Category: Public Info

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday, August 28, 2024, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (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.

• Berkeley Hts. – Grant St., River Rd. Area, Mt. Carmel Area, Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Park Av., Hamilton Av., Columbia Av., Rutgers Av., Riverbend Rd., Shadow Ln., Briarwood Dr. W., La Grande Av. Area
• Clark – Riverside Dr., Emerald Pl., King St., Schwinn Dr., Conger Way, Rutgers Rd., Roberts Rd.
• Cranford – Kenilworth Blvd., County Park Dr.
• Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St., Westminster Area, Aldine St. Area,
• Kenilworth – Dorsett Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd., Union Av., Bloomingdale Av.,
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area
• Mountainside – Tracy Dr., Watchung Res. Loop Area,
• New Providence – Charnwood Rd., Runnymede Pkwy
• Plainfield – Bradford St., Jefferson Av., 1st St., Worth Dr. Area
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Leesville Av. Area
• Roselle – Pine St. Path along RXR, Audrey Ter. Area, Woodland Av. Area, Wheatsheaf Rd., Columbus Av. Roselle recycling yard
• Roselle Park – Lehigh Av., Hemlock St., E. Colfax Av., Walking Path between Chestnut St. and Galloping Hill Rd.
• Scotch Plains – Martine Av. extension, Tussel Ln., Goodmans Crossing, South Av. and North Av. between Hetfield Av. and Crossway Pl.
• Springfield – Taft Ln. Area, Cottage Ln., S. Springfield Av., Oakland Av., Waverly Av.
• Summit – Kent Pl. (Summit Recycling Center), Risk Av., Beech Spring Dr., Glenside Av., Water Co. Rd.
• Westfield – Eton Pl., Rogers Av., Avon Rd. Area
• Winfield – Union County Pkwy., Parkway Dr.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying County and Town Parks Tuesday morning, August 27, 2024, 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:

• Berkeley Hts. – Snyder
• Clark – Oak Ridge
• Cranford – Nomahegan, Lenape
• Elizabeth – Warinanco, Mattano
• Garwood – Unami
• Hillside – Conant, Rutgers
• Linden – Wheeler
• Mountainside – Echo Lake, Watchung Reservation Loop Area
• Plainfield – Cedar Brook,
• Rahway – Rahway Pk.
• Scotch Plains – Pondarosa
• Springfield – Meisel

Town Parks:

• Berkeley Heights – Columbia
• Plainfield – Milt Campbell
• Westfield – Tamaques, Mindowaskin

The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced today that in response to feedback from residents and community members, Union County has revised the plan for the Clark Reservoir Project to better reflect the input and concerns of local residents. The County carefully considered the suggestions voiced during public meetings held in Clark and during Union County Commissioner meetings, leading to a decision to make adjustments to the current project.

“We deeply value the input of our Union County residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “By working together and listening to one another, we can create spaces that reflect our vision of preserving open space while also enhancing recreational opportunities.”

The project, managed by CME Associates, an engineering and planning firm, originally proposed a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the Clark Reservoir. The initial design included several features, such as a train, carousel and ice skating, which have presently been removed from the revised plans based on community feedback. CME Associates will continue to play a key role in implementing the updated project.

“We are fully committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Clark Reservoir while addressing its critical environmental challenges,” said County Manager Ed Oatman. “In response to our residents, we have refined our approach to focus on essential improvements that balance ecological preservation with thoughtful recreational enhancements. This project ensures that all residents and visitors in our county have access to the reservoir as a serene, sustainable resource to enjoy.”

The updated plan prioritizes essential environmental improvements, such as dredging the reservoir to combat siltation and sedimentation, enhancing flood storage, and improving water quality. At the same time, it will create a space that embraces the natural charm of the area. New additions like unpaved walking paths, duck boats, non-motorized sports options including canoes, kayaks, and a fishing pier will offer residents a serene and enjoyable recreational experience. These thoughtful adjustments will continue to keep the reservoir a cherished green space for the community while providing meaningful environmental and recreational benefits.

