Category: Public Info

Registration portal for participating landlords opens on Monday, July 26.

Tenants can begin applying on August 2

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is launching a new grant program to provide financial relief for Union County residents unable to meet their rental obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the new Emergency Rental Assistance Program, eligible tenants can receive up to 12 months of assistance for unpaid back rent and utility bills.

The funds will be awarded to landlords and utility providers on behalf of tenants who are eligible for the grant.

Landlords and tenants are encouraged to register for this program in order to expedite the grant process. The registration portal for landlords will open on Monday, July 26, at ucnj.org/rental-assistance. The application portal for tenants will open on Monday, August 2, also at ucnj.org/rental-assistance.

“Our goal is to get the word out to every building with tenants who are qualified to participate in the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, and get relief to those who need it as quickly as possible. We strongly encourage landlords and tenants to communicate with each other about the availability of relief through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, so applications can be reviewed without delay,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The landlord and the tenant portals will both remain open throughout the application phase of the program. The portals include guidance on assembling the information and documents necessary to apply for funding.

In an effort to reach as many landlords and eligible tenants as possible, the Commissioner Board is advertising the Emergency Rental Assistance Program on television, radio, printed media, online media, and social media

To qualify for Union County Emergency Rental Assistance funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Union County resident primarily responsible for paying rent;
• Make less than 80% of the average median income of Union County (e.g., less than $78,500 for a family of four);
• Experienced a loss of income since March 13, 2020 related to the Covid-19 pandemic;
• Provide required supporting documentation (copies of identification, tax returns, lease or other proof of income/residence may be acceptable, etc.).

Once the application is submitted, applicants will be notified of the funding decision. If approved, the funds will be provided to the landlord or utility provider on their behalf.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is funded through the Federal CARES Act for COVID-19 emergency relief. Additional CARES Act programs created by the Commissioner Board include child care assistance for low-income families and respite assistance for those caring for children with special needs and disabilities, and as well as grants for libraries, schools, restaurants and other small businesses, and non-profit organizations.

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.

Statement addressing the ongoing pro-democracy protests in the Caribbean Island nation

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners stands in solidarity with the people of Cuba as they continue to exercise their right to protest peacefully against their government.  Thousands of Cubans have taken to the streets to demand the end of the communist dictatorship as they struggle with an economic crisis and food shortages made worse by the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Commissioner Board supports the efforts of the Cuban people during this tumultuous time,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “After over six decades of communist rule, their chants for freedom should be heard.”

Protestors have been vocal about their discontent regarding Cuba’s economic crisis, lack of basic supplies like utilities and food, restrictions on their civil liberties and the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The protests began Sunday, July 11, and spread to more than 40 cities across the island.

In response, the Cuban government enacted an internet shutdown, complicating efforts by global media outlets to obtain information about conditions on the ground. Since Wednesday, July 14, internet access has been restored with limited capacity. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and What’s App remain blocked. Hundreds have been detained by Cuban Authorities or declared missing by activism groups.

U.S. President Joe Biden has called on the Cuban regime to “hear their people and serve their needs at this vital moment.”

“As Commissioner born in Cuba and duly elected through a fully democratic process in this country that accepted me and my family with the promise of equality and the American Dream, my heart and support is with the Cuban people at this time,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “The basic rights those protestors in Cuba are demanding are paramount to true democracy and freedom and I am proud that this Commissioner Board recognizes in solidarity what they are fighting for.”​

“I grew up with ‘grandparents’ who were from Cuba and heard stories as a child about the government and restrictions,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “A Democratic government is fundamental for a functioning society with freedom of expression and ample access to basic human needs such as food and medical care. This fight has persisted for decades and we stand in unity with the Cuban people in their peaceful protests. We are hopeful for the safe return of those detained in their pursuit for a just and democratic government in Cuba.”

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.

Former drive-up test service now operating on a walk-up basis; appointments are still required (updated 7-19-21).

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners announces that starting Monday, July 19 the Union County COVID-19 Test Center located at Kean University will operate on a walk-up only basis at Downs Hall at Kean University. Residents wishing to be tested for COVID-19 can do so by visiting Downs Hall on the Kean University campus, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union Township.

The walk-up service makes it easy and convenient for residents to get tested. Book an appointment online at ucnj.org/testing or call 908-214-7107, then walk, bike, take mass transit, or drive to Kean University. Those arriving by car can park on campus free of charge (updated 7-19-21).

