Category: Public Info

The Union County Board of County Commissioners, in conjunction with the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs, are proud to announce a new Arts for ALL Abilities (AAA) program in response to the growing need for increased inclusivity and artistic expression for persons with disabilities, as part of Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Equity and Inclusion” initiatives, through his 2023 Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County.”

“On behalf of the Union County Board of County Commissioners, I am happy to present this free transformative program, which aims to provide a platform for County residents with disabilities to showcase their artistic talents, while also fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for all abilities,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Art knows no boundaries and I believe that every dollar invested in the arts produces a significant return in measurable and immeasurable ways. This is a great opportunity for our residents to express themselves as we create a canvas of inclusivity, where differences become strengths and art becomes a universal language. I encourage anyone wishing to participate to register today.”

According to the Rutgers University Disability Profile, Union County is home to over 50,000 residents living with disabilities, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that persons with disabilities are significantly more likely to experience mental distress. Arts for ALL Abilities is a response to these challenges and aims to bring art into the lives of persons with disabilities, offering them a chance to express themselves, learn new skills, and connect with their communities.

Classes are free but pre-registration is a requirement as space is limited per session. To register for a session, please visit www.ucnj.org/arts-for-all/.  Sessions will be held in November and December with the following schedule:

Wednesday, November 15th: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
PROCEED Family Success Center
1122 East Grand Street, Elizabeth
Family Canvas – Thanksgiving Theme (All ages)

Monday, November 27th: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2nd Street Youth Center Family Success Center
200 Plainfield Avenue, Plainfield
Children – Abstract Painting (Under 14)

Tuesday, November 28th: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2nd Street Youth Center, Family Success Center
200 Plainfield Avenue, Plainfield
Family Canvas – Christmas Theme (All ages)

Monday, December 4th: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
PROCEED Family Success Center, Elizabeth
1122 East Grand Street, Elizabeth
Children – Canvas Winter Wonderland (Under 14)

Monday, December 11th: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Hillside High School – Family Success Center
1100 Woodruff Avenue, Hillside
Adults – Pour Paint (15 and up)

Monday, December 18th: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Hillside High School – Family Success Center
1100 Woodruff Avenue, Hillside
Adults – Abstract Painting (15 and up)

For more information on this program and/or about any other special needs programs hosted by Union County, visit www.ucnj.org/dhs/opdsn, or contact the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs at (908) 527-4807 or email opdsn@ucnj.org.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are happy to announce that in advance of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, there are plans to light county buildings with green bulbs from November 6-12, 2023 as part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide effort uniting counties to support military veterans.

“By illuminating our county buildings with green bulbs, we stand in solidarity with our veterans, expressing our profound gratitude for their service,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Operation Green Light is not just a symbol, but a commitment to supporting those who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding our nation. By shining this green light, we honor their sacrifice and remind them that they are seen, valued, and never forgotten.”

The initiative, led by Union County Office of Veteran’s Services, raises awareness about the unique challenges faced by many veterans and the resources available at the county, state and federal levels to assist veterans and their families. Across the nation, in 2022, more than 300 counties participated in Operation Green Light.

In addition to lighting county buildings, residents, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to participate by simply changing one light bulb in their home to a green bulb. This can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with family or friends.

“Each year, we remind everyone about how much we should appreciate our Veterans. The freedoms that we enjoy today are a result of the men and women who served our country, said Commissioner Alexander Mirabella, Liaison to the Veterans Affairs Committee. “Residents across the county are encouraged to share their participation on our social media pages using the hashtag #UCNJOperationGreenLight.”

For more information or learn about other programs through the Office of Veteran’s Services, please contact W.Geoff.Smith@ucnj.org or call him at 908-527-4918.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are happy to inform residents that Union County’s free scrap metal recycling drop-off program will continue in November. These will be the last two events for 2023.  A wide variety of metal goods, from household appliances to air conditioners to tire rims, and railings, are accepted at two countywide collection sites in Cranford and Rahway.  This program runs every year from April to November.

“Closing the year with our continued commitment to sustainability, these events offer a convenient avenue for our community to responsibly dispose of items,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We invite you to participate in the last two events of the year, as we continue our commitment to responsible resource management and environmental preservation.”

Scrap metal drop-off will be accepted Thursday, November 2nd and Saturday, November 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at two drop-off centers:

• Cranford:  Emergency Services Building, 151 Kenilworth Boulevard
• Rahway: Rahway River Park (follow Park Drive, Rahway off St. Georges Avenue to service yard across from swimming pool)

Scrap metal from residents in any Union County municipality may be brought to either of these sites. Residents must remain in their vehicles at all times.  Materials should be placed in trunk, cargo area or truck bed and be easily accessible to staff to remove from vehicle.

Acceptable items for recycling include air conditioners, aluminum scrap, aluminum siding, bicycles, brass, copper, dishwashers, electric fans, fencing (chain/wire), freezers, gutters, irons, lawn furniture, metal cabinets, metal sheds, microwaves, railings, refrigerators, stoves, tire rims, toasters, washers and dryers, window frames (no glass), and wire hangers.

