Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the County will share in a $250,000 state grant to assist in covering transitional costs related to the consolidation of Union County Correctional Facility operations with Essex County. The consolidation of permanent inmate housing with Essex County is expected to save Union County approximately $103 million over the next five years.

“This award recognizes the significant savings to Union County that will be provided by the consolidation of operations with Essex County, and I would like to thank all those who worked to make the transition progress smoothly and on schedule,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) provided the funding through a Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP) Implementation Grant.

“I commend both Union and Essex Counties on implementing this record-breaking cost saving agreement in New Jersey. It is a perfect example of what can be accomplished with shared services when counties come together to achieve greater efficiencies,” said Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “The substantial cost savings realized by the consolidation of correctional services will help alleviate the property tax burden on Essex and Union County residents and businesses.”

“LEAP grants are proving to be a powerful tool by giving local government entities the leverage they need to move shared service agreements forward,” said DLGS Director Jacquelyn Suárez. “And I’m excited to learn that this Implementation Grant has produced the most substantial cost-savings through a shared services agreement in New Jersey to date.”

“For the past three years we have been working with the Murphy Administration on a bi-partisan basis (former Mayor of Harding Township Nicolas Platt is a Republican and former Mayor of Summit Jordan Glatt is a Democrat) to move shared models of governance forward with local leaders to help them defray costs. This county correctional facility consolidation will result in enormous taxpayer savings and is a big win for Union and Essex Counties,” said the two New Jersey Shared Services Czars.

The consolidation reflects broad trends in criminal justice. The number of incarcerated persons in the Union County Correctional Facility fell 67% over the past ten years, from more than 1,000 prisoners to approximately 345 at the beginning of 2021. As a result, detention costs per inmate more than doubled during the same time period.

Part of the Union County Correctional Facility remains in operation as an intake hub and temporary detention facility. Union County will use its portion of the LEAP Implementation Grant to purchase a body imaging scanner for the hub facility.

The five-year memorandum of agreement the County of Union has approved with Essex County to provide jail services has an option for renewal. In addition, the Union County Department of Corrections will become a division of the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

The agreement with Essex County is part of the Commissioner Board’s ongoing efforts to respond to significant changes in the criminal justice system, resulting in a more effective use of public funds.  In 2019, Union County also closed its Juvenile Detention Center, saving $24.6 million a year, sending its detainees to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Free resources to assist with processing property loss, temporary housing, counseling and more, to be held in multiple Union County locations affected by the recent storm

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that the County will be in multiple towns in Union County in the coming weeks to assist residents who were affected by Hurricane Ida. Assistance and case workers will be available to help residents in Cranford on Friday, September 10^th and Rahway on Tuesday, September 14^th. Attendance to both events is free and open to all county residents who need assistance regardless of town of residence.

“Union County is working round the clock to provide all residents who require assistance with what they need to recover from the devastating impact this storm has caused,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We recognize the urgency of the situation, and our staff will be on the ground to assist those affected in a direct and timely fashion so that our residents can get back on their feet as soon as possible.”

Union County Disaster Relief Resource Events will be scheduled at various locations around the County in the coming weeks. Currently, events are scheduled as follows:

Friday, September 10, 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. – Cranford – Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue

Tuesday, September 14, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Rahway – Rahway Community Center, 3 City Hall Plaza

Services and information that will be available to residents at the pop-up locations will include assistance with:

• Assistance processing property damage or loss claims
• Replacing missing documents or identification
• Access to temporary housing
• Food assistance
• Stress Counseling

Representatives from the Union County Clerk’s Office will be on hand to guide with replacing missing documents and identifications. Union County Office of Emergency Management staff will have access to FEMA resources on site. Residents who need transportation within Union County to attend the pop-up events can schedule a ride with Union County Paratransit Services by calling 908-241-8300.

Attendees will also be able to get COVID-19 Vaccinations (Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson) as well as COVID-19 testing at all Disaster Relief Resource Events. Basic Health Screening will also be available.

Upcoming events will be announced as they are scheduled on the County website, ucnj.org and on County social media for the Disaster Relief initiative.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides and administers a broad range of federal, state, county, and grant funded services to all Union County residents.

