Category: Public Info

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Union County Board of Elections Advises Residents on Additional Vote-by-Mail Options for General Election

More drop boxes will be available; voters can also hand-deliver their ballots to polling places on Election Day.

Union County, NJ – Union County Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado advises voters in Union County that there will be additional opportunities to cast Vote-by-Mail ballots prior to and on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, under new statewide rules established by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s Executive Order 177.

“The measures outlined in the new Executive Order will provide more options for Union County voters to cast a Vote-by-Mail ballot in this important presidential election, while protecting themselves and the Union County community against infection by the COVID-19 virus,” said Ms. DiRado.

Under the new Executive Order which was signed by Governor Murphy on Friday, August 14, 2020, all active, registered voters will automatically receive a Vote-by-Mail ballot in advance of Election Day.

Voters are strongly advised to fill out their Vote-by-Mail ballot as soon as they receive it, and return it prior to Election Day by any of these methods:

Use the postage-paid ballot return envelope to mail the ballot to the Board of Elections through the U.S. Postal Service. Voters who choose this method are especially urged to fill out and mail their ballot promptly, in order to account for any unforeseen delays in mail delivery. Note: ballots postmarked on or before November 3 will be counted, if they are received by the Board of Elections by November 10. Ballots without a postmark will also be counted, but only if they are received by November 5.
Drop off the ballot at a designated, secure drop box. Union County had five drop boxes for the Primary Election and will add at least five more for the General Election, for a total of at least 10. Each drop box will be located at a facility that is under 24/7 surveillance. Further, ballots deposited in a drop box are picked up daily by a bipartisan team of employees of the Union County Board of Elections.
Deliver the ballot by hand to the Union County Board of Elections office in Elizabeth, at 271 North Broad Street. Ballots may also be hand delivered to the Union County Clerk’s Office at either 2 Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth or 300 North Avenue East, Westfield. Voters wishing to hand deliver their ballots must present either a NJ Driver’s License or a NJ-issued Identification Card, pursuant to existing statutes.
Designate a person to deliver your ballot for you (follow the instructions on the Vote-by-Mail ballot to designate a ballot bearer; by law, one ballot bearer may deliver up to three ballots for other voters).

On Election Day, Tuesday November 3, the Union County Election Board and the ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8:00 p.m.

Voters can also drop off their Vote-by-Mail ballots at their designated polling place on Election Day. A full list of polling place and drop box locations will be available by September 15, 2020 ucnj.org/boe.

Voters without a Vote-by-Mail ballot can vote in person at their designated polling place on Election Day. All in-person voters will be required to fill out a provisional paper ballot at their polling place. ADA-compliant voting machines will be available only for people with disabilities who cannot use a provisional paper ballot.

For additional instructions and reminders on filling out a Vote-by-Mail ballot, visit the Board of Elections online.

To contact the Board of Elections call 908-527-4123 or email ucboe@ucnj.org.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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.

Public Info

Union County to Resume Child Safety Seat Inspection Program on August 19

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board informs residents that the Child Safety Seat Inspection Center will resume operation beginning Wednesday, August 19. Safety Seat inspections are conducted at the Garwood First Aid Squad, located at 401 2^nd Avenue, every Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

“The Child Safety Seat Inspection Program is a potentially life-saving service that has provided thousands of Union County residents with the opportunity to understand the requirements of New Jersey state law while working to keep our youngest residents safe in motor vehicles,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Safety seat inspections will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. Everyone, including children, is required to wear a mask and practice social distancing with others attending the inspection facility. It is recommended that whenever possible, only parents/caregivers and children essential to the inspection attend.

Certified child passenger safety technicians will check the car seat for proper installation and educate parents and guardians on using the seat correctly. Parents and caregivers should be prepared to assist with the installation of the car seats, unless they are elderly or physically incapable. Residents coming for an inspection are asked to read the owner’s manuals for both their vehicle and the car seat and attempt to install the seat before arriving.

The proper use and installation of child safety seats is one of the most effective methods for protecting the lives of children in the event of a motor vehicle accident. Union County first launched the Child Safety Seat Inspection Program in 1999, in response to surveys showing that the overwhelming majority of child safety seats are improperly installed, even though most users are confident that they know the correct procedure.

New Jersey’s new child safety seat regulations took effect in September of 2015. The new State law requires parents to adhere to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for child passenger safety.

The Child Safety Seat Inspection Program is provided as a public service by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Union County Police Department, New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, AAA Northeast – NJ Division, and the Garwood First Aid Squad.

Union County’s Child Safety Seat Inspection Program is run every Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and no appointment is necessary. The inspection program is closed on major holidays and during inclement weather.

For more information about the car seat inspection program, the CarFit program for seniors, or the bicycle helmet safety initiative visit ucnj.org/childseats or contact Christine Marcantonio, Traffic Safety Program Coordinator, by email at cmarcantonio@ucnj.org or by phone at 908-789-6830.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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.

Public Info

Union County Libraries Can Now Apply for COVID Funding Through the CARES Act

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications from municipal libraries for 2020 Union County Library Grant awards. Letters were mailed out to all 20 municipal libraries last week, and applications must be submitted to the office of Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund by September 18, 2020.