Since these are the last two scrap metal events 2023, please call the Bureau of Recycling and Planning for other options during the off-season. 

To receive schedule alerts, and to stay up to date with Union County and local recycling programs, download the free Recycle Coach mobile app.

For more information, upcoming dates and directions to all Union County recycling programs and locations, visit the Bureau of Recycling and Planning website at www.ucnj.org/recycle or call the Union County Recycling Hotline at 908-654-9889.

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

The Union County Board of County Commissioners are proud to announce the full rollout of the Blue Envelope Program, as part of Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Equity and Inclusion” initiatives, through his 2023 Chairman’s theme of “Building a Stronger Union County,” in partnership with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, the County Police Department, and the Union County Police Chief’s Association. These initiatives are geared towards fostering inclusivity and promoting safer interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

“In a collaborative effort, all 21 municipal and county law enforcement agencies have come together to champion the Blue Envelope Program, a symbol of our commitment to enhancing safety, inclusivity, and understanding for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “We are committed to the safety of our communities, and this is just another significant step forward in the right direction.”

The Blue Envelope Program is accessible to all Union County residents on the Autism Spectrum. Residents can obtain a Blue Envelope at their local police departments throughout the county.

“Each of these organizations recognized the significance of this initiative and swiftly united to get to work on this program,” said Union County Prosecutor William Daniel. “We take immense pride in the dedication and effort invested in the training and implementation of this program and I am looking forward to seeing its successes.”

The Blue Envelope Program introduces a simple yet effective tool that contains essential information for drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This includes a copy of their driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance details, and an emergency contact card. Additionally, the envelope provides clear instructions to drivers on how to navigate a traffic stop and interact with law enforcement officers in a manner that promotes clarity and safety.

Key features of the Blue Envelope Program include:

• Specialized Training: Every officer in Union County, including local officers in all 21 municipalities, will undergo specialized training to develop a deeper understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the best practices for engaging with individuals during traffic stops.

• Communication Facilitation: Drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder can present the blue envelope to the officer upon being stopped, allowing officers to quickly recognize the situation and adapt their approach accordingly.

• Essential Information: The envelope includes guidance for officers to simplify requests and minimize the risk of misunderstandings or potential escalation. Additionally, officers are advised to contact the person listed on the emergency contact card for assistance if needed.

• Verbal or Nonverbal Indication: A checked-off box on the envelope indicates whether the driver is verbal or nonverbal, which aids officers in communicating effectively.

“Every single police department in Union County is proud to be a part of this initiative,” said Elizabeth Police Chief Giacomo Sacca and President of the Union County Police Chief’s Association.  “Our officers have undergone thorough briefings and trainings to ensure they are well-versed in the proper protocols, and they are eager to put their training into action.”

For additional updates and details about the Blue Envelope Program and other initiatives under Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados’ “Equity & Inclusion” initiatives, please visit www.ucnj.org/inclusion.

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi has released a new video on security measures for election tabulation that occurs at the close of the polls on Election Day.  The video is available on the home page of unioncountyvotes.com, in English and Spanish.

“Transparency of the election is of paramount importance,” Clerk Rajoppi said.  “In an effort to better inform our voters on the security, integrity, and chain of custody in the operation, we produced an explanatory video of the step by step process.  I want voters to know that I care as much about their vote as they do and am committed to protecting it.”

Union County implements strict security measures as Election Day nears to ensure the integrity of the voting process. After polling stations close, USB drives with ballot data are collected, securely transported by sheriff officers to tabulating sites, and the data is recorded. All ballots are carefully counted, including vote-by-mail, emergency, and provisional ballots. Ballots dropped off at designated locations are collected daily and counted after polls close. These ballots are securely stored at the Board of Elections.

To track preliminary results on Election Night, residents can visit the County Clerk website at unioncountyvotes.com, or download the Union County Votes app for free. Results will be updated throughout the night. The official certification of results takes place 15 days after Election Day.

For more information about election security measures, contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org. Additional videos, including instructions on how to vote by mail, can be found on unioncountyvotes.com.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners through the Department of Human Services will again institute the Countywide Code Blue (CB) Initiative in an effort to prevent death and injury among homeless and housing insecure persons during periods of extreme weather conditions with temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Last winter, over 5,000 placements were made in safe and secure shelter during a total of 93 Code Blue nights,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “Working together, Union County stands ready to extend a helping hand and provide safe shelter to those in need, ensuring that no one is left out in the cold.”

When extreme weather conditions are predicted, Union County Department of Human Services will implement a Countywide Code Blue.  During the Code Blue period, emergency shelters will be asked to increase their bed capacity.  Once shelters are filled to capacity, alternate arrangements will be coordinated by the Division of Human Services within the Department of Human Services and the State of New Jersey’s Homeless Hotline (NJ 211) outside of Division of Social Services business hours.

