The Union County Housing Choice Voucher Program opened the waiting list on June 1 at 9AM. The public notice stated that 500 applications would be accepted. When 500 applications were received at 9:08AM, the portal stopped allowing access to the application. Persons with applications in process at that time were allowed to complete their application and were added to the list which is now much larger than originally anticipated.
Please note: submitted applications cannot be changed. If your current mailing address changes, you should notify the program administrator Development Directions, LLC in writing, at 1600 St. Georges Ave, Rahway, NJ 07065.
The waiting list is accessed as vouchers become available. There is no way to determine how long it will take to work through the waiting list. You may be contacted within several months or it could take several years.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners has approved a contract with River North Transit, LLC (Via), a leading provider of public mobility solutions, to launch a new on-demand micro-transit pilot program designed to expand transportation access and connectivity for Union County residents.
The one-year pilot program, beginning in Summer 2026, will introduce a flexible, technology-based public transportation service operating within a defined service zone centered around the intersection of State Route 28 and South Avenue (County Route 610). The service area will cover approximately a 1.5-mile radius and serve more than 35,000 residents.
“Union County continues to look for innovative ways to improve mobility, accessibility, and quality of life for our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “This pilot program will help us better understand how modern, on-demand transportation options can complement existing transit services while expanding access to jobs, healthcare, and other essential destinations for residents throughout the community.”
Micro-transit is an on-demand shared transportation service that uses technology and dynamic routing to connect riders to destinations more efficiently. Riders will be able to request trips through a mobile app, web portal, or telephone service, with the system assigning nearby virtual pickup and drop-off locations to help reduce wait times, minimize detours, and optimize routes.
The program is intended to help address transportation barriers related to employment, healthcare access, shopping, and first- and last-mile connections to existing public transportation services.
“I’m pleased to partner with the County to bring micro-transit services to Westfield,” said Westfield Mayor Jeremy Berman. “As we continue to pursue meaningful approaches to reducing traffic and bringing last-mile transit solutions to the community, I’m optimistic that this innovative pilot program will help make transportation more efficient for our residents.”
The County selected River North Transit (Via) through a competitive contracting process. Via currently operates micro-transit programs across New Jersey and recently completed its three millionth micro-transit trip statewide. The company partners with municipalities and transit agencies nationwide to provide technology-enabled public mobility services.
Under the agreement, Via will provide a turnkey transportation solution that includes vehicles, drivers, scheduling technology, customer service, maintenance, community engagement, and performance reporting. The service will operate at minimum Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and will be accessible to riders with disabilities in compliance with ADA requirements.
County officials noted the pilot program will also allow Union County to evaluate future transportation opportunities and identify additional ways to improve local transit connectivity and accessibility.
More information regarding the program, including launch details, service hours, and rider information, will be announced prior to the official rollout later this summer.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites arts organizations and other nonprofits to attend a free professional development workshop, Strengthen Your Organization through Advocacy and Civic Collaborations, on Tuesday, June 16 at 3:30 pm. The session is hosted by the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, and will be conducted via Zoom.
“Arts organizations play an important role in strengthening our communities, enriching cultural life, and bringing people together,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This workshop gives nonprofit leaders valuable tools to build partnerships, engage with local government, and advocate for the resources they need to continue serving residents. We are proud to support opportunities that help our arts and cultural organizations grow and thrive throughout Union County.”
The 75-minute workshop is presented by staff from ArtPride New Jersey, which advances, promotes, and advocates for the arts and for arts organizations — including work to increase arts funding at local, state and national levels. Attendees will learn valuable, actionable steps for leveraging civic engagement, developing beneficial cross-sector collaborations, and connecting with local officials and local agencies, to fortify their own arts organizations over the long haul. The presenters will involve participants in ArtPride’s initiative to increase communication and share information with municipal leaders about the many ways arts and culture improve community life.
Vincent Hall, Director of Advocacy Operations at ArtPride, leads advocacy and governmental affairs on the federal level. He will present the workshop with Vanessa Ramalho, Director of External Relations, who supports ArtPride’s advocacy and government affairs work, leading efforts to move forward legislative priorities that support the arts in New Jersey.
Organizations interested in attending this free workshop can register at ucnj.org/artpride.
Organizations that receive funding through Union County’s Local Arts Grant (LAP), History Grant, and HEART (History Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant are encouraged to attend. Other non-profit organizations based in New Jersey are also welcome.
