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Author: City of Linden

Notice RE May 12, 2020 Planning Board Meeting

Planning Board Meeting

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on May 12, 2020 the Planning Board of the City of Linden will conduct its regular meeting at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be conducted through electronic communication equipment to facilitate public comments, due to the current health emergency involving the COVID-19 Virus as declared by the Governor of New Jersey limiting personal contact and public gatherings.

The Board will vote on two resolutions and hear three applications; namely 105 Center Street, LLC, Direct Access Developers, LLC and Safety Kleen Systems which are not Public Notice Hearings.

This is not a Public Notice Hearing, but Members of the Public may access the meeting from their computer, tablet or smart phone at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/318519612 or dialing in using your phone to +1(646)749-3131, access code 318-519-613.

City of Linden Planning Board Secretary

Governor Murphy Announces That Schools Will Remain Closed Through the End of the Academic Year

Remote learning to continue until end of school year

TRENTON – Citing the need to protect the health of New Jersey’s 1.6 million public and private school students as well as thousands of educators and support staff, Governor Phil Murphy today announced that statewide school closures will be extended through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. Private schools with longer academic years will remain closed until at least June 30.

While the prohibition of in-person instruction will be maintained through the end of the school year, public schools will continue to provide remote learning for students to allow districts to meet the state-required minimum of 180 instruction days.

“This is a difficult decision and I know that many students, parents, and staff would like to be able to return to school,” said Governor Murphy. “However, I have been unwavering on the message that we need to make decisions based on science, not emotion. And while New Jersey is making great strides in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, science tells us that at this point, we can’t safely re-open our schools.”

“I commend Governor Murphy’s thoughtful, deliberative approach that takes into account the concerns of school administrators, teachers, and other stakeholders in the education community,” said Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet. “However, the most compelling factor guiding today’s decision is the health of New Jersey’s students and educators, and their families.”

The Administration will create a steering committee consisting of a diverse group of stakeholders in the education community to explore summer learning opportunities for all students, including school-sponsored summer programming and Extended School Year for students with disabilities. The committee will provide recommendations to the Administration as to which services need to continue to be provided remotely should the public health emergency extend past the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year.

The committee will also explore approaches for the safest and most efficient re-opening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year.

In addition, the Department of Education will work with school officials to share ideas on safe and innovative ways to recognize 2020 high school graduates and other end-of-year milestones for students.

Federal Stimulus Funding

The Administration plans to tap federal funds that will help schools improve continuity of learning, assist with sanitizing and deep cleaning of school buildings, and address the emotional needs of students.

New Jersey recently applied for $310 million in federal funding through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Districts will have substantial local discretion in use of these funds; the CARES Act lists a number of allowable uses, including:

  • Purchase of educational technology, including hardware, software and connectivity
  • Purchase of sanitization and cleaning supplies
  • Mental health supports
  • Plan and implement activities related to summer learning and supplemental after-school programs, including providing online learning during the summer months to address the needs of student subgroups
  • Planning and coordinating the distribution of meals to eligible students
  • Provide principals and other school leaders with the resources necessary to address the needs of their individual schools
  • Activities to address the unique needs of student subgroups

Federal officials have signaled that states can anticipate a rapid approval of applications for this stimulus funding.

Updated Preparedness Plans

In the weeks leading up to Governor Murphy’s order to close schools statewide starting March 18, the Department of Education required school districts to develop Emergency Preparedness Plans that addressed critical issues, such as delivery of remote instruction, special education services, and food security. The Murphy Administration will call on school districts to revise their schoolwide Emergency Preparedness Plans to address the extension of school closures through June 30.

Linden Parks and Recreation has put together a list of different activities and resources for families to utilize during COVID-19.

Visit parks, museums have all sorts of virtual adventures and do fun and interesting activities right from home.