“Union County libraries are a major resource and learning tool in our communities that must be supported throughout COVID-19 and beyond,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “I am pleased that we can provide additional resources to libraries throughout the County through CARES Act funding.”

The 2020 Library Grant funds were voted on and approved during the August 13 Freeholder Board meeting.

This year’s grants are funded by the CARES Act through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

A total of $500,000 will be made available for approved submissions to be used by libraries for programming and purchases directly related to needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This funding will allow libraries to adapt during these uncertain circumstances while continuing to cultivate the minds of residents of all ages,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, who is the Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund Board.

The Open Space Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000, with an initial focus on expanding and improving Union County parks.

In 2004 the mission of the Trust Fund was broadened to include Kids Recreation annual matching grants to municipalities for improving local children’s recreation resources, as well as annual Greening Union County “tree for tree” matching grants to plant trees on municipal properties.

The Trust Fund also includes grants from the Preserve Union County program, which provides funding to municipalities and non-profit organizations for historic preservation projects.

For information on both programs, contact Victoria Durbin Drake of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund at 908-558-2278.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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.

Public Info

Food Distribution at Kean

Union County Freeholder Sergio Granados and Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded joined Union County Acting Prosecutor Lyndsay Ruotolo, Union County Manager Ed Oatman, Union Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran and volunteers from the County of Union at a drive-up food distribution for Union County residents to aid those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at Kean University in Union. The food distribution was sponsored and coordinated by the County of Union and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey. (Photos by Jim Lowney/County of Union)

Public Info Public Notices

Paratransit Public Hearing Notice

Pursuant to an announcement by Salonia Saxton, Director of the Union County Paratransit System, due to the Covid-19 pandemic a virtual hearing will be held on GoToMeeting. The notice is hereby given that on August 17, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. please log on to: https://www.gotomeet.me/DebbieAnnAnderson/uc-paratransit-virtual-public-hearing, or dial in using your phone:

US + 1 (646) 749-3122, Access Code: 854-682-597.

If you are new to using GoToMeeting please download the app prior to logging on at: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/854682597

The Department of Human Services Paratransit, will hold a virtual hearing accepting input concerning the 2021 Application to New Jersey Transit for funding under the Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program, at which time and place all interested parties will be given an opportunity to have their questions answered. To assure that all members of the public are given an opportunity to have their questions answered, please send all questions to Ssaxton@ucnj.org .People who are deaf, hard of hearing and/or speech impaired should access this service by contacting New Jersey Relay Service TTY/TDD 1-800-852-7899.

For those residents unable to attend the virtual hearing, please send written questions/comments to: Salonia Saxton, Director, Union County Paratransit System, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza 2nd Fl. Elizabeth, NJ 07207.

Public Info

Union County Brings Free COVID-19 Tests to Local Communities

Testing by appointment only with no car required; participants must wear masks and observe social distance.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board is pleased to announce that the Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit is now visiting various community locations to provide free tests for Union County residents. Any resident can make an appointment for a test, whether or not they have symptoms. No doctor visit or car is needed; all tests are conducted on a walk-up basis with masks and social distance required.

The new community program builds on the Mobile Test Unit’s ongoing work of providing on-site tests for seniors in congregate housing, and for other at-risk populations in Union County.

“The Mobile Test Unit has enabled hundreds of our most vulnerable residents to receive a COVID-19 test in a familiar location where they feel safe, comfortable, and at home. The new community program expands on this effort by bringing Union County’s team of experienced health professionals to local neighborhoods,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The walk-up program is an important part of our efforts to ensure that all residents have the information and resources they need to protect themselves and the entire Union County family, as we work through this time of crisis together,” Mirabella added.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any Mobile Test Unit site, regardless of the municipality in which they live.

To pick a location, date and time, and to make an appointment online, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update/walk-up.

The upcoming dates and locations for the Mobile Test Unit are:

Plainfield: Mount Olive Church, 216 Liberty Street, Sunday, August 9.

Union Township: Senior Center, Bonnel Court, Tuesday, August 11.

Union Township: Jefferson School, 155 Hilton Avenue, Tuesday August 11.

Winfield: Fire Station, 12 Gulfstream Avenue, Thursday, August 13.

Elizabeth: The Logan Center, 163 First Street. Please note that the initial date of August 4 was postponed to Saturday, August 15 due to tropical storm Isaias. Residents who made an appointment for August 4 will receive an email confirming their appointment will be shifted to August 15.

Union County residents who need to make an appointment by phone can call 908-518-4307 for assistance.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and other community groups can call the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881 to request a visit from the Mobile Test Unit.

The Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit is staffed by health professionals with the Union County Division of Health, in the Department of Public Safety. The Mobile Test Unit has conducted more than 2,000 tests to date.

In addition, the free Union County COVID-19 Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University has conducted more than 30,000 tests to date, for Union County residents as well as front line emergency and medical personnel in New Jersey.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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.

