Category: Public Info

The Port Authority is prepared to accommodate the nearly six million people who will travel by air, car or rail during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the summer travel season. The agency has taken proactive measures to ensure travelers have a safe and customer-friendly experience while using Port Authority facilities across the region.

Following this week’s tragic terrorism attack in Manchester, England, the Port Authority Police Department has stepped up security at all of the agency’s facilities through the Memorial Day weekend.  The actions include increased counter security efforts, such as random bag and vehicle checks, the deployment of special weapons units, as well as the assignment of additional security personnel and equipment at the agency’s bridges, tunnels, airports, PATH rail and other holdings.

Airports

Beginning Friday, May 26, through Tuesday, May 30, the agency expects more than 1.8 million passengers to use the Port Authority’s aviation facilities – a 1.4 percent increase over last year.

The Port Authority expects approximately 839,000 passengers to travel through John F. Kennedy International, approximately 576,000 to travel through Newark Liberty International Airport, an estimated 384,000 to travel through LaGuardia Airport, a projected 15,000 to travel through Atlantic City International Airport and 3,200 to travel through Stewart International Airport.

To handle the high volume of expected air travelers, the Port Authority will staff the airports with hundreds of Customer Care Representatives to assist travelers throughout the holiday weekend. Travelers should check with their carriers on the status of their flight before going to the airport.

Given ongoing redevelopment-related construction, travelers to LaGuardia Airport should plan ahead and check www.laguardiaairport.com for tips and the latest information on parking, mass transit and ground transportation alternatives.

For additional information on how passengers can streamline their trip through screening checkpoints, visit the TSA website at

https://apps.tsa.dhs.gov/mytsa/wait_times_home.aspx.   

Passengers planning to use the Port Authority’s airports during the Memorial Day weekend can sign up for Airport Info Alerts at http://www.airportinfoalerts.com/. This free, mobile subscription service notifies customers about weather delays and parking lot capacities.

Bridges and Tunnels

The Port Authority projects that approximately 3.4 million travelers will use its bridges and tunnels during the holiday weekend. The agency will have a full complement of toll collectors on duty to expedite travel through its crossings.  With passenger traffic expected to be heavier than normal, motorists are encouraged to allow extra time to reach their destination.

All construction on Port Authority bridges and tunnels, with the exception of emergency work, will be suspended from Friday morning through Tuesday morning for the holiday weekend. The Bayonne Bridge will remain opened from 5 a.m. Friday, May 26, through 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 30.

Heavier than normal crowds are expected at the Port Authority Bus Terminal during the holiday getaway and passengers are urged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in lines prior to their scheduled departure.

To ensure the safety of the traveling public, the Port Authority Police Department will conduct a DWI checkpoint at its facilities throughout the weekend to discourage people from drinking and driving.

To receive the latest travel alerts, travelers are encouraged to register for Port Authority Alerts at www.bridgeandtunnelalerts.com.  Motorists can receive alerts directly to their cell phones or e-mail accounts.

Additionally, travelers are encouraged to download Waze, a free crowdsourced traffic and navigation application. The Port Authority will feed information on lane closures, traffic incidents and other events to the Waze platform in real time.

PATH

The Port Authority projects that approximately 520,000 travelers will use its PATH rail system during the holiday weekend. PATH will operate additional trains as needed on Friday, May 26, to assist commuters leaving early for the holiday weekend. PATH will operate on a normal Saturday schedule on Saturday, May 27.  On Sunday, May 28, PATH will operate on a Sunday schedule. On Monday, May 29, PATH will operate on a Saturday schedule.

For up-to-date service information, riders are encouraged to follow PATH Rail System on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PATHTrain. Riders also can sign up for PATHAlerts at www.pathalerts.com, which provides up to the minute bulletins on PATH service changes.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Improvement Authority hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Union County Courthouse Cherry Street Annex.  Located at 2 Cherry Street in Elizabeth, the new courthouse provides six state-of-the-art courtrooms and facilities that will serve families throughout Union County. The event brought together county officials, judges and legal professionals from across Union County.