For more information about the Department of Human Services, visit online at ucnj.org/human-services or contact the DHS Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288 for rapid, personal assistance with any question, complaint or concern about services provided by the Union County Department of Human Services. An email option is also available at DHSaction@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Free series organized by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in collaboration with the Kean University History Department and the Union County Historical Society

Union County history fans are in for a special treat this fall, as the Union County Board of County Commissioners kicks off a new history lecture series in collaboration with the Kean University Department of History and the Union County Historical Society. The free lectures cover a wide variety of topics beginning with “Liberty Hall, Ancient Rome and The Middle Ages: Perfect Together?” presented by Dr. Christopher Bellitto on Wednesday, September 22, at 7:00 p.m., at the new Liberty Hall Academic Center on the Kean University campus, at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

“The new lecture series is an exciting opportunity for new audiences to enjoy and appreciate the insights of university-level historians who have been piecing together a rich, complex picture of Union County history,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I want to thank the Union County Historical Society and Kean University for working with our Office on Cultural and Heritage Affairs for bringing history to life in our community.”

“Liberty Hall, Ancient Rome and the Middle Ages: Perfect Together? will explore the Liberty Hall archives and early American newspapers to describe how John Kean, the first cashier of the U.S. Bank, and William Livingston, New Jersey’s first governor, turned to a Greco-Roman and medieval past for inspiration.

The lecture will also reveal how revolutionary Americans charting a new nation’s future wrapped themselves in the mantle of an epic past.

Dr. Bellitto is Professor of History at Kean University, and the author of ten books. He has also co-edited six volumes of collected essays.

As a frequent speaker and media commentator on religious history and contemporary Catholicism. Dr. Bellitto has been quoted in The New York Times and The Washington Post, among other publications, and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs.

Dr. Bellitto is a member of the Speakers’ Bureau of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities and the former chair of the History Department at Kean. From 2010 to 2012, he was awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities “Enduring Questions” grant.

For more information about the new history lecture series contact John Prescott, History Program Coordinator at the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (908) 436-2912 or by email jprescott@ucnj.org.

The Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs is a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information on all programs and activities visit https://ucnj.org/parks-recreation/cultural-heritage-affairs/.

For a campus map and more information about Kean University, including COVID-19 safety protocols, visit https://www.kean.edu/.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are available through 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.
Connect with Union County on social media.

An Open Letter to Military Personnel Involved with the War in Afghanistan

from

Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of County Commissioners

September, 2021

With the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 nearing, I would like to share a message of hope with our veterans, active duty service members, military families and Gold Star families on behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

The events in Afghanistan over the last several weeks have been shocking. Many of us are hurting and cannot fathom why the end of the war unfolded as it did. But we do know this: your work in this fight, whether deployed or stateside, was truly heroic. You have served our country with honor, with bravery, with dignity, and with an exemplary commitment to the principles of liberty and justice that are the bedrock of our nation.

And so we reaffirm our pledge to support and assist our military veterans and their families, those who served in the war in Afghanistan and many other members of the Union County community with military service.

Please know that the Union County Office of Veteran Services stands ready to answer questions and direct you to resources that meet your particular needs, and you can contact our certified staff at 908-527-4918.

For those with more emergent needs, I encourage you to reach out and connect with the Veterans Administration Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.

And, if you feel more comfortable speaking with a veteran who knows and understands how to work through this time of crisis, please call the Vet2Vet Hotline at 1-866-838-7654.

Finally, we urge veterans and their loved ones to reach out to comrades in arms, family members, friends and organizations who are hurting right now as a result of the recent events in Afghanistan.

Lend them your support, let them know they have the support of the Union County community, and encourage them to reach out for any resources and assistance they may need.

Sincerely,

Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of County Commissioners

Statement from Chairman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners

On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, I urge President Biden and FEMA to revise the New Jersey Disaster Declaration to include Union County. Individuals in Union County as well as local governments need this critical funding to assist in recovery efforts from the impact of the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

With 21 municipalities and almost 600,000 residents, Union County was hit hard in multiple locations with flash floods and fatalities. For many, the situation is dire and critical. This storm, and its aftermath, was in many aspects worse than what our County experienced with Hurricane Sandy. Our residents need this federal assistance to cover uninsured property losses, repairs, temporary housing for those that were displaced and recovery of what, in many cases, are entire livelihoods. Inclusion of Union County in the New Jersey Disaster Declaration is not only necessary, but essential.

This assistance is also needed to develop mitigation efforts so that in the future, the residents of Union County can better weather these literal storms and their aftermaths, but for this to happen, the action and resources must come now. The County is already working to provide resources to our residents where possible, but we cannot and should not have to do this without assistance from FEMA and federal government agencies. Union County will not let its residents recover from this disaster alone and we implore the federal government to recognize Union County within the affected areas covered by the New Jersey Disaster Declaration so that our residents can get the help that they desperately require.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners asks residents who have been impacted to submit their losses on the state website: https://nj.gov/ida/. Union County residents can also call: 1-888-845-3434 or (908) 558-2288.  Residents who call the hotline can report damage but also get assistance with shelter, food, childcare and other resources that may be needed.

