Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – A small vegetable garden tucked alongside the offices of the Coalition to House the Homeless in Elizabeth was the scene of activities all summer long for children in the nonprofit agency’s Bernice’s Place program.

The children grew a bumper crop of tomatoes, cucumbers and watermelon in the heart of the urban environment. Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados visited with (l-r) Coalition Executive Director Linda Flores-Tober, Jackie Park-Albaum of Groundwork Elizabeth, Bernice’s Place Coordinator Carina Grajales, and Master Gardener Amanda Leon to learn about the enriching experiences the garden provides for youth.

The Peace Garden received a grant from the Union County Means Green Community Garden Grant program, a 2016 initiative of Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, to help purchase a tool shed and other equipment. For information about Chairman Bergen’s grant program visit ucnj.org or call the grant administrator, Groundwork Elizabeth, 908-558-1142.

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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 – A thriving organic produce garden fills the narrow front yard of Jewish Family Service of Central NJ, just off busy Westfield Avenue in Elizabeth.

In  support of the nonprofit agency’s motto, “never send anyone away empty handed,” the garden yields 1,600 pounds of fresh, organic produce for donation to seniors and families in need every year, including walk-ins seeking emergency food packages.

Executive Director Thomas Beck (2^nd l.) provided a tour of the garden’s late growing eggplant, broccoli, apples, collards and other crops to (l.-r.) Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski and Jackie Park-Albaum of Groundwork Elizabeth.

This year the garden received a grant from the Union County Means Green Community Garden Grant program, a 2016 initiative of Chairman Bruce H. Bergen, to help continue its mission. The garden also features eight fruit trees donated by Williams Nursery.

For information about Chairman Bergen’s grant program visit ucnj.org or call the grant administrator, Groundwork Elizabeth, 908-558-1142.

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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 – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that the 2016 Union County Transportation Master Plan is now available as a free download from the Union County website, at ucnj.org/tmp.

The Transportation Master Plan identifies the conditions, challenges and opportunities involved in moving people and goods in and around Union County. It is designed to help develop strategies for meeting current and future demands on transportation resources.

“The 2016 Master Plan represents a significant updating of conditions and emerging trends since 2002,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Union County is a key transportation hub for our region and our country, and this provides a valuable framework for making decisions about transportation improvements that keep up with changes in our economy and the needs of our residents, businesses and visitors.”

“Some of the most interesting tends that we are seeing are new technologies, such as autonomous cars, drones and electric vehicles,” said Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who is a liaison to the Transportation Advisory Board and a delegate to the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). “The rise of app-based ride services also presents new opportunities and challenges.” 

Freeholder Angel G. Estrada, who is a member of the NJTPA Board of Trustees, noted that several critical improvements have been achieved since the previous Master Plan was developed in 2002.

“The rail station in Union Township, redesigned traffic circles in Westfield and Clark, construction of new ramps on the Garden State Parkway and I-78, and the Route 1&9 viaduct project all demonstrate progress,” said Estrada. “There is much more work to be done, and the new Master Plan provides us with a platform for making effective decisions.”

The 2016 Transportation Master Plan includes information on Union County’s demographics, population growth, commuting patterns and climate change impacts in addition to detailed descriptions of every transportation mode from bike trails to airports.

The Transportation Master Plan was developed over the course of a full year through the Bureau of Transportation Planning, a division of the Union County Department of Economic Development, under a grant from NJTPA. The process involved participation by members of the public, local employers and business groups, advocacy groups, municipal officials, and regional stakeholders including NJTPA, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NJ Transit, and the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

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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 Freeholders Bette Jane Kowalski and Alexander Mirabella speak with Scotch Plains Mayor Kevin Glover and Union County Parks Maintenance Director Michael Brennan about the stream stabilization project for the Union County Route 22 Park in Scotch Plains to help alleviate flooding issues.

After a torrential rain storm last August flooded downtown Scotch Plains, members of the NJ DEP, County Engineering and Parks departments along with Scotch Plains Township personnel met at the request of Mayor Glover.  The discussions culminated in a project that has been submitted for approval by the State.  The plans include the replacement of the various types of failing sections of a retaining wall along the stream.  It will also will include removal of accumulated debris and sediment in certain areas of the stream.  This work will improve the flow and function of the stream with the aim of reducing flooding.  Additional improvements will include removal of an outdated and aging pedestrian bridge.

The Route 22 Park is officially part of the Watchung Reservation but there is a shared service agreement between the Township and the County that allows for capital improvements to be undertaken by Union County and the day to day maintenance performed by the Scotch Plains Recreation Department.

Construction bids will be requested this fall with an anticipated start date in early 2017, once NJ DEP approval is obtained.

Union County, NJ – Gardeners who have been waiting for a chance to join the Union Township Community Garden can sign up now to save their spot for next spring.

The garden, located in Eleanor R. Erickson Park, began with just five beds. It has grown to provide space for 43 beds with support from the Union County Means Green Community Garden Grant program, a 2016 initiative of Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Union Township Mayor Manuel T. Figuereido (far l.) met garden representatives Adrienne Kubicz (2^nd l.) and Janet Sangekar (3^rd l.) to tape a TV-34 program about the garden and its service to the community with (l-r) Jonathan Phillips of Groundwork Elizabeth, Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, garden representative and Adopt-a-Park volunteer Paul Lerin, and Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados.