“As a Judiciary, we are proud of this courthouse for many reasons,” said the Honorable Karen M. Cassidy, Assignment Judge for the Union County Vicinage (Union County Court).  “This is the first time that litigants are able to come to a facility that will address their needs in one location.” 

“The new Courthouse is a dignified, modern and functional facility for the usage of families, the judiciary, our employees, and the community as a whole,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We are pleased to support the construction of a permanent facility that is dedicated to helping those in need.”

Senator Nicholas Scutari (D-Union, Somerset and Middlesex), who serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated: “I am pleased to celebrate the official opening of the new courthouse that will serve Union County families. The expansion of our court facilities was critical to ensuring that our judiciary is able to meet the needs of residents, who expect that our courthouses are equipped to operate in an effective and efficient manner. I’m confident this twenty-first century courthouse will adequately serve our region well into the future.”

Assemblyman Jerry Green of Plainfield (D-22), Speaker Pro Tempore of the NJ Assembly, said: “The new Courthouse is an outstanding facility that will provide the proper setting to improve the lives of the families and children who need help and seek justice.”

Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, whose community is hosting the facility, added: “”The new Union County Annex building not only contributes to the revitalization of Elizabeth’s downtown area, but also provides additional services for our City and County residents. Elizabeth is proud to be the County seat and looks forward to having more resources to support families in need as well as help those seeking assistance and legal guidance.”

Union County Acting Prosecutor Grace H. Park said:  “The Courthouse will also house the newly established Union County Family Justice Center (FJC), which is expected to open in late summer 2017. The FJC will provide crime victims with legal assistance, crisis counseling, court advocacy, logistical support, and housing aid. We believe this will positively transform the way in which domestic violence receive services in Union County.”

UCIA Executive Director Daniel P. Sullivan served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, which began with the presentation of colors, conducted by the Office of the Union County Sheriff Honor Guard. The program included a performance by the Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy Choir from Elizabeth. The program’s honored guest and keynote speaker was New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.

The new facility serves as an extension of the current courthouse. It will provide 78,071 square feet of new space.

The building was designed in accordance with NJ Courthouse Facility Guidelines and embraces the latest in technology and security features to serve judges, staff, lawyers and litigants. The Courthouse includes four interconnected spatial and circulation systems, each separate and secure, including:

• Six state-of-the-art Courtrooms and support facilities
• Judges’ Chambers and Support Staff offices
• Prisoner Intake, Holding and Attorney/Client Conference spaces
• Sheriff’s Department security control facilities

The public enters the Courthouse through an elevated courtyard and secured lobby, providing direct access to court-related administrative functions and stair/elevators connections to courtroom waiting areas on the floors above.  Other public spaces include a Cafeteria, Children’s Waiting Room, Attorney Lounge, Conference, Hearing and Mediation Rooms and several Waiting Areas. The building is fully accessible to the handicapped and provides surface parking including a separate and secured parking lot for judges.  The project was also designed to receive USGBC LEED® Certification.

“The UCIA is proud to play an important role in the construction of our newest courthouse in Union County, and we greatly appreciate the support given to this project by the Board of Chosen Freeholders,” says UCIA Chairman, Anthony Scutari. “It is a state-of-the-art facility that will meet the needs of Union County families and our Courts for many, many years to come,” adds Mr. Scutari.

About the UCIA

The aims and purpose of the Union County Improvement Authority are those set forth generally in County Improvement Authorities Law, N.J.S.A. 40:37A-44 et seq., and particularly in N.J.S.A. 40:37A-54, which provides the Authority with the statutory power and resources to assist the State of New Jersey, the County of Union, and the municipalities within the County to create, construct and operate a variety of facilities and services for the public benefit. For more information visit ucimprovementauthority.org.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to announce the third and final lecture in the spring “Trailside Talks” series, for adults and high school students at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside.   This free program has been funded by the Trailside Museum Association.  Donations are welcomed.          