“With the new variants, testing continues to be an important tool in our fight against COVID-19,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to continue to offer this free service in a new format and encourage all residents get tested if they have been exposed or if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.”

Testing will now be walk-up only at Downs Hall and those wishing to be tested will have to enter the building and will be guided through the test process which consists of a self-administered nasal swab. The nasal swab provides results for the COVID-19 virus, Influenza A, and Influenza B, all on the same swab.

The hours of operation for the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University are:

Monday – 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Thursday – 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Appointments can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/testing or by calling 908-214-7107

The Union County COVID-19 Test Center opened in March of 2020 as the first County-run testing site in the State of New Jersey. Since then, over 153,000 PCR tests have been administered at the site.

Testing is available to all Union County residents who wish to be tested, whether or not they are experiencing symptoms. It is free of charge, regardless of whether you have insurance or not.

It is also available to all first responders and frontline health workers who are asymptomatic and that work in Union County, regardless of their residence.

Testing is also available to first responders and frontline health workers who live and work outside the County, but reside in New Jersey.

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.

Union County, NJ – Visitors to Union County parks can take a walk back through history, as a traveling display of historical photographs makes its way from one park to another this summer. The unique outdoor exhibit celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the Union County Parks system.

The exhibit is currently on display at Warinanco Park in Roselle, and next week it will visit Oak Ridge Park in Clark. Update: the exhibit is at Conant Park in Hillside, August 23-27.

“These photographs document the tremendous effort that has gone into preserving land for public recreation and nature conservation in our community, ever since the first County-owned parks were established 100 years ago,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope the exhibit inspires visitors to carry on this legacy, and help preserve and protect our parks for the next generation.”

The first parks in Union County’s park system were constructed in the 1920’s, as local conservationists became alarmed over the impacts of rapid development in the area. The initial plans called for five parks and 2,000 acres of preserved land, a number that quickly grew to just over 4,000 acres by 1930.

Since then, generations of Union County voters have approved a series of measures to create new parks and add more land to the park system.

The Union County park system today consists of 36 parks totaling almost 6,200 acres, containing lakes and streams for fishing and boating along with hiking trails, paved multi-use paths, athletic fields, golf courses, and many unique features including an Olympic scale archery range, the Watchung public riding stables, the Trailside Nature and Science Center, and the Deserted Village of Feltville.

For more information about Union County parks, including information about the Adopt-a-Park volunteer program, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation or call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, 908-527-4900.

Quick links to all Union County environmental programs and activities are available at The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connection.

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.

New app provides users with instant access to their immunization records.

Union County, NJ – Docket is a free new app for mobile devices that helps take the sting out of losing a COVID-19 vaccination card, by providing all the information at the touch of a button.

“The COVID-19 vaccination card is a small document that can be easily lost, damaged, or misplaced. Having your immunization records on the Docket mobile app is an easy, convenient way to ensure that information is at your fingertips whenever you need it,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Docket is offered through the New Jersey Department of Health in an effort to provide residents with easy access to their vaccination records. It is available as a free download in both English and Spanish, through the App Store or Google Play sites.

The highly infectious Delta variant is potentially causing a new wave of COVID-19 infections in New Jersey and elsewhere. The Commissioner Board strongly urges residents who have not been vaccinated to get their jab as soon as possible.

Ample supplies of vaccine are available in Union County, and making an appointment is quick and easy.

Visit ucnj.org/vax or contact the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7829 to book an appointment at any one of Union County’s free COVID-19 vaccine sites.

Union County currently runs three permanent vaccine sites with regular hours at the Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth, at Kean University in Union Township, and at Plainfield High School in Plainfield.

In addition, the County’s mobile vaccination unit visits local neighborhoods. Upcoming visits include Plainfield, Roselle Park, Hillside, and Elizabeth. For a complete list with locations and hours of operation visit ucnj.org/covid19/vaccinations-page.

Residents who are home bound or who have difficulty leaving the home may be eligible for a home vaccination visit. To find out about eligibility, call the Union County Division on Aging and Disability Resources 1-888-280-8226 during regular weekday business hours.

The Docket app has been approved by the US Centers for Disease Control, and adheres to federal and state standards for data security and privacy. It is currently used in New Jersey and Utah. Plans are under way to roll it out in additional states.

The app is available to New Jersey residents who received their COVID-19 vaccination in New Jersey.

