud is exceedingly rare. Most claims turn out to be clerical errors or unfounded accusations following close contests.

As a former president of a national organization of election officers, I can personally vouch for the integrity, dedication, and professionalism of those who administer our elections. The system is built on transparency, accountability, and fairness.

Mail-in ballots remain a secure, responsible, and effective way to vote—Let’s ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate fully in our democracy without fear, misinformation, or unnecessary barriers.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Municipal Parks Wednesday morning, August 27, 2025, between the hours of 3:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M. (Weather Permitting). Check below for the list of Parks to be sprayed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Union County Office of Mosquito Control at 908-654-9834 or 908-654- 9835.

County Parks:

• Clark – Oak Ridge
• Cranford – Nomahegan
• Garwood – Unami
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook, Green Brook
• Rahway – Rahway
• Roselle – Warinanco
• Scotch Plains – Ponderosa

Municipal Parks:

• Linden – Memorial
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Rahway – Flanagan
• Westfield – Tamaques