“This lecture is one not to be missed.  It answers the many questions people are posing about the declining bee population”, notes Freeholder Chairman, Bruce H. Bergen.

On Saturday, June 3 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.  the Trailside Talks Series concludes with “Pollinators.” Butterflies, bumblebees, moths and other creatures help pollinate over 75% of our flowering plants and crops, contributing to over $29 billion in crops each year.  Currently many species of pollinators are struggling to survive.  A naturalist from the Conserve Wildlife Foundation explores why pollinators are crucial to our environment, health, food systems and economy.  Learn how to help the declining species of New Jersey pollinators with simple steps we can take to protect them in our own backyard. 

For more information about these programs or other activities at Trailside, please call 908-789-3670 or visit www.ucnj.org/trailside.  Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a facility of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi will open her offices in Elizabeth and Westfield on Saturday, June 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for voters seeking last-minute mail-in ballots.  The offices at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street room 113 in Elizabeth, and the office at the Colleen Fraser Building, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield, will open as a public service for voters who choose the Vote-By-Mail option for the Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, June 6.

 “Any voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot for any reason,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “The expanded office hours are designed to help ensure that voters can cast their Vote-by-Mail ballot in time to participate in the upcoming June 6 Primary Election.”

“If desired, voters can obtain their Vote-by-Mail ballot, fill it out, and cast it in a secure lock box in Elizabeth or Westfield, all in one convenient ‘One-Stop’ visit,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Ms. Rajoppi also reminded voters using the One-Stop service to bring a New Jersey driver’s license or New Jersey ID card bearing their photo, name, address and signature, as required by a 2015 State law.

Voters using the One-Stop service have until Monday, June 5 at 3:00 p.m. to cast their ballot.

The Courthouse complex is easily accessible by mass transit, and ample public parking is located nearby at the J. Christian Bollwage Parking Garage.

To visit the Elections Office in Elizabeth during the special June 3 hours, use the rear entrance of the Courthouse Complex and proceed to Room 113.

The Annex Office is located at the Colleen Fraser Building in Westfield. It is open for all services Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

For complete details on Vote-by-Mail and all other election services call the County Clerk at 908-527-4996, download the free Union County Votes app or visit the County Clerk’s new elections website, unioncountyvotes.com .

Information on all County Clerk services is available at ucnj.org/county-clerk.

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Visit the County Clerk’s new elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.

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Union County, NJ – Model train fans are in for a treat on June 10, when The Model Railroad Club, Inc. waives its usual Saturday admission fee and opens its doors from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a public viewing of its annual invitational operating session.

The nonprofit Railroad Club’s sprawling HO scale layout is noted throughout the region for intricate detail and historic portrayal.

The free entry also includes a multi-level N scale layout and other exhibits.

All ages are welcome.

A convenient snack shop, gift shop and toddler play area are on site at the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroading Center, located in a mixed use area of Union County’s Lenape Park in Union Township under a longstanding arrangement with the Freeholder Board.

For directions and more information visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/model-trains, email info@tmrci.org or call 908-964-9724 to leave a message.

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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 – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi is pleased to announce that sample ballots for the June 6 Primary Election are now available on the Union County Votes mobile app for Apple and Android devices, and on the County Clerk’s election website at unioncountyvotes.com.

“Sample ballots are being mailed to every eligible voter as always, and these online tools enable voters to get the same information quickly and conveniently on their computers, laptops or mobile devices,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “This year is the first time in four years that New Jersey voters will elect a governor, so it is especially important to become familiar with the ballot before entering the voting booth.”

“The Union County Votes website is designed to follow the format of the app, so users can navigate seamlessly from one platform to the other,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Ms. Rajoppi also reminded Union County residents that any registered voter can cast their vote early for any reason, by using a Vote-By-Mail ballot.