Parks

Aquariums

Virtual Reality & 360 Degree Fun

Museums

Zoos

Projects, Great Reading, Activities, Other Live Cams & More

Union County Parks to Re-Open on Limited Basis with Social Distancing, May 2

Union County, NJ – Union County parks will partially re-open beginning at dawn on Saturday, May 2, for limited and passive activities only, in accordance with statewide restrictions issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The County’s two golf courses will open next week, after routine maintenance is conducted.

“Union County parks will re-open under guidelines that are consistent with the statewide plan, which provides for residents to benefit from healthy outdoor activities while diligently observing precautions against spreading or contracting COVID-19,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“As a reminder, the virus does not disappear outside,” Mirabella added.

“Please be safe, and help save lives by observing the six-foot social distance guideline and other rules for visiting County parks during this time.”

Union County parks will open on the following basis:

  1. All group activities, including picnics and other gatherings remain prohibited.
  2. Only individual activities are permitted, such as walking, jogging, bicycling, and fishing. For these activities, individuals may be accompanied by family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.
  3. Park visitors must stay on marked paths and observe signage for social distancing.
  4. Park visitors are encouraged to wear masks.
  5. The following facilities remain closed until further notice:
    • Restrooms
    • Picnic areas
    • Athletic fields
    • Playgrounds and exercise stations
    • Trailside Nature & Science Center
    • Warinanco Sports Center
    • Watchung Stable
    • Echo Lake and Warinanco dog parks

Visitors are advised to avoid congested areas. When using pathways and trails give way to others, in order to maintain a six-foot social distance.

Visitors are also advised to observe other COVID-19 preventive measures including: wash hands frequently, do not touch face, cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or elbow, do not go out if sick, stay away from sick people, and use a face mask for additional protection.

Park visitors please note: Stay on marked trails in order to preserve fragile native habitat in County parks. The taking of plants and other wildlife is prohibited. Share paved paths by keeping to the right unless passing others. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths. Dogs must be kept on leash. All trash must be carried out where receptacles are full or unavailable.

– – – – – –

TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 133, reopening state parks and golf courses, and restoring the authority of county governments to determine whether county parks will be open or closed. The order takes effect at sunrise on Saturday, May 2. 

Objection to Woodrow Wilson Memorial Park Land Disposition

The following reflects the position of the Linden Shade Tree Commission and does not reflect the opinions of the Mayor, nor those of City Council nor those of the Board of Education.

In violation of the governor’s executive order to avoid public gatherings, the Linden Board of Education held a public hearing at 6 pm on Thursday March 26, 2020, in the Linden High School auditorium.  The purpose of this  hearing was to propose the disposition of Green Acres  Funded parkland, in order to facilitate building a second Linden High School gymnasium.

There was almost no one there from the public, because A: no one knew about it and B: the meeting was in violation of governor’s executive order to  avoid public gatherings during the Corona pandemic.  Major League Baseball, the Olympics, the court system, etc. – everything is on hold.  Yet the Linden BOE went ahead with a “public” meeting.  This project should not be considered, much less approved, until after a real public meeting has been held.

In spite of the above, on April 21 the Linden City Council passed a resolution supporting this project, which would remove a portion of Wilson Park, including four (4) eighty year old oak trees.  The average lifespan of an oak tree is 200 years.  These trees were planted circa 1939, and are approximately 81 years old.  They are not even middle aged, as many oaks live 300 to 500 years.The open space provided by parks is precious.  You can’t make it. You can’t buy it.  And when it’s gone, it’s gone forever.   If this project is necessary, Linden should come up with a plan which does not include the loss of park land, and spares the four eighty year old oak trees.

