Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Effective Monday, June 8, the free Union County Covid-19 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“As the result of a historic community effort by Union County residents to slow the spread of COVID-19, the number of requests for tests has gone down in recent weeks,” Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella explained.

“We continue to urge Union County residents, as well as front line emergency and medical workers, to make an appointment at the Test Center if you are concerned about your exposure to COVID-19,” added Mirabella.

Residents must also continue to observe precautions against spreading the virus such as wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

The Test Center is a free service available to Union County residents, with or without COVID-19 symptoms. Union County residents who wish to be tested can book an appointment online through the registration link on the County website, ucnj.org, or by phone at 908-214-7107.

The Test Center is also free to first responders and front-line health workers with or without symptoms, regardless of their place of residence. First responders and front-line health workers may also book an appointment online at ucnj.org, or call 908-373-5105. 

All tests are provided by appointment owner and visitors to the Test Center must arrive by car. No walk-ins are accepted.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises voters that they have several options for returning their Vote-by-Mail ballots. Voters can return their ballots by U.S. Postal Service, bring them to the County Clerk’s offices or Board of Elections Office, or drop them off at specially designated ballot boxes.

Voters choosing to bring their ballots to the County Clerk’s offices can visit the main office at the County Courthouse in Elizabeth at 2 Broad Street, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or the annex office at the Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

No appointment is needed in order to drop off a Vote-by-Mail ballot at the County Clerk’s offices.

“Each Vote-by-Mail ballot comes with pre-paid postage, so we encourage voters to return their ballots by mail. My offices are also available to voters who prefer to bring them in person, with safety precautions to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all visitors to the County Clerk’s offices must wear masks and observe the 6-foot social distance standard.

Under New Jersey state law, voters who bring their ballots in person are required to sign a log book, and must present a New Jersey driver’s license or other New Jersey-issued identification. They may not drop off a ballot for another person.

Vote-by-Mail ballots are also accepted for drop-off at the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth. In addition, five standalone, specially designated ballot boxes are being planned for Union County. The locations will be announced later this month.

For more details about Vote-by-Mail and other election services of the County Clerk, visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance on the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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Each year the Union County Board of Freeholders provides free shade trees to schools for Arbor Day. This year, due to schools being closed as a result of Covid-19, 80 crabapple trees will go to Union County residents and community organizations on request.

To request a tree, find out more about tree care in Union County, or to join the Rutgers Master Tree Steward of Union County volunteers, email Jim Nichnadowicz, Union County 4-H Agent, at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

“It is unfortunate that we are not able to distribute these trees to schools as we usually do, so we hope that residents and community organizations can give them good homes,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The trees are five to six feet tall and weigh about 10 to 15 pounds each. Each tree has been growing in a five gallon pot. They can fit into a mini-van, SUV or car with a folding back seat. A deer guard is included.

Crabapples are known for beautiful spring flowers as well as small sour apples that can be used to make jams and jellies. 

These trees usually grow to about 15 to 20 feet tall over 10 years with a spread of similar dimensions. 

It is suggested not to plant the trees near a sidewalk or driveway.  

One tree per address will be permitted and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.

Arbor Day has been a National Observance since 1872, encouraging the public to plant and care for trees.  This year Arbor Day fell on Friday, April 24.

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. 

The Master Tree Steward program is run by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, which is supported in part by the Freeholder Board and is headquartered in the Colleen Fraser Building at the County complex in Westfield, at 300 North Avenue East. For information on all Extension programs 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.

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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 – Union County residents who are interested in composting food waste in their own backyards can tune into two online classes, as part of the Freeholder Board’s year-long “Make One Change” initiative to help protect the environment. Both classes are sponsored by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. They will be held on June 15 and 17.

“Union County remains committed to #MakeOneChangeUC, especially at a time when so many residents are working and learning from home,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These free webinars will empower residents to help reduce waste while providing a environmentally-friendly activity for the whole family. We can all ‘Choose to Reuse.’”

The first class will be held on June 15 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Called Backyard Composting 101, it is part of the Extension’s Earth Day At Home webinar series. Details and registration information are availabel at envirostewards.rutgers.edu.

The second class will be held on June 17 from noon to 1:00 P.M. It is called Compost Considerations for the Community Garden and is part of the Extension’s Community Garden Lunch and Learn Program. Details and registration information are available at morningagclips.com/lunch-learn-webinars.  

The Director of the Union County Bureau Recycling & Planning, JoAnn Gemenden, was instrumental in working on the Choose to Reuse campaign as head of the Education Committee and a member of the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey Clean Communities Council. For more information about Choose to Reuse and #MakeOneChangeUC, members of the public can contact Ms. Gemenden at jgemenden@ucnj.org.