“Due to the adverse living situations experienced by homeless persons, the U.S. Census and other broad counts of the homeless are often underestimated,” said Director of Human Services, Debbie-Ann Anderson. “The support of community organizations, local police and social service providers is necessary to ensure that our most vulnerable residents seeking shelter are afforded an opportunity to come in from the cold during dangerous and severe weather conditions.”

Notification will be provided to municipal police departments via the County Police hotline by 10:00 a.m. when a Code Blue is called. Code Blue referrals will be accepted during daytime hours only between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. During these hours, homeless individuals and families should be referred to the Union County Division of Social Services located at 342 Westminster Avenue in Elizabeth or 200 West 2nd Street in Plainfield.

For outside of the Division of Social Services business hours (8:30 am – 3:00 pm) and overnight assistance, the State of New Jersey’s Homeless Hotline (NJ 211) is available and can be reached by dialing 211 or 877-746-5211.  Municipalities are asked to accommodate homeless individuals locally overnight whenever possible.

All Code Blue alerts will be sent via the Union County First Alert system. For those wishing to register to receive First Alerts, should email codeblue@ucnj.org with the following information: first & last name, email address, and a request to be added to the distribution list. An email response containing a registration link allowing modification to account information will be sent.

For more details about the Countywide Code Blue Initiative, contact Agnes Oboz at (908) 527-4842 or via email at codeblue@ucnj.org.

To contact the Union County Department of Human Services, residents can use the online contact form at ucnj.org/dhs, email the DHS Action Line at DHSaction@ucnj.org, or call (908) 677-5405.

The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters to plan their vote for the upcoming General Election.  Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2023.  Voters can vote in person during Early Voting, in person on Election Day or via Mail-In Ballot.  Eligible voters for the General Election include registered Democrats, Republicans and Unaffiliated voters.

In-Person Early Voting will take place Saturday, October 28, 2023 through Sunday, November 5, 2023.  Monday through Saturday the polls are open from 10am – 8pm.  On Sunday, the polls are open from 10am – 6pm. 

There are seven early voting sites county wide: Cranford, Elizabeth, New Providence, Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle and Union Township.  Any eligible voter in the county can go to any of these seven locations and cast their vote on their local ballot. 

Election Day Voting will take place on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.  Polls are open from 6:00am – 8:00pm.  Voters are required to go to their designated polling location on Election Day to cast their vote. 

Finally, voters who have received mail-in ballots are encouraged to return their ballot to the secure ballot drop box.  Voters can obtain a mail-in ballot from the Union County Clerk’s Office until the day before Election Day at 3:00pm.   There is at least one drop box in every municipality.  Ballot drop boxes are available to voters 24/7 through the close of the polls on Election Day at 8:00pm. 

The ballot drop boxes are picked up in accordance with state guidelines by a bipartisan team of Election Board employees with a police escort.  Voters can also mail their mail-in ballot, leaving at least 7 days for it to arrive in the mail.  Finally, voters can bring their ballot in-person to the Union County Board of Elections (271 No. Broad St., Elizabeth) or the Union County Clerk’s Office (2 Broad Street, Elizabeth / 300 North Avenue East, Westfield).  Voters wishing to deposit their ballot in person must present a valid New Jersey issued ID or Driver’s License.

For the complete list of Early Voting Sites, an updated list of polling locations, and the addresses of the secure ballot drop boxes, visit the Board of Elections website at www.ucnj.org/ucboe or call 908-527-4123.

The County was informed that Representatives from the State Department of Treasury will be conducting door-to-door visits to remind residents to apply for the Anchor Rebate Program.

These representatives can be easily identified by their vests and will possess proper identification credentials. In the event you are not at home during their visit, they will leave informative door hangers detailing the application process.

The Union County Clerk’s Office will be opening their two offices on Saturday, November 4^th for any county residents who wish to pick up a ballot to vote by mail in the 2023 General Election.

Residents may pick up a mail-in ballot at either of the following locations from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 4^th:

• Elizabeth – Union County Courthouse, Room 113 – 2 Broad Street
• Westfield – Union County Colleen Fraser Building – 300 North Avenue East

Those intending to cast their vote via a mail-in ballot have the option to place it in any of the 24 secure drop boxes located throughout Union County, or they can personally deliver it to the Union County Board of Elections at 271 North Broad Street in Elizabeth, or the Union County Clerk’s Office at 2 Broad Street, Room 113 in Elizabeth, and 300 North Avenue East in Westfield.

To submit a ballot in person, voters are required to show a valid ID or driver’s license issued in the state of New Jersey. To check to ensure your ballot has been received by the Union County Board of Elections, go to the Track My Ballot link on the www.njelections.org website.

Voters who choose to vote in person on Election Day, November 7^th, must use their designated polling place, which is located on their sample ballot.

For a complete list of drop box locations and an online polling place finder, visit the County Clerk website at unioncountyvotes.com.

For more information about the County Clerk’s election services, contact the Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.