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Message from Mayor Armstead

Storm Recovery Update for January 30, 2026

Our Public Works crews continue their critical recovery efforts from the recent storm. The safety of our children is our top priority. Crews are currently focused on clearing all school zones, including:

  • Student drop-off and pickup areas.
  • Crosswalks, corners, and crossing guard stations to ensure safe passage.
  • Applying salt to mitigate ice in these key locations.

Our teams are concurrently widening intersections, beginning with Wood Avenue, to improve traffic flow and visibility.

Once all school zones are secure, we will shift our full efforts to clearing snow from residential street corners and intersections across the City to ease congestion for all drivers.

We have already addressed snow removal operations at the John T Gregorio Center (JTG) on 330 Helen Street, and the Linden Multipurpose Center (LMPC) building located at 1026 John Street. Snow removal operations at the Police Athletic League (PAL) building located at 400 Maple Avenue are currently underway.

To assist our crews and ensure a full recovery, please park in driveways whenever possible. We also remind residents not to shovel or discard snow into the street, as this creates hazards and impedes plowing and snow removal operations.

We thank you for your patience as our teams work diligently to restore safe conditions citywide. Please continue to exercise caution when traveling. For urgent non-emergency issues, please contact the Department of Public Works at (908) 474-8666.

– Mayor Derek Armstead

Did you know that the oldest man in America lives in Linden?

City of Linden Celebrates Luis Cano, Nation’s Oldest Man

Linden is proud to announce that resident Luis Cano has been formally recognized by the global organization LongeviQuest as the oldest known living man in the United States at 111 years old.

Mayor Derek Armstead presented an official proclamation at a family gathering for Mr. Cano, who was born in Colombia in 1914. He immigrated to the United States in 1990 and has lived in Linden for over 30 years.

“It is an honor for Linden to be the home of a national treasure like Mr. Cano,” said Mayor Armstead. “His extraordinary life of resilience and family is an inspiration to our entire community.”

Mr. Cano credits his longevity to simple habits: a diet of vegetables and beans, never smoking or drinking, and decades of gardening and physical work. He is a veteran of the Colombian Army and a father to ten children, with a large and loving extended family.

The City of Linden congratulates Mr. Luis Cano on this remarkable milestone and is grateful to call him a resident!

The oldest known living person in the United States remains Naomi Whitehead, 115, of Greenville, Pennsylvania.

Mayor Derek Armstead Announces City of Linden Community Solar Initiative

New Rooftop Solar Project at Linden Logistics Center Brings Savings to Residents

Linden, New Jersey, October 28, 2025 – Mayor Derek Armstead today announced the launch of a new community solar initiative that will deliver savings and clean energy benefits directly to Linden residents. This initiative offers Linden residents, which includes both homeowners and renters, a simple way to reduce their electricity costs by keeping 35 percent of the value of the solar credits applied to their bill, without the need to install solar panels on their roof or property.

“This solar project is right here in Linden, and represents the opportunity for our families to save real money while supporting clean energy and breathing new life into what was previously a contaminated site. I hope every eligible household signs up!” said Mayor Derek Armstead.

Residents who enroll will receive solar credits applied to their monthly PSE&G bill based on their share of the energy generated by the project. These credits lower electricity costs, creating real, recurring savings. Linden households are encouraged to enroll now to reserve their spot, as availability is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Participants will be connected to a rooftop solar project located at the Linden Logistics Center — a remediated former Superfund site that has been revitalized into one of the largest warehousing and distribution centers in the Northeast. In addition to supporting jobs and economic growth, the project will now generate clean, renewable energy that directly benefits Linden residents. The 5 megawatt solar project in development by Active Solar Development LLC, is expected to begin operations in December 2025, with savings expected to appear on residents’ bills two to three months later.

“At PowerMarket, we specialize in community-based energy initiatives, and this project in Linden is a perfect example,” said Brad Tito, Director of Community Energy at PowerMarket. “We’re proud to connect residents directly to a rooftop solar project in their own city and help ensure that the benefits stay right here in Linden.”

For questions about the city’s involvement, please contact the Mayor’s Office at (908) 474-8493 or click here to email. For questions about the enrollment process, please call (929) 298-3874 or click here to email. To learn more about the campaign and to sign up, click here.