This workshop is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, contact the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, an office of the Department of Parks and Recreation, at culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Human Services’ Division on Aging are continuing the distribution of Senior Farmers Market vouchers with new dates in June. Eligible seniors ages 60 and over are invited to visit designated locations to obtain vouchers that provide access to fresh, healthy produce and support our community farmers.
“Everyone deserves access to fresh and nutritious food. The Farmers Market Nutrition Program helps us close the gap for seniors living on fixed incomes to a healthier diet,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We want to encourage all eligible individuals not to wait until it is too late and apply soon.”
To be eligible, seniors must be 60 years of age or older, live in Union County, and provide proof of age and residency. A single person’s monthly income may not exceed $2,461 per month, and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $3,337 per month.
The Division on Aging will distribute vouchers on the following dates and locations in June:
June 5 – Summit Community Center – 100 Morris Avenue, Summit
June 11 – Westfield Community Center – 558 West Broad Street, Westfield
All location hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Residents from the following municipalities can reach out to their local Community or Senior Center to obtain Senior Farmers Market vouchers:
Hillside – Hillside Senior Center – 908-355-8928
Roselle – Roselle Recreation Department – 908-259-3036
Roselle Park – Casano Community Center – 908-245-0666
Plainfield – Plainfield Senior Citizens Center – 908-753-3506
Rahway – Rahway Senior Citizens Center – 732-827-2016
“These vouchers not only provide a vital resource and social outlet for seniors, they also help boost our economy and assist local farmers in building meaningful relationships with our community,” said Commissioner James E. Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.
A limited number of vouchers are available, and applications will be considered on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Vouchers must be used by November 30, 2026.
For more information on the 2026 Farmers Market Nutrition program and other services for seniors in Union County, please 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 is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Open Space Grant programs: the Kids Recreation Grant and the Greening Grant. These grant opportunities are available to all 21 municipalities and are designed to support outdoor recreation, environmental sustainability, and community enhancement initiatives throughout Union County.
“Programs like these help create the kinds of spaces that bring people together and improve everyday life for our residents,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “Whether it is upgrading a playground, adding trees to a neighborhood, or improving shared public spaces, these grants help municipalities continue building stronger and healthier communities across Union County.”
The 2026 programs include:
• Kids Recreation Grant – Supports the development and improvement of local recreational facilities and programs that directly benefit children.
• Greening Grant – Provides funding for municipalities to plant trees and enhance green spaces, contributing to cleaner air and healthier communities.
“Local officials know what their communities need most, and these grants help turn those ideas into real projects,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “Over the years, we’ve seen municipalities use this funding to create welcoming recreational areas, expand tree coverage, and improve public spaces in ways that residents can immediately see and enjoy.”
Applications for the Kids Recreation Grant and Greening Grant are now open and must be submitted by August 3, 2026. To learn more and access the application portal, visit https://ucnj.org/trust-fund-grants/.
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.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites seniors, their families, and caregivers to the upcoming Aging Services Kiosk (ASK) events this June to explore the wide range of senior programs and resources available. These events allow attendees to meet face-to-face with experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including form completion. Bilingual staff will be available on all dates to provide support in Spanish.
“Our county believes in empowering seniors to live independent and dignified lives, which is why this initiative has been so popular for the past decade,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “I strongly encourage seniors and caregivers to take advantage of this opportunity to speak to a live professional and get the support you need today.”
The Aging Services Kiosk is operated explicitly by the Division on Aging, a branch of the Union County Department of Human Services. It offers adults aged 60 and older, along with their caregivers, a friendly and convenient avenue to discover valuable programs and services and speak individually with a Division on Aging professional.
Staff at ASK locations can 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 ASK kiosk, regardless of their hometown. No appointment or pre-registration is needed. Below are the upcoming ASK events in June:
Thursday, June 18th Rahway Public Library 2 City Hall Plaza, Rahway 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesday, June 24th Cranford Public Library 224 Walnut Avenue. Cranford 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
“This program wouldn’t be as remarkably successful without the outstanding staff at our Division on Aging. Their dedication to Union County seniors and caregivers is unmatched,” said Commissioner James Baker, Liaison to the Advisory Council on Aging.
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 atucnj.org/dhs/aging.