“We recently held an open space committee meeting to address adjusting our current plan based on resident’s concerns, all while still maintaining our vision for the County,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Chairman of the Open Space Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Board. “Working in collaboration with the County Manager and his team at this meeting, we were dedicated in ensuring our projects reflect the community’s needs and values. By prioritizing the preservation of the reservoir’s natural landscape and addressing longstanding environmental issues, we are creating a project that balances progress with preservation, making the Clark Reservoir a valued natural space for future generations to enjoy.”

For more information and updates about the project, please visit the Union County website at ucnj.org/clark-reservoir-project/.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reminds residents that the voter registration deadline for the 10th Congressional District Special General Election is this Wednesday, August 28th. Applications will not be accepted after August 28^th. The 10^th Congressional District Special General Election will be held on Wednesday, September 18^th, 2024.

“I urge residents who haven’t already registered not to miss this deadline and ensure that their vote is counted and their voice is heard in this election,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

The state is hosting a Special Election in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District to fill the vacancy left by Congressman Donald Payne’s untimely passing in April.

The 10^th Congressional District includes Cranford, Garwood, Hillside, Kenilworth, parts of Linden including Ward 1, Ward 3 (Districts 1 & 4), Ward 4, Ward 5, Ward 8, Ward 9, Ward 10, Roselle, Roselle Park, and Union.

Voter registration applications and sample ballots can be downloaded at unioncountyvotes.com. 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 about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will host a Notary Public Training Seminar at the John H. Stamler Police Academy, at 1776 Raritan Road in Scotch Plains on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The featured speaker will be Union County First Deputy County Counsel Moshood Muftau, Esq.

Space is limited to the first 50 registrants. The registration deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024 or until the openings are filled. A registration fee of $10.00 includes a light breakfast and is required in advance to secure registration.

Attendees should note that the Business Casual dress code at the John J. Stamler Police Academy is strictly enforced. Jeans and sneakers are not permitted, and men must wear shirts with collars.

“This Notary Training Seminar represents an opportunity for individuals to acquire valuable skills and expertise in notary services,” said County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Our commitment to empowering our residents with the tools they need to contribute effectively is strong, and we invite you to be a part of this educational journey.”

Ms. Joanne Rajoppi will make opening remarks and review the application process. Mr. Muftau will speak about the legal aspects of the functions of notaries public.

The seminar will cover the Notary Public application process and new legal requirements and responsibilities. It will also cover the steps for proper notarization and other topics, including how to complete a notary journal and how to examine identification documents.

To register, use the downloadable form on the County Clerk website, ucnj.org/county-clerk. For additional information contact Anna Lima at 908-527-4787. For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

Please note rescheduled date.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a free online Q&A workshop providing information and guidance on three 2025 grant programs administered by the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs: the Union County HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant, the History Grant, and the Local Arts Grant.

“Arts, history, and cultural programming are vital to the enrichment of our community,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “We encourage organizations with interest to participate in this workshop and explore these funding opportunities to bring engaging programs to Union County.”

The live Q&A will be hosted on Zoom on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and is geared towards organizations and individuals needing basic information about these grant programs and the application processes. Guidelines for the grants will be provided.

Union County arts, history, and cultural organizations, as well as municipal government offices and libraries, are welcome to register to learn about these opportunities to apply for funding of programming to take place during the 2025 calendar year, January 1 through December 31.

“The grant programs administered by our Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs provide crucial support to local organizations, helping them to preserve our rich history and present arts and educational programs,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Cultural and Heritage Advisory Board. “This workshop is an excellent opportunity for organizations to learn how they can benefit from these grants.”

The Union County HEART Grant funds projects related to local history, the arts, and humanities and is funded through the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The Union County History Grant funds history organizations and history projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State. The Union County Local Arts Program funds arts organizations and arts projects, and is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

To register for this workshop, visit ucnj.org/cha-workshop. For questions, please contact the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, 633 Pearl Street, Elizabeth NJ 07202. Telephone: 908-558-2550. NJ Relay users dial 711, or email: culturalinfo@ucnj.org.