Weather Advisory: Severe weather expected in our area Saturday through Monday; 3″- 5″ of rain, with winds up to 50mph, and possible flooding. 

A State of Emergency has been declared state-wide ahead of the northeastern that will impact our area.

Forecasts are calling for 3 to 5 inches of rain in some areas, beginning with showers this afternoon. Rain will become more steady overnight and is expected to continue through Sunday into Monday morning. 

Strong winds, with gusts of 40 to 50mph, are also expected. Downed trees and power outages are possible. 

This system brings a serious threat of coastal flooding. A coastal flood watch has been issued for several counties, including for our area. Tidal surge may extend through four consecutive tide cycles, with high tides at 12:32 a.m. and 12:58 p.m. on Sunday and 1:39 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Monday.

More severe conditions are expected south of us, and variations in the storm track could bring stronger rain and stronger winds to our area. Residents are encouraged to monitor weather conditions throughout the storm. Please sign up for Emergency Alerts by following the instructions here and continue to follow the Linden Police Department on social media for important updates. 

Non-emergency utility problems or outages should be reported directly using the contact points below: 

PSE&G 1-800-436-7734
Elizabethtown Gas 1-800-242-5830
New Jersey American water 1-800-272-1325
Comcast 1-800-266-2278
Verizon FiOS 1-888-438-3467
Verizon 1-800-827-4966 

As always, please reserve 9-1-1 for EMERGENCIES ONLY.

Attention Linden Residents and Families

Please take comfort in knowing that the safety of our students, teachers and students remains our highest priority. My office, together with the Linden Police Department and Linden Public Schools, has been, and will continue to work closely and diligently to ensure our schools remain safe and secure.

In light of recent threats made against our schools, the Linden Police Department will continue patrolling the area and maintaining a strong presence to ensure everyone’s safety.

I want to reiterate that the individual seen in the controversial video circulating online is not, and has never been, employed by Linden Public Schools. This situation is a powerful reminder that misinformation spread on social media can cause very real and dangerous harm. I urge everyone to act responsibly and refrain from spreading unverified claims. Violence has no place in our community or our society.

We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Charlie Kirk.

Together, we will keep Linden a safe, strong, and welcoming community where all children can learn and grow. With any questions, please contact me or my office directly.

– Mayor Derek Armstead

Uniform Pants Drive

Please join me in supporting our Linden families. Many residents have reached out asking how we, as a city, can assist families in need with uniform pants, since the school district has already provided shirts.

The more funds we raise, the more families we will be able to help. You are not obligated to participate, but if you know someone who may be interested in donating, please feel free to share the attached flyer with them.

If you are interested in donating, gift cards and checks may be mailed to Mayor Derek Armstead, Linden City Hall, 301 N Wood Avenue, Linden, NJ 07036. Please make checks out to the Mayor’s Youth Commission.

Together, we can make a real difference for our families. Thank you for your generosity and support!

Ice Cream Social & Community Engagement

Mayor Derek Armstead, Council President Michele Yamakaitis, 8th Ward Councilman Mark Armstead, the Linden Police Department, the Linden Fire Department, the DPW Department, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation, invite you to attend Ice Cream Social & Community Engagement.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • Who: Linden residents only!
  • What: Ice Cream Social & Community Engagement. Bring the whole family for fun, conversation and community spirit. Let’s build the Linden community one scoop at a time!
  • When – September 10, 2025 from 5pm until 7pm.
  • Where – Dorothy Ford/ St. Mark’s Park, located at 1298 Hussa Street.

Ice Cream Social & Community Engagement

Mayor Derek Armstead, Council President Michele Yamakaitis, 2nd Ward Councilman Barry Javick, the Linden Police Department, the Linden Fire Department, the DPW Department, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation, invite you to attend Ice Cream Social & Community Engagement.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • Who: Linden residents only!
  • What: Ice Cream Social & Community Engagement. Bring the whole family for fun, conversation and community spirit. Let’s build the Linden community one scoop at a time!
  • When: September 4, 2025 from 5pm until 7pm.
  • Where: Knosky Park, located at 421 North Stiles Street.