Voters should allow 3-5 business to mail their ballot back in time to be counted on Primary Day.

The deadline for requesting a Vote-By-Mail ballot by mail is May 30. Voters can obtain a Vote-By-Mail ballot in person by visiting the County Clerk’s Main Office in Elizabeth or the Annex in Westfield up until Monday June 5, 3:00 p.m.

Voters who obtain their Vote-by-Mail ballot in person can also use the County Clerk’s convenient One-Stop service to fill out their ballot and cast it in a secure collection box, all in the same visit.

“If you find yourself running short on time as June 6 approaches, the One-Stop service helps to ensure that your voice will be heard in this important gubernatorial election cycle,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Under a new state law, voters who opt to use the One-Stop service will need to show a New Jersey driver’s license or other New Jersey ID that provides their name, address and photo.

For complete details on all County Clerk election services, including Vote-By-Mail deadlines and extended office hours for One-Stop service, call 908-527-4996, download the free Union County Votes app or visit online at unioncountyvotes.com.

For additional services including passports and land records visit the main County Clerk website, ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is pleased to announce that a total of 21 new miles of County roads will be repaved this season in 15 municipalities. Work will begin later this summer.

“Union County maintains more 174 miles of roadway that are of import for the transport of our residents but also goods and commerce that impacts New Jersey and the region as a whole,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “We look forward to making progress this summer in ensuring these roads are in good condition for travel.”

Freeholder Christopher Hudak, who is a member of the Public Works and Facilities Freeholder Committee, added:  “Resurfacing also makes travel on our roadways safer and more efficient.  We also make improvements to signage and striping to improve visibility, and to curbing to improve safety and accessibility for people with disabilities.”

The 2017 Roads Resurfacing program will begin later this summer after the County completes the 2016 Roads Resurfacing program which was delayed last year after Governor Christie froze the state’s Transportation Trust Fund which pays in part for the program.

The 2017 Road Resurfacing program will cost approximately $8.2 million, with an approximate 50-50 funding split between the County and the State Transportation Trust Fund.

The work will be conducted at night when possible, in order to minimize the need for detours during peak travel periods. 

The roads scheduled for resurfacing in 2017 are:

• Berkeley Heights/Summit: Glenside Avenue from Valley Road to Baltusrol Ave 
• Berkeley Heights: Valley Road from Glenside Ave to the Somerset County Line
• Clark/Cranford: Walnut Avenue from South Avenue to Valley Road
• Elizabeth:  Linden Avenue from Acme Street/ Park Entrance to Elmora Avenue
• Elizabeth/Linden: Linden Ave/Lidgerwood Avenue  from Park Avenue to Edgar Road
• Hillside: Conant Street from Liberty Avenue to Salem Ave
• Linden:Wood Ave from St. Georges Avenue to Blancke St.
• Linden: Wood Ave form Pennsylvania R.R. Ave. to Rts # 1 and 9 
• Mountainside: Summit Lane  from Summit Road to W.R. Tracy Dr.
• Rahway: Milton Avenue to Route 1 & 9 to Broad Street
• Rahway:  Hazelwood Avenue/Hart Street from Fulton Street to  Randolph Avenue
• Roselle: Chestnut Street from St. Georges Avenue to 1st Avenue
• Roselle Park: Lincoln Avenue East from Chestnut Street to  Galloping Hill Road 
• Scotch Plains: Mountain Avenue & Willow Avenue from Route 22 
• Scotch Plains: Raritan Road from Lake Avenue to Terrill Road
• Summit: Passaic Avenue from Constantine Place to River Road
• Union: Salem Road from Morris Avenue to Conant Street
• Westfield/Clark: Central Avenue from South Avenue to Barnes & Noble

For up-to-date information on road closures and other travel advisories related to County road and bridge projects, visit the interactive Road Construction Update page at ucnj.org/traffic.