The Choose to Reuse campaign is a project of the New Jersey Food Council and the New Jersey Clean Communities Council. For more information on Union County programs as part of this campaign, visit ucnj.org/recycling/make-one-change.

More information on Union County recycling programs is available at ucnj.org/recycle.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County is a program of Rutgers NJAES and is supported in part by the Freeholder Board. For information on all Extension programs in Union County visit ucnj.org/rce.

For quick links to all Union County environmental events and activities visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

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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.

FAQs about Vote-by-Mail have been posted on the Union County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, and on the free Union County Votes mobile app.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi urges voters to familiarize themselves with Vote-by-Mail procedures in advance of receiving their Vote-by-Mail ballot for the July 7 Primary Election.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the July 7 election will be conducted primarily by Vote-by-Mail, by order of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.

“Vote-by-Mail will be new to many Union County residents. It is important for every voter to understand how to ensure their vote is valid under the new rules, and to ensure their voice is heard on Election Day,” Ms. Rajoppi explained.

“Inaccurate information can easily circulate through social media, which makes it all the more important for voters to familiarize themselves with Vote-by-Mail,” added Ms. Rajoppi. “It is a reliable and accurate way to vote.”

Ms. Rajoppi’s office has already begun mailing ballots to Union County voters, a process that is expected to take approximately three weeks due to the volume of mail involved.

To help voters learn about Vote-by-Mail, Ms. Rajoppi has posted FAQs on the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com, and on the free Union County Votes mobile app.

Among the most frequently asked questions are:

1. Who is going to automatically receive a VBM Ballot?

All active registered Democrats and Republicans will automatically be mailed a VBM Ballot. Please be sure to read and follow the instructions for signing the Ballot.

2. Who is going to automatically receive a VBM Ballot Application?

All unaffiliated voters, and inactive Democrat or Republicans voters, will automatically receive a VBM Ballot Application. Please be sure to read and follow the instructions to declare your party affiliation.

After the Application is received by the Union County Clerk’s Office, you will receive a ballot based on the declaration you provided.

3. Is there a deadline to submit a VBM Application by mail?

YES. The deadline for the Union County Clerk’s Office to receive a VBM Application by mail is June 30, 2020.

4. Is there a deadline to submit a VBM Application in person?

YES. In-person VBM Applications will be accepted by the County Clerk’s Election Office until 8:00 pm on July 7, 2020 (please note that the previous deadline of July 6 at 3:00 p.m. has been suspended).

5. Do I need a stamp to mail the VBM Ballot and VBM Application?
6. All VBM Ballots and VBM Applications will have prepaid return postage.

For more FAQs about Vote-by-Mail and the July 7 primary, including information on drop-box locations, in-person voting, and voter registration visit unioncountyvotes.com, and on the free Union County Votes mobile app.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

Information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, is available at ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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Cindy and Jim Traverso and their son Luke of Summit have teamed up with Union Counties Adopt-A-Park to donate annual flowers, soil and mulch, and maintain a cement planter in Briant Park in Springfield throughout the growing season.

“Union County parks thrive because of the volunteers that contribute year round,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I would like to thank the Traverso family and all volunteers who help keep county parks beautiful.”

The Traverso family has donated various species of plants such as blue marvel salvia, red snapdragons, white begonias, blue lobelia, and sweet alyssum.

For information about joining Adopt-a-Park as an individual or as part of a business, school or community group, visit ucnj.org or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

Park visitors please note: Stay on marked trails in order to preserve fragile native habitat in County parks. The taking of plants and other wildlife is prohibited. Share paved paths by keeping to the right unless passing others. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths. Dogs must be kept on leash. All trash must be carried out where receptacles are full or unavailable. 

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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 – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that her office has begun mailing Vote-by-Mail ballots to all registered Democratic and Republican voters in Union County. Unaffiliated voters who have already applied for a Vote-by-Mail ballot will also receive their ballots in the coming weeks.

The ballots and applications are being sent in waves to help ensure that the high volume of mail can be delivered in a timely manner by the U.S. Postal Service. The process is expected to be completed by the third week in June.

“When you receive your ballot or application, please fill it out and return it promptly in order to ensure that your voice is heard on Election Day,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The following adjustments have been made to normal mail-in balloting procedures in Union County and throughout New Jersey by executive order of Governor Phil Murphy, as part of the statewide plan for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus:

• All registered Democrats and Republicans will automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot in June.
• All registered voters who are not affiliated with a political party, and all inactive voters, will automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail application in June. These voters must fill out and return the application in order to receive their Vote-by-Mail ballot.
• Sample ballots will be posted on com prior to Election Day; they will not be mailed to voters.