Please be advised, Union County Mosquito Control will be spraying for mosquitoes Thursday, August 22, 2024, between the hours of 6:00PM to 11:00PM (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.

• Berkeley Hts. – Grant St., River Rd. Area, Mt. Carmel Area, Kuntz Av., Camptown Dr., Park Av., Hamilton Av., Plainfield Av., Columbia Av., Rutgers Av., Princeton Av.
• Clark – Riverside Dr., Emerald Pl., Hawthorne Dr., Orchard Ter., Limoli Ln., Locust Grove Dr.
• Cranford – Kenilworth Blvd.
• Hillside – Harvard Av., Cornell Pl., John St., Westminster Area, Morris Pl., Hillside Ave., Rutgers Av., Columbia Av. Locust Av.,
• Kenilworth – Dorsett Dr., Epping Dr., Water Co. Rd.
• Linden – Tremley Pt. Area< Bradford Av., Lexington Av., Marion Av., Summit Ter., Dewitt Ter., Livingston Rd., Birchwood Rd.
• New Providence – Passaic St., D.P.W. Yard.
• Plainfield – Rock Av., (PMUA), Bradford St., Watson Av., Everett Pl., Jefferson Av., Sheridan Av., E. 3^rd St., St. Nicholas Blvd., Hillcrest Av., Cushing Rd., Knollwood Ct., Worth Dr. Area
• Rahway – Elston Av., Randolph Av., Leesville Av. Area, Oak St., Pierpont St., Bryant St. Area, Donald Av., Price St., Allen St., Kearny Av. Area, Koenig Pl.
• Roselle – Burt Dr., Shaffere Dr., Audrey Ter., Kennedy Dr., Chandler Av., Jouet St., 8th Av., Oak Av.
• Roselle Park – Sheridan Av., W Webster Av., Laurel Av.
• Scotch Plains – Pheasant Ln., Lamberts Mill Rd. (RWJ Fitness), Martine Extension, Country Club Ln.,
• Summit – Kent Pl. (Summit Recycling Center), Risk Av., Beech Spring Dr.
• Union – Alden Ter., Bertram Ter., Wilshire Dr., Shetland Dr. Area, Manor DR., Walker Av., Hemlock Rd., Hickory Rd., Locust Dr., Pinewood Rd., Cockley Dr., Indian Run Pkwy.
• Westfield – Ripley Pl., Windsor Av., Livingston St., Woodbrook Cir., Drummond Rd., Linden Av., Baker Av. Area,
• Winfield – Union County Pkwy., Parkway Dr.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Bureau of Recycling and Planning would like to remind residents to check the numbers on their plastic products before disposing of them. Plastics labeled with the numbers #1, #2, and #5 only can be recycled curbside. Plastics marked with #5 are only accepted for curbside recycling in Berkeley Heights, Clark, Fanwood, Garwood, Linden, New Providence, Plainfield, and Summit. Plastics with the numbers #3, #4, #6, and #7 should not be placed in curbside recycling bins.

“Our county has made significant progress in improving its recycling efforts over the years. However, we understand that there may still be confusion regarding which plastics can be recycled curbside. By presenting clearer and easily accessible guidelines, we hope to effectively communicate and facilitate plastic recycling for all residents going forward,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “If you have any questions or are unsure if your item can be recycled, please contact our Recycling and Planning Bureau for assistance.”

The following plastics can be recycled in your curbside bin:

# 1 – PET or PETE (Polyethylene terephthalate) – clear, rigid plastic such as:

• Soda bottles, water bottles, salad dressing, mouthwash, etc.