In recognition of Pride Month this June, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will host their annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, June 1 at 12:30pm on the steps outside the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
“This flag raising is an opportunity to come together with pride and unity as we honor the many contributions of LGBTQ+ residents throughout our county,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Pride Month is a time to celebrate love, individuality, and community, and we’re proud to come together each year to raise the Pride flag.”
Commissioner Bodek will be joined by Master of Ceremonies, Commissioner Vice-Chair Rebecca L. Williams, Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, and the Executive Director of Hudson Pride Center, Elizabeth Schedl, all of whom will offer remarks during the event. The National Anthem will be performed by the Choral Art Society of New Jersey.
In addition to the Pride Flag Raising, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites all residents to the third annual Union County LGBTQ+ Pride 5K and Color Run on Saturday, June 6th at Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark. Registration will begin at 8:00am, and the 5K and Color Run kick off at 9:00am.
For more information about these events, and to stay updated on additional Pride Month events in Union County, please visit www.ucnj.org/lgbtq.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce the return of free swimming lessons for county youth ages 3 through 12, in collaboration with The Gateway Family YMCA. The valuable program will take place at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool, located at 3 Park Drive in Clark. The program runs from July 7 through August 27, 2026.
“Knowing our children are equipped with swimming skills and can safely participate in water activities over the summer can bring us parents and grandparents great peace of mind,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity once again to families all over the county free of charge, making this valuable life skill more accessible for our most vulnerable residents. I encourage parents to check their eligibility for this program and apply.”
Class sizes are limited to ensure a safe and personalized experience. Youth classes are capped at 6 participants per session. Class Schedule & Details are as follows:
Youth Beginner Classes (ages 3-5 and 6-12) Tuesdays, July 7 – August 25 6:00 PM – 6:40 PM: Ages 3–5
Thursdays, July 9 – August 27 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM: Ages 3–5 9:45 AM – 10:25 PM: Ages 6-12
Youth Basic Classes (ages 3–5 and 6–12) Tuesdays, July 7 – August 25 6:45 PM – 7:25 PM: Ages 6–12
Thursdays, July 9 – August 27 9:00 AM – 9:40 AM: Ages 6-12 9:45 AM – 10:25 PM: Ages 3-5 10:30 AM – 11:10 AM: Ages 6-12
To qualify, children must reside in low-income households and provide proof of eligibility at the time of enrollment. Acceptable qualifying criteria include participation in programs such as TANF, SNAP, the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, Medicare Part D, SSI, Head Start or Early Head Start, WIC, Section 8 Housing, LIHEAP, or Pell Grants, or living in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT). Please note: registration will not be confirmed without proof of eligibility.
The 2026 Free Youth Swimming Lessons Program has been funded by the Office of Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.
“Our Office of Open Space, Recreation, and Historic Preservation was built for the development and backing of programs like this – where inclusivity leads the way, opening doors for residents, and where our children can learn essential life skills while also having a fun and rewarding experience,” said Union County Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Chairman of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Committee.
To view updated registration details and fill out your application, visit ucnj.org/swim. For more information, contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents and nature fans of all ages to help name the newest peregrine falcon chicks living atop the historic Union County Courthouse Tower in Elizabeth. Members of the public can now cast their votes online at www.ucnj.org/falcon by choosing two patriotic names for the chicks in celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. Voting will remain open through June 12.
The eight names selected for the public vote are: Liberty, Patriot, Justice, Glory, America, Independence “Indy,” Valor, and Anthem.
“Every year, the Falcon Cam gives residents a unique opportunity to experience wildlife and nature right here in the heart of Union County,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “This year’s naming contest is a fun way to celebrate our nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary while also helping educate residents about the importance of protecting endangered species. We are proud to continue our partnership with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey to share the story of these remarkable birds with viewers here in Union County and around the world.”
Residents can watch the falcon family live through Union County’s free Falcon Cam livestream, the only live peregrine falcon cam in New Jersey. The livestream provides two live camera views of the nest and surrounding rooftop area. Since the installation of the Union County Falcon Cam in 2016, viewers have followed the lives of Mango, the male peregrine falcon, and his mates as they successfully raised multiple generations of chicks atop the courthouse tower.
This year’s nesting season brought unexpected twists, territorial battles, and ultimately, a remarkable new chapter for Union County’s falcon family.
Sadly, as of mid-June 2025, Frida, the longtime female falcon who occupied the nest for six years and successfully raised 26 chicks with Mango, disappeared after being pushed out during a territorial dispute with another female falcon.