To report potholes on County roads, use the convenient online form at ucnj.org/pothole.

PLAINFIELD, NJ—The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites all music fans to Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield for the annual Rhythm and Blues by the Brook free outdoor music festival to be held on Saturday, June 3 complete with a full afternoon of live music, children’s activities and much more.

“Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is our signature event that kicks off a whole series of free outdoor concerts, movies and other activities in Union County parks,” said Union County Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate a legacy of conservation and public recreation that began in Union County back in the 1920’s, and continues going strong today.”

“Cedar Brook Park is a jewel in the crown of the Union County parks system and the City of Plainfield. When Rhythm and Blues comes to town, it’s great to see our residents and visitors enjoy getting together with friends and neighbors in this beautiful setting for an afternoon of music, community and healthy outdoor fun,” said Freeholder Linda Carter, a lifelong resident of Plainfield.

This year’s Rhythm and Blues by the Brook event will run from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., with DJ BooKeem serving as MC throughout.

The musical entertainment begins at 12:00 p.m. with the group UNITY and continues with one of New Jersey’s top live performance ensembles, the Shady Street Show Band, at 1:00.

Named Best Soul act in 2014 and 2015 by the Asbury Park Press, the Shady Street Show Band includes a nine-piece band with a full horn section.

At 2:45 p.m. Justina Valentine will take the stage. Valentine is a multi-talented rapper, singer, songwriter and model from Passaic County, best known for her singles Candy Land featuring rapper Fetty Wap, All The Way, and Unbelievable.

At 3:45 p.m. Rob Base will entertain. Best known for the multi-platinum 1988 hip-hop classic “It Takes Two,” and providing a touchstone for the style known as hip-house. 

And, at 5:00 p.m. Naughty by Nature will provide the day’s featured entertainment. Naughty by Nature is a Grammy Award-winning American hip hop trio from East Orange.

Along with all the music at Rhythm and Blues by the Brook the free children’s activities include inflatables and a petting zoo.

The event also includes a marketplace featuring food vendors, a free car show by G-Wiz and new this year, a free health fair.

More information about Cedar Brook Park is available from the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.

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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.

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Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen and Freeholders Alexander Mirabella, Linda Carter, Bette Jane Kowalski and Vernell Wright welcomed Janice Huff, Chief Meteorologist for NBC 4 New York, to the fifth annual Union County Women Mean Business (UCWMB) Summit at the Clubhouse at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth. They were joined by Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi.

Huff delivered the keynote address at the event that was designed to help women grow their business networks and build critical skills. UCWMB is an initiative of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Union County, NJ – A free training course is available for persons interested in volunteering with the Union County Rape Crisis Center. The Rape Crisis Center has been offering guidance and support to victims of sexual violence since 1984, as a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders through the Department of Human Services.

“A steady hand and a calm, reassuring voice can go a long way toward restoring a sense of community and self-worth to Union County residents facing a crisis,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “Often a victim of sexual violence has no family or friends to call upon for support while navigating the medical and legal aftermath of attack, and our volunteers step up to fill that critical need.”

The training course qualifies volunteers to be Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates, who answer phone calls to Union County’s Rape Crisis Hotline and offer in-person support.

No previous experience in counseling, law or medicine is required to become an Advocate. Volunteers must be Union County residents at least 18 years of age. They must hold a valid driver’s license and have their own vehicle.

The training course includes sessions on crisis counseling, and medical and legal accompaniment in a supportive, empathetic environment.

All sessions take place at the Rape Crisis Center office in the Colleen Fraser county services building at 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. Prospective volunteers will also come to the Westfield office for an informal interview prior to undertaking the training course.

To learn more about volunteering and get information about the next training course, call the Rape Crisis Center at 908-233-7273 or email rcc@ucnj.org.

For more details about the Rape Crisis Center, including personal stories by volunteers, visit the Rape Crisis Center blog at unioncountyrapecrisiscenter.blogspot.com.

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