The following deadlines apply for the July 7 Primary Election:

• Residents who wish to register to vote must do so by June 16. Registration forms are available online at com.
• Applications for a mail-in ballot must be filled out and returned to the County Clerk by June 30 in order to receive a mail-in ballot in time for the Primary Election.
• Mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than July 7 and received by the Board of Elections no later than July 14.

“My office is working with officials in all 21 municipalities to help alert voters as to upcoming mailings and deadlines,” added Ms. Rajoppi.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com, or contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY AND THE NJ OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2020
CONTACT: Lisa Ryan
Press Office: Department of Community Affairs
Email: Lisa.Ryan@dca.nj.gov

                                      Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Oliver Announce Short-Term Rental
                                                Assistance Program to Help Residents Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic

                                              Program Will Provide at least $100 Million in Temporary Rental Assistance for Low- to
                                              Moderate-Income Households, Including the Homeless or Those at Risk of Homelessness

TRENTON, NJ – As part of the Murphy Administration’s overall response to assist New Jersey residents
affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Oliver today announced the
COVID-19 Short-Term Rental Assistance Program. The program will provide rental assistance to low- and
moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income as a result of the pandemic,
including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

“From the moment this crisis took hold, we’ve made it clear that New Jerseyans should not fear losing their
home as a result of financial hardship caused by COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “This program will
provide at least $100 million in housing relief for low- and moderate-income families who need it most. We’ll
continue working closely with our legislative and community-based partners to further strengthen protections
for tenants.”

The program will open for applications in July and begin paying rental assistance in September. Qualifying
households will be expected to pay 30 percent of their income toward rent, and the program would pay the
remainder of their rent up to DCA’s fair market rent payment standard (see chart below). At the three-month
mark, the household budget will be reviewed to determine if assistance is still needed. Assistance that is no
longer required will be used to serve additional families.

“We understand the challenges families are facing at this difficult time and it is our goal to help as many
people as possible, which is why we developed this new rental assistance program,” said Lt. Governor
Sheila Y. Oliver, DCA Commissioner. “In addition to the new program, DCA is also urging households in
need to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps people pay for
their home energy bills. With additional funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security
(CARES) Act, New Jersey is able to help even more families cover their rent and energy expenses through
this crisis.”

The program will devote approximately 20 percent of funding to serve those who are very low income and
homeless or at risk of homelessness with up to 12 months of rental assistance. These households will be
selected by DCA through the Coordinated Entry process in each county’s Homeless Management Information
System. To help families reach self-sufficiency, case management, financial planning, and other assistance
will be provided by the program.

For the remainder of the funding, DCA will administer an online lottery. When the lottery is opened,
households may submit applications and participants will be selected from the overall pool of applicants
through a randomized process based on eligibility and the lottery criteria. Applicants selected through the
lottery will be eligible to receive up to six months of short-term rental assistance. Should further funding
become available, DCA will serve additional households.

Households may qualify for the lottery based on the below standards:
Eligibility Requirements
• Must be a New Jersey resident.
• Maximum income up to 80 percent of area median income (AMI).
• Must have been current in their rental payments as of March 1, 2020.
• Must be able to provide proof of impact of COVID-19 beginning on March 9, 2020 when Governor
Murphy declared the state of emergency.
• Layoff;
• Reduced work hours;
• Unpaid leave to take care of children due to school and daycare closures; and Need to self-quarantine for 14 days resulted in a loss of income

The COVID-19 Short Term Rental Assistance Program website will launch on June 15 with additional
information at https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/shorttermrap.html.

DCA will provide the centralized application intake, eligibility review, and payment directly to participants’
landlords. As part of the landlord contract, DCA will encourage landlords to agree to a reasonable payment
plan for any rent arrearages, not to evict for any arrearages accumulated prior to the start of temporary rental
assistance, and not to evict due to unpaid rent for six months after the end of assistance.

As more resources become available, DCA anticipates that the program might expand to assist additional
families.

DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including affordable housing production, fire safety,
building safety, community planning and development, local government management and finance, and
disaster recovery.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media.

Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella, Freeholder Sergio Granados, Freeholder Chris Hudak, Freeholder Angela Garretson, Freeholder Andrea Staten, Freeholder Rebecca L. Williams, Senator Joe Cryan, Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter, Sheriff Peter Corvelli, County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, and various municipal officials joined with dozens of volunteers today at Kean University, organized through the County of Union, the United Way of Greater Union County, and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in conducting a massive food distribution to Union County Families.

This morning Union County Freeholder Andrea Staten, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski and Union County Sheriff’s Officers joined the United Way of Greater Union County and members of County Government at Union County College in Cranford in distributing food donated by Amazon.com through United Way to various social service organizations throughout Union County. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union.)