Since we were not able to rebut comments made in response to public comments at the Caucus meeting on April 20, 2020 , the record need to be set straight on several issues. Furthermore, you heard only one side of this issue from a biased source, the Linden Board of Ed Business Administrator. All stakeholders should be heard from and should have been heard from at the start of this process. Our liaison also failed to bring this issue to our attention. He was asked about it in Jan/Feb 2020 about this project, and said “he would have to look into it”. This is interesting since he voted “YES” in October on a resolution supporting this project.​

  1. This project has NOTHING to do with child safety. This claim is specious. Students will still have to cross the street each way, at least twice a day coming to and from each building depending on which side of St. George’s Avenue they live.
  2. Current Gym Classes: During the warmer months, gym classes are taken to Wilson Park on approximately an hourly basis for their gym class. Building a duplicate gym a block away from an existing gym is completely lacking in fiduciary responsibility. It is also suggested that there be a further review of the state requirements regarding the need for a gym. According to at least one source investigate, this is also not a necessity. There are alternatives.
  3. This is NOT a “new school”. This is a duplicate gym and will add 21 parking spaces. Estimated cost of the 21 parking spaces is a whopping approximately $134,000 to $403,000 per space. This is a HORRIBLE return on investment.
  4. The excessive long driveway is a waste of materials, inefficient, will make the area actually less safe given congestion on Summit Terr and St. during the mornings and afternoons. The long driveway is in direct contradiction to State guidelines for school safety in relation to potential terrorist attacks. During the winter, this excessively long driveway will need to be cleared from snow before anyone can use the parking facility.
  5. Adequate alternatives have NOT been considered by the City and School Board.
  6. The term “Minor” disposition is a legal definition and SHOULD NOT be use as an indication of the quality or importance of the land in question. This is the last vestige of green extending from the Elizabeth border to the Rahway border.
  7. The so called public hearing was basically a sham. There were constant interruptions of those speaking and an attempt to limit comments only to those that suited the misguided agenda of the School Board. There is no reason whatsover, that this hearing should not and could not have been postponed until after the passing of this COVID 19 crises so there could be REAL public input.
  8. The proposed resolution in support of the “Final Application  to be voted upon stated in the agenda for the Council Meeting on April 21, 2020 is out of order and essentially illegal. The so-called hearing was held in direct defiance of the Governor’s Executive Orders to “Stay at home and avoid public gatherings. The resolution for a “Final” application must include comments and responses (which has yet to happen), and also a FULL UNEDITED TRANSCRIPT of the (so-called) public hearing must be provided as part of the resolution according to NJDEP.
  9. Any funds paid for the value of trees should be placed in the Shade Tree Commission Budget, NOT that of the State of NJ. These funds would be use for much needed replanting.

Please read the attachments below for additional information.

Sincerely,

Jeff A. Tandul

June 1st Property Tax Grace Period

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing Municipalities to Extend Grace Period for May 1st Property Tax Payments until June 1st

TRENTON – Governor Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 130, which allows municipalities to extend the grace period for property tax payments due on May 1st to June 1st. Such an extension would provide much-needed relief to homeowners struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Allowing municipalities the option of extending the grace period for May property tax payments is the right thing to do as many New Jerseyans are impacted financially as a result of this crisis,” said Governor Murphy. “Leaders of towns and cities across the state have been trying to find ways to lessen the blow on local residents, and with this action, they are empowered to provide relief to homeowners as we continue to do everything possible to fight this pandemic.”

For the full press release, please click here.

What not to flush, and how to prevent backups.

Help maintain a healthy sewer system in our community!

We continue to be proactive in our response to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Due to this public health emergency our equipment is experiencing blockages from “flushable” and disinfectant wipes. With the increased use of wipes (“flushable”, wet, baby, anti-bacterial, disinfectant) and paper towels, we are reminding all residents to PLEASE make sure you put these items in the trash and do not flush them down the toilet!

“Flushable wipes” are often marketed as an alternative to toilet paper and claim to be “flushable” and “sewer safe.” However…

  • These wipes DO NOT break down when flushed in both private household plumbing and the public sewer system.
  • Serious blockages resulting in septic and sewer backups may occur.
  • Disposable wipes, even those labeled ‘flushable’ should be disposed of in the trash, not flushed down the toilet.

Read the informative flyer for more information. Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy sewer system in our community!