Respectfully,

Alexander Mirabella, Chairman

Union County Board of County Commissioners

Union County, NJ — Residents are advised that conditions are still hazardous and travel is limited in parts of Union County following Hurricane Ida.

Residents needing assistance with shelter, food and other resources can call the Union County Department of Human Services Action Line at (888) 845-3434 or (908) 558-2288.

The Action Line is open for extended hours today, Thursday September 2, until 6:00 p.m. Regular hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. will resume on Friday, September 3.

“Please don’t be fooled by today’s good weather. Emergency workers are still engaged in recovery operations from yesterday’s destructive storm. We ask everyone to help out by keeping the roads clear, and keeping an eye out for hazardous conditions,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Flooding in Parks: Flooding and damaged equipment has created hazards in many County parks and other public spaces. Residents are asked not to visit parks today and avoid all other unnecessary travel.



Falling Trees: Trees in parks, along streets and in yards may continue to fall throughout the day, even without windy conditions, as over-saturated ground loosens around their roots.

Union County facilities and programs impacted by the storm — status on Thursday, September 2:

The Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza is closed.



The Union County Courts are closed. Virtual operations will not be conducted.



The Union County Clerk’s office in Elizabeth is closed. The Westfield office is open.



The Union County Surrogate’s office in Elizabeth is closed.



Meals on Wheels will not be delivered.



Recycling: Today’s scrap metal drop-off program has been cancelled at both the Cranford and Rahway locations. The next scheduled drop-off date is Saturday, September 18.



The Trailside Nature & Science Center is closed.



Watchung Stable is closed to visitors. Staff is on site caring for horses.


COVID-19 Tests and Vaccinations


The Union County COVID-19 Call Center is not taking calls today.



The Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University is closed. (appointments have been rescheduled). 



Today’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing event has been rescheduled to Wednesday, September 8th; 3pm to 5pm in Union Township.


Visit ucnj.org/vax for location details, and for information on all of Union County’s upcoming vaccination and testing events. 


Visit ucnj.org for all other information and updates.

Need Assistance?

• Residents needing assistance with shelter, food and other resources can call the Union County Department of Human Services Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.
• Regular hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. will resume on Friday, September 3.

County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza

• Resuming normal operations on Friday.

County Clerk’s Operations

• Resuming normal operations on Friday.

Surrogate Operations

• Resuming normal operations on Friday.

Vaccination and Testing Operations:

• Covid-19 testing at Kean –  Due to inclement weather and flooding on the Kean University Campus, Union County Covid-19 testing for September 2, 2021 will be postponed until Friday, September 3, 2021 between the hours of 8am – 12pm.
• Mobile Vax operation updates below
• Any vaccination appointments for the Dunns Center that were scheduled for Thursday will be moved to next week.

Wednesday, September 1st  – Hillside
Postponed to Saturday, September 4th; Noon to 2pm
Held during “Success Is In The Bag” Back to school Giveaway – First Baptist Church
166 Hillside Avenue
Rain date –  Saturday, September 4th Noon to 2pm
Pfizer / J & J Vaccines offered; Covid testing available

Thursday, September 2nd –   Elizabeth
Postponed to Thursday, September 9th; 3pm to 5pm
Make the Road NJ
42 Broad Street
Pfizer / J & J Vaccines offered; Covid testing available

Thursday, September 2nd  – Union
Postponed to Wednesday, September 8th; 3pm to 5pm
Union (Back to School) Rabkin Park
1 Swanstrom Place E
Pfizer / J & J Vaccines offered; Covid testing available

Recycling Events and Programs

• The scrap metal drop-off program for Thursday, September 2 has been cancelled at both the Cranford and Rahway locations.
• The next scheduled drop-off date is Saturday, September 18.

The remnants of Hurricane Ida are passing through Union County. Please be on the alert for flooded areas, and avoid unnecessary travel tonight.

Visit ucnj.org to see information on Union County programs cancelled or rescheduled due to the storm.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners is providing drop-off locations for residents who wish to donate clothing, toiletries, and other items to Afghan interpreters, their families, and other refugees evacuated from Afghanistan who are being housed at Fort Dix in New Jersey.

“The refugees are seeking peace and security in America, as so many have done before them. Let’s all help ensure they feel safe and welcome,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Items for donation can be brought to the following locations at Union County facilities:

Elizabeth (two locations):

• Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza
• Social Service Building, 342 Westminster Avenue

Mountainside:

• Trailside Museum and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road

Plainfield:

• Social Services Building, 200 West 2^nd Street

Scotch Plains:

• Union County Engineering Building, 2325 South Avenue

Westfield:

• Ralph J. Froehlich Public Safety Building, 400 North Avenue East

Please note that only new items will be accepted for donation. Suggested items include:

Children:

• Diapers
• Clothing
• Formula
• Baby bottles
• Baby wipes
• Soccer balls, blocks and other simple toys
• Shoes
• School supplies – pencils, crayons, notebooks, etc.