For information about Chairman Bergen’s grant program visit ucnj.org or call the grant administrator, Groundwork Elizabeth, 908-558-1142. To contact the garden visit unioncommunitygarden.org.

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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.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders,  along with the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation would like to recognize the Union County Artists who received awards at a gala reception held Friday, October 28, at the conclusion of the 50th annual New Jersey State Senior Citizens Art Show in East Windsor. The art show and reception were corrordinated by the Mercer County Division of Culture and Heritage for the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

“I’d like to congratulate all the seniors, not only the winners, but all who participated in the show and shared their artistic talents with others,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen.

Works of art by seniors from 21 New Jersey counties were exhibited at Meadow Lakes and were awarded honors in eleven artwork categories to both professional and non-professional artists. Awards were presented at the closing reception by the New Jersey Department of Human Services Division on Aging Services and the Mercer County Office on Aging.

The following Union County senior artists received 1st place honors during the judging:

• John Curch (Scotch Plains): Watercolor by a professional, “Italian Market in Rome”
• William Gardner (Winfield Park): Digital Art by a non-pro, “Metropolis”
• Michael Metzger (Westfield): Oil Painting by a professional, “Rhineland”

These artists received 2nd place honors:

• Robert Golderg (Springfield): Craft by a professional, pottery
• Thomas Wacaster (Clark): Oil painting by a non-pro, “Daily Commute”

These artists received 3rd place honors:

• Sam Awad (Summit): Photography by a professional, “Vertigo”
• Frank B. Marshall III (Roselle): Mixed Media by a professional, “Black America – The Dark Side”

These artists received Honorable Mention:

• Williams Daniels (Springfield): Works on Paper/Drawing by a professional, “Faerie Garden”
• Lisa DiMichele (Berkeley Heights): Acrylic painting by a non-pro, “Reno 1940s”
• Maria Irene Nobile (Union): Pastel by a non-pro, “Summer Pear”
• Susan Ucci (Elizabeth): Photography by a non-pro, “End of life”

John Curch of Scotch Plains was awarded 1st Place in the category of Watercolor by a professional for his painting titled “Italian Market in Rome.”

William Gardner of Winfield Park was awarded 1st Place in the category of Digital Art by a non-pro for his work titled “Metropolis.”

Michael Metzger of Westfield was awarded 1st Place in the category of Oil painting by a professional for his painting titled “Rhineland.”

Sam Awad of Summit received 3rd Place in the category of Photography by a professional for his work titled “Vertigo.”

Lisa DiMichele of Berkeley Heights received Honorable Mention in the category of Acrylic painting by a non-pro for her painting titled “Reno 1940s

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds voters who wish to use the early voting process in person can bring their application to the County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth or the annex office in Westfield up until 3:00 p.m. on November 7. Pre-printed applications are also available at these offices.

The County Clerk also encourages voters with mobile devices to download the free Union County Votes app to receive complete information for the upcoming General Election on November 8.

The County Clerk’s main office at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday November 5, for voters to apply for a Vote by Mail ballot in person.

The annex, at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, is also open for Vote by Mail users on Saturday November 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For a schedule of regular weekday office hours and more information about voting in Union County use the Union Count Votes app, visit unioncountyvotes.com, or call the Elections Division at 908-527-4996.

For all other County Clerk programs and services visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC), a nonprofit economic development corporation, has received a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund).

The award will support UCEDC’s Community Advantage 7a loan program, providing long-term loans of $50,000 to $250,000 to start-up (in operation less than two years) and established businesses in New Jersey. With low down payments and flexible collateral requirements, Community Advantage 7a loans can help grow small businesses that can’t qualify for conventional financing.

“Our partnership with UCEDC broadens access to working capital and training programs for small businesses in Union County,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “The CDFI award is a testament to the commitment of UCEDC to supporting low-income and economically disadvantaged communities. On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to congratulate UCEDC on this particular achievement.”

This is UCEDC’s second consecutive award from the CDFI Fund – it received $1.36 million in 2015 – and it is one of only two New Jersey organizations to receive grants this year.

The grant will enhance UCEDC’s financing outreach into communities where access to capital is often difficult to obtain. “Small business owners and entrepreneurs in these areas deserve a fair chance to succeed and we are committed to supporting their efforts through our loan products and mentoring services,” says UCEDC President, Maureen Tinen.

A partner of this year’s ‘Union County at Work and Play’ 2016 Chairman initiatives, UCEDC and the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders are committed to boosting local economies and strengthening communities through small business development and job creation.

“No matter what stage your business is in, even it’s still just an idea that you’re considering, we encourage you to contact UCEDC for more information about the unique financing options we’ve established to support small business growth,” said Chairman Bergen.

Since its inception in 1977, UCEDC has loaned over $27 million to small businesses throughout New Jersey, helping to create and retain 6,000+ jobs.  In addition to its lending programs, UCEDC provides training and technical assistance services and serves as a designated Procurement Technical Assistance Center. 

For information about UCEDC’s Community Advantage 7a loan program as well as its other small business loan programs, call 908-527-1166 or visit www.ucedc.com.