# 2 – HDPE (High-density polyethylene) – common white or colored plastic such as:

• Milk containers, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, juice bottles,

# 5 – PP (Polypropylene) – hard but flexible plastic such as:

• Yogurt containers, sour cream containers, margarine/butter containers, prescription bottles,

There are currently seven common types of plastics in circulation, numbered #1 through #7, and not all of them may be recycled curbside or at all. Always check the product or product packaging before disposing of your plastics. Also, it is helpful if the containers are rinsed, dried, and as free of any food or debris as possible.

For more information, upcoming dates, and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors and their caregivers to visit their local “ASK”, or Aging Services Kiosk, this September. These services provide an opportunity for attendees to meet with experienced professionals who can offer expert guidance on senior programs and resources and help with form completion. Bilingual staff will be available at several events to offer support in Spanish.

“With all of the amazing technological advances we have today, there is still something truly special and personal about having a face-to-face conversation. Our ASK events are designed to make it easy and convenient for seniors and caregivers to stop by their local library and connect with our friendly and knowledgeable staff in person,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “I encourage our senior community to visit one of our ASK events this month to receive the guidance and resources they need.”

The ASK program is administered by the Division on Aging within Union County’s Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older and their caregivers a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.

Staff at the ASK events can also help older adults and caregivers connect with various services, including home-delivered meals, respite care, home care, adult day care, and support services for caregivers. Any Union County senior or caregiver can visit any kiosk, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in September:

Wednesday, September 4th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Union Public Library
1060 Stuyvesant Avenue, Roselle
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, September 10th
Westfield Memorial Library
550 East Broad Street, Westfield
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tuesday, September 17th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Elizabeth Public Library – Main
11 South Broad Street, Elizabeth
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Thursday, September 19th
(Bilingual staff is available)
Clark Public Library
303 Westfield Avenue, Clark
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, September 25th
Cranford Public Library
224 Walnut Avenue, Cranford
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

“The Division on Aging is dedicated to promoting the self-sufficiency and dignity of our senior community by providing access to essential resources including transportation, home-delivered meals, and caregiving resources,” Commissioner Vice-Chairwoman Lourdes Leon, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging. “We are committed to supporting our elderly residents as they embark on this new chapter of life. Please reach out to our Division on Aging or visit one of our Aging Services Kiosks whenever you have questions or need assistance.”

For more information about the ASK events and any other services for seniors in Union County, contact the Division on Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-888-280-8226 toll-free or visit online at ucnj.org/dhs/aging.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation are calling on residents who cherish the outdoors to make a difference in their community by becoming Trail Stewards through the revitalized Adopt-A-Trail Program. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, nature, and are looking for a meaningful way to give back by helping maintain and preserve the trails that wind through Union County’s beautiful parks.

“As someone who values our natural spaces, I am excited to see the community come together to preserve and enhance the trails that make Union County’s parks so special,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “Becoming a Trail Steward is a wonderful way to give back while enjoying the beauty of our environment.”

To further this initiative, a Trail Stewards Orientation will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the historic Masker’s Barn, nestled within the Deserted Village of the Watchung Reservation. This session will provide prospective Trail Stewards with an overview of the program, indoor training, and a presentation by Union County Park Environmental Services Staff. Attendees will also learn about the specific responsibilities and benefits of becoming a Trail Steward.

Participants in the program are asked to commit to a two-year stewardship, during which they will actively monitor their adopted trails and submit quarterly reports on trail conditions and necessary maintenance. This hands-on involvement will help ensure the continued health and safety of the trail system, benefiting all who visit Union County’s parks.

If you have a passion for nature and want to play an active role in protecting Union County’s natural resources, now is the perfect time to get involved. Sign up for the orientation and take the first step towards becoming a Trail Steward today.

The Union County Adopt-A-Trail Program is designed to engage the community in the stewardship of local parks by providing volunteers with the training and tools they need to monitor and maintain the trails. Trail Stewards play a vital role in keeping these outdoor spaces safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all.

For more information or to sign up, visit https://ucnj.org/trail-stewards-orientation/ or contact Union County Park Environmental Services at park.env.services@ucnj.org or call 908-789-3683.