Families:

• Bottled water
• Men’s and women’s clothing (scarves and loose-fitting clothes for women)
• Winter coats/jackets/gloves
• Shoes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Wheelchairs, walker, canes
• Towels
• Laundry Detergent
• Toiletries
• Smart phones charging cables
• Grooming kits

When dropping off items, face masks must be worn indoors in accordance with COVID-19 safety rules at Union County facilities.

For additional information on the Union County donation program for Afghan refugees, contact Nathalie Hernandez, Assistant Director, Division of Outreach and Advocacy in the Union County Department of Human Services, at nahernandez@ucnj.org or 908-527-4880.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Free COVID-19 shots and saliva testing to be provided to residents at events in 6 County municipalities

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners informs residents that free COVID-19 vaccines and testing will be available at convenient pop-up clinics throughout the County during the month of September. The upcoming clinics will be held in Rahway, Hillside, Elizabeth, Union Township, Roselle and Scotch Plains.

All residents are strongly urged to get their vaccine as soon as possible as new strains of the virus emerge and spread. Third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for residents who are immunocompromised will also be available at the upcoming mobile clinics.

In addition to free vaccinations, residents can also get a free COVID-19 saliva test at any of the pop-up clinics. Residents can also get vaccinated for COVID-19 at Union County’s vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township.

“We urge unvaccinated residents to make an appointment at any of our vaccination sites as soon as possible and ask that they encourage family and friends to get their shot, too,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Immunocompromised residents who are eligible for a third dose should also make an appointment as soon as possible for added protection.”

Union County began offering pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in local communities earlier this year, in order to reach vulnerable populations including seniors, homeless individuals, and others who would have difficulty traveling to a centralized vaccine site.

“The Board of County Commissioners will continue to provide residents with opportunities for vaccination and testing,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “Easy access to vaccines and testing remains our focus as vaccination is key to keeping Union County residents safe as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and its variants.”

The County’s pop-up program has now expanded to include all age-approved Union County residents. Currently, any resident age 12 and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Eligibility for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines begins at age 18. Those who receive the first dose of a two dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at one of Union County’s Mobile Vaccinations Clinics will receive instructions as to how and when to receive their second dose. Currently, third doses of the two dose vaccines are available for immunocompromised residents.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any of the following clinics, regardless of their home town:

• Wednesday, September 1 in Rahway at 7^th and 8^th Grade Academy, 1139 Kline Place, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Thursday, September 2 in Elizabeth, Make the Road NJ, 42 Broad Street,  3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Saturday, September 4 in Hillside (held during the “Success is in the Bag” Back to School Event) at First Baptist Church. 166 Hillside Avenue, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing).
• Wednesday, September 8 in Union Township, Union (Back to School) Rabkin Park, 1 Swanstrom Place E,  1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Saturday, September 4 in Roselle, Roselle Back to School Drive, 210 Chestnut Street,  12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)
• Saturday, September 18 in Scotch Plains, Scotch Plains Farmer’s Market, 430 Park Avenue,  9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. (Johnson & Johnson/Pfizer vaccines/COVID-19 Saliva Testing)

Appointments at the pop-up clinics can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax.

Residents can also get vaccinated for free at any of Union County’s four vaccine clinics in Elizabeth, Plainfield, and Union Township. COVID-19 vaccines are available by appointment at Union County’s COVID-19 permanent vaccination sites: Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth (currently offering the Pfizer vaccine), Kean University in Union Township (Moderna), and Plainfield High School in Plainfield (Pfizer). COVID-19 Vaccines are also available weekdays on a walk-in basis at the Union County Immunization Clinic located at 40 Parker Road in Elizabeth.

To schedule an appointment at Dunn Sports Center, Kean University or Plainfield High School, create an account online at ucnj.org/vax, or call 908-613-7829 (7VAX) if additional assistance is needed. Residents looking to visit the Immunization Clinic for a free COVID-19 vaccine can walk in Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Union County residents who are home-bound or have difficulty leaving the home can arrange for a home vaccination visit by contacting Union County’s service provider, Mobile Medical Services. Call 1-833-256-2478 during regular weekday business hours to speak with an operator, leave a voice message after hours to receive a callback, or email a callback request to vaccine@mmst.io. Messages are returned on the following business day.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.