Public Info

Freeholders sponsor Black Lives Matter murals on Chestnut Street in Roselle and on Liberty Avenue in Hillside

Black Lives Matter banners will also be placed throughout Union County

The Union County Freeholder Board will sponsor the placements of Black Lives Matter murals that will be painted on Chestnut Street in Roselle and Liberty Avenue in Hillside.

The eight-foot letters will be in yellow, and the murals will be painted on the street in front of Borough Hall in the 200 block of Chestnut Street in Roselle, and on Liberty Avenue at/around Shelton Terrace in Hillside. Both street murals should be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting.

“This Freeholder Board expresses its unequivocal support for the Black Lives Matter movement,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Affirming that Black Lives Matter is expressing our support for inclusivity, working for a more just and equitable political and economic system for Blacks, and fighting for justice against racist practices to which Black people have been subjected to throughout their lives.”

Freeholder Andrea Staten, a resident of Roselle said: “Black Lives Matter is meant to represent a commitment to social justice in our community and a call for all people of color to be valued, treated humanely and fairly. It’s our demand for equal treatment under the laws of the land. It’s our demand to be allowed to work, recreate, and sleep without fear for losing our lives, being mistreated, or fearing for the lives of our children and family members. This movement must continue forward until all understand this and we create an environment where Blacks have an equal opportunity to thrive in.”

Freeholder Angela Garretson, a resident of Hillside, said: “The mural will be painted near the railroad tracks in my hometown, that in the past created dividing racial lines that no longer persist today. These murals throughout the county are true reflections of our collective mission to unify, strategize and advance with ourselves against racism and discriminatory practices, in all aspects of society.”

Freeholder Staten, Freeholder Garretson, and Freeholder Rebecca Williams championed the initiative. Banners will be placed throughout the county and the Union County Advisory Board on the Status of Minorities will also continue to dedicate its work to social justice efforts, including Black Lives Matter in the county

Black Lives Matter originally began as a movement advocating for non-violent civil disobedience in protest against incidents of police brutality and all racially motivated violence against African-Americans. Since the George Floyd incident in Minnesota, the movement has grown exponentially still embracing its original goals, but also broadening its mission.

Public Info

County Reaches Milestone of 100 days of COVID-19 Testing at Kean Drive-Thru Testing Center

Union County, NJ – The Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Center marked a milestone this past week, completing 100 days of testing, and has administered a total of 40,226 COVID-19 tests to residents, essential employees and first responders.

“Union County is proud to have been the first County-run drive-thru testing site in the State of New Jersey,” said Freeholder Chair Alexander Mirabella. “The dedication of the volunteers and medical personnel over the past few months has resulted in thousands of our residents and first responders gaining access to critically needed testing. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that testing is available to all in need. ”

The Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Center currently administers an average of between 650-700 tests per day. Currently the positivity rate for those tested at the testing center is at 3%.

Dozens of volunteers have been working at the testing center since the opening in mid-March. Under the umbrella of Union County’s Department of Public Safety, a number of County employees from various departments have been reassigned to work at the test center since the spring in multiple capacities. Medical personnel at the site also includes volunteers from Atlantic Health, Trinitas and Robert Wood Johnson, as well as nursing students and other medical professionals.

“We are proud of all the volunteers who have selflessly come day after day to continue the testing and contact tracing efforts,” said Union County Public Safety Director Andrew Moran. “The goal is to get a clear and current picture of the spread of COVID-19 in Union County and adequate testing is the first step toward ensuring the safety of our residents during this pandemic.”

Those interested in volunteering at the Union County COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Center can contact the Union County Department of Health by calling 908-518-5620 for more information.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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.

Public Info

Union County 2020 Kids Recreation and UC Grant Programs Now Accepting Applications by Municipalities

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that $1 million in Kids Recreation matching grants and $100,000 in Greening Union County matching grants are available to municipalities through the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. Letters were mailed out to all 21 municipalities this past week, and applications must be submitted by September 16, 2020.

The Kids Recreation grants can be used to acquire, develop and/or refurbish parks and recreational facilities. The Greening Union County grant provides funding for municipalities to purchase plant and maintain trees within their towns.

“The Trust Fund was established almost 20 years ago with the overwhelming support of Union County voters, and it continues to fulfill its mission today,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Now more than ever before, our public open spaces and recreation resources are of vital importance to the health and well-being of our residents.”

The Open Space Trust fund has provided more than $16 million in matching grants to municipalities since its inception in 2000, to plant trees and build or improve playgrounds, pocket parks, recreational areas, playing fields, pools, picnic areas and more.

More than 300 acres of open space land have also been preserved from development and added to the Union County park system through the trust fund.

“Open Space funding furthers Union County’s mission to create healthy opportunities for children to learn and play,” said Freeholder Christopher Hudak, who is the Chairman of the Open Space Trust Fund Board. “These projects enrich our lives and serve as our legacy to future generations.”

The Open Space Trust Fund was established by popular referendum in 2000, with an initial focus on expanding and improving Union County parks.

The Trust Fund also includes grants from the Preserve Union County program, which provides funding to municipalities and non-profit organizations for historic preservation projects.

For information on both programs, contact Victoria Durbin Drake of the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund at 908-558-2278.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit 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.