Soon after, a federally banded female falcon identified as 1947-31215 appeared at the nest site. With assistance from New Jersey State Biologist Kathy Clark, researchers determined the falcon hatched in 2016 and had previously been captured at JFK Airport before being transported and released in New Paltz, New York. She was later named “Lizzie” in honor of the City of Elizabeth.
Between March 23rd and April 2nd, Lizzie laid five eggs while viewers watched ongoing territorial disputes unfold live on camera. By mid-April, another unbanded female successfully claimed the highly sought-after nest site and was later named “Betsy,” in honor of Elizabeth “Betsy” Ross, who was born in New Jersey and is credited with sewing the first American flag.
With the frequent disruption surrounding the nest, many viewers feared the eggs would not hatch. But on May 11th, viewers watching the livestream witnessed the first chick emerge, followed by a second hatchling on May 13th.
Since then, Betsy and Mango have continued caring for the chicks together, keeping them warm and delivering a steady supply of food while thousands of viewers follow the falcon family online each day.
In addition to the livestream, the Union County Falcon Cam website features:
• Recent nest updates and news
• A history of Union County’s peregrine falcons dating back to 2005
• Educational classroom resources for teachers
• Information on helping protect peregrine falcons, which remain on New Jersey’s Endangered Species List
• A wildlife biologist Q&A feature through the Conserve Wildlife Foundation
• Kids Korner educational activities
• Behind-the-scenes footage from camera and microphone installations atop the courthouse
• Updated photos, videos, and interactive activities
Peregrine falcons once thrived throughout New Jersey and the eastern United States until the widespread use of the pesticide DDT devastated the population beginning in the 1950s. Following the federal ban of DDT in 1973 and decades of conservation work, peregrine falcons successfully returned to New Jersey through statewide reintroduction efforts launched in the 1980s.
For more information about Union County Falcon Cam and to cast your vote, visit www.ucnj.org/falcon.
For information about additional nature education programs offered by Union County, visit www.ucnj.org/trailside. For more information about the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, visit www.conservewildlifenj.org.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the County’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan is now publicly available online after being adopted by the County Commissioners at the April 30th Union County Commissioner meeting. The plan represents a major step forward in advancing roadway safety, improving transportation infrastructure, and supporting collaborative safety initiatives throughout Union County. It was funded with a grant from the US Dept of Transportation via the SS4A program.
The SS4A Action Plan identifies potential safety improvements along 20 corridors within the County roadway network and serves as a long-term guide for reducing serious injuries and fatalities on local roads. Developed through extensive analysis, stakeholder coordination, and public engagement, the plan also supports updates to the County’s Transportation Policy, the adoption of a Complete Streets Policy, and the establishment of a Vision Zero goal. The County Commisioners also adopted the Complete Streets Policy and the Vision Zero goal at the April 30th meeting.
“The safety of everyone traveling throughout Union County, whether by car, bicycle, public transit, or on foot, remains a top priority,” said Union County Commissioner Chair Joseph C. Bodek. “This Action Plan gives us a strong framework to continue improving roadway safety while working collaboratively with our municipalities and regional partners to pursue meaningful infrastructure improvements and future funding opportunities.”
While not every recommendation identified in the plan will be implemented directly by the County, many projects will involve collaboration with municipalities or be led at the local level. The Action Plan also positions Union County to pursue additional federal and state transportation funding opportunities for future safety enhancements.
“By completing this Action Plan, Union County has created an important roadmap for future transportation safety improvements,” said Ed Oatman, Union County Manager. “The level of detail and analysis included in this plan reflects a tremendous collaborative effort and gives the County and its municipal partners a valuable tool for identifying priority projects, improving roadway conditions, and pursuing grant funding opportunities that will benefit residents for years to come.”
Union County is already pursuing a federal SS4A implementation grant for one corridor identified in the plan and is working with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) regarding a potential Highway Safety Improvement Program application for another corridor.
The Action Plan was recently reviewed by NJTPA representatives and fellow County Engineers throughout New Jersey and has been recognized as one of the most comprehensive and detailed SS4A plans completed in the state.
The project was developed with support from consulting firms WSP, Michael Baker International, and Mercer Planning Associates. Internally, the initiative was spearheaded by Assistant County Engineer Bernice Dieter in collaboration with Dan Loomis from the City of Elizabeth. The full Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan can be viewed online at https://ucnj.org/safe-streets/action-plan/.