For more information about the Docket app, view the New Jersey Department of Health press release online. FAQs for the app are also available online in pdf format.

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.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to inform our residents of our Farmers Market Voucher program. Farmers Market vouchers are available to eligible Union County seniors and will be distributed by mail, due to ongoing concerns regarding Covid-19.

To be eligible, seniors must be age 60 and older. A single person’s annual income cannot exceed $1,986 per month and a married couple’s combined income may not exceed $2,686 per month.

“Our local Farmers Markets are community gathering places, and the voucher program helps eligible seniors participate in a popular social activity while also adding a healthy variety of fresh produce to their diets, and supporting farmers, too,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each eligible senior can obtain five vouchers worth $6.00 each for a total of $30.00 to purchase “Jersey Fresh” fruits, vegetables and herbs at Farmers Markets that display the black and yellow WIC posters.

Eligible seniors can request a voucher application form by calling the Union County Division on Aging, 908-527-4870 or 888-280-8226, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Requests can also be submitted after hours and on weekends, by leaving a voice message including name, address, and phone contact, or by emailing the information to Kathleen Malkiewicz, Nutrition Program Director, at kmalkiewicz@ucnj.org. Ms. Malkiewicz may also be reached at 908-527-4877 during office hours.

Please note that seniors who have submitted an application last year do not need to reapply and should call Union County Division on Aging, 908-527-4870 or 888-280-8226 to receive this year’s vouchers.

A limited number of vouchers are available and applications will be evaluated on a “first-come first-served” basis.

Face coverings and social distance may be required when visiting Farmers Market sites during this summer season.

Participating Farmers Market in Union County are located in:

• Cranford (Dreyer Farms, 831 Springfield Avenue)
• Elizabeth (Elizabeth Avenue Farmers’ Market, Union Square between Elizabeth Avenue and High Street)
• Kenilworth (455 Boulevard)
• Plainfield (Watchung Avenue and East 6th Street, across from City Hall)
• Rahway (Rahway Farmer’s Market, at NJ Transit Train Station Plaza
• Roselle Park (Roselle ark Farmers’ Market, at Chestnut Street and East Grant Avenue)
• Scotch Plains (Scotch Plains Farmers’ Market, Municipal Parking Lot at 430 Park Avenue)
• Springfield (66 Mountain Avenue)
• Summit (Park & Shop #2, at Maple Street and DeForest Avenue)
• Westfield (NJ Transit Railroad Station, North Avenue Parking Lot)

For more information about the Farmers’ Market nutrition program, or any services provided by the Division of Aging and Disability Resource in the Union County Department of Human Services, call 1-888-280-8226, or visit online at ucnj.org/aging. Please note that in-person services may be limited or modified due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

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.

Updated: The August 24 screening of Aladdin has been moved to Thursday, August 26.

Free outdoor movies will be presented in Union County parks this summer on a walk-in, sit-down basis; no pre-registration required.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners would like to invite all residents to the next outdoor movie night in Union County’s “Family Fun and Flix” series. The series continues with Scoob! on July 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Warinanco Park in Roselle.

“Union County’s Family Fun and Flix series provides families with a convenient, affordable way to get together for outdoor activities,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Be sure to join us with a blanket or beach chair to claim a spot on the lawn.”

“Scoob!” is an animated mystery comedy film that was released in 2020. Based on the Scooby-Doo franchise, this reboot stars the voices of Will Forte, Gina Rodriguez, Zac Efron, and Amanda Seyfried as a group of four teenagers and a dog on a quest to solve mysteries.

The movie will begin at dusk. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the family-friendly dance party before the movie, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

An ice cream truck will be on site for attendees who wish to purchase a snack.

Movies will be shown on a weather-permitting basis. In case of bad weather, the rain date for each event will be the following Wednesday night.

The remainder dates for the 2021 Family Fun & Flix movie schedule are:

Scoob: July 20 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

The Croods: A New Age: July 27 at Rahway Park in Rahway

Tom and Jerry: August 10 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

Black Panther:   August 17 at Warinanco Park in Roselle

Aladdin – live action:  August 26 at Conant Park in Hillside (please note, this event was originally scheduled for August 24; it has been moved to August 26 at Conant Park in Hillside).

For more information, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4900 or visit the Union County website; www.ucnj.org.

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.

Any Union County voter may use any of these locations for early in-person voting. Six sites are confirmed and a seventh site will be added.

Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises Union County residents that six locations have been selected for those wishing to cast their vote early in person for the 2021 General Election. Any registered, Union County voter can use any of these sites to vote in-person, by machine from Saturday, October 23 through Sunday, October 31. A seventh location will be added and announced in the coming weeks.

“New Jersey has expanded voters’ rights by introducing early voting for the 2021 General Election,” said Ms. DiRado. “We encourage voters to use early voting, or a vote by mail ballot, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day.  Making a plan to cast your vote is important and there are now more options in New Jersey than ever before.”

The six confirmed locations are:

• Sampson Community Center, 800 Anna Street, Elizabeth
• DeCorso Senior Center, 15 E. 4^th Street, New Providence
• Plainfield Board of Education Administration Building, 1200 Myrtle Avenue, Plainfield
• Amalfe Community Center, 1268 Shaffer Avenue, Roselle
• Union Township Senior Center, 652 Rahway Avenue, Union
• The Westfield Armory, 500 Rahway Avenue, Westfield

All of these early voting locations will be open during the following hours:

• Saturday, October 23,  10am – 8pm
• Sunday, October 24, 10am – 6pm
• Monday, October 25, 10am – 8pm
• Tuesday, October 26, 10am – 8pm
• Wednesday, October 27, 10am – 8pm
• Thursday, October 28, 10am – 8pm
• Friday, October 29, 10am – 8pm
• Saturday, October 30, 10am – 8pm
• Sunday, October 31, 10am – 6pm

Upon arriving at an early voting location, voters will sign in on an electronic poll book.  The electronic poll book will print a bar code on the ballot card so the voting machine knows which ballot to activate.  Voters will then insert their ballot card into the voting machine in order to cast their vote.

Please note that these locations are for machine voting only. Vote by mail ballots cannot be submitted at these locations.

Voters who plan to use a vote by mail ballot can deposit it in any of the Board of Elections secure drop boxes in Union County, return it to the Board of Elections by U.S. Postal Service, or hand-deliver it to the Board of Elections office in Elizabeth by November 2, 2021 at 8pm.

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 2, must use their designated polling place.

For more information, including a list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the Board of Elections online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.

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.

Department of Parks and Recreation receives sixth NACo Award in 3 years

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the Department of Parks and Recreation received a 2021 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for “Bringing Nature and History to the Homebound and Disabled Program”. The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. The Award was presented to County Officials on Sunday, July 11 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Prince George’s County, MD.

During the COVID-19 pandemic when restrictions closed many County facilities, the Department of Department of Parks and Recreation launched a two-prong program. The Trailside Nature & Science Center produced a host of online nature programs and the Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs created a series of video tours of historic sites.

“The Board of County Commissioners is proud that our Department of Parks and Recreation has received its sixth NACo Acheivement Award since 2018. It’s especially noteworthy that Union County is one of only three counties in the State of New Jersey to receive an award in 2021,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We look forward to having residents of all ages enjoy these virtual programs to further their education of the history and natural heritage that Union County has to offer.”

The online nature programs and virtual tours can be found on the County website at ucnj.org. The Trailside productions allow for residents to learn all about bugs and birds, along with other wildlife adventures online. The multiple virtual tour options include a “visit” to Boxwood Hall in Elizabeth, where George Washington dined with his old friend Elias Boudinot before heading to New York to be sworn in as the nation’s first president. This menu of engaging and universally accessible virtual resources will become a permanent resource of Union County.

“During the pandemic the Department of Parks and Recreation was able to effectively pivot and adjust their programs so that our residents could continue to benefit from what the County has to offer,” said County Commissioner and Chair of the Parks and Programming Committee, Andrea Staten. “The Board of County Commissioners congratulates all those that worked towards making this program an award winning success.”

Since 2018, Union County Department of Parks and Recreation has received six NACo Awards for the programming developed, including:

2018 – Feltville Interpretation Program

2018 – Embracing our Historic Legacy

2019 – Experiencing Nature, Experiencing Play: Taking Inclusive From Lip Service to Reality

2020 – Engaging Children in our History

2020 – Every Kid in a Park

2021 – Bringing Nature and History to the Homebound and Disabled

For more information on Union County Parks call 908-527-4900, email parksinfo@ucnj.org or visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/.

Nationally, NACo awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more. For more information on the National Association of Counties, visit naco.org.

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.