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Message from Mayor Armstead

City of Linden 2024 Tree Lighting

Mayor Derek Armstead and the Cultural & Heritage Committee invite you to attend the 2024 City of Linden Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Enjoy live entertainment, holiday music, refreshments and meet Santa!

  • What: City of Linden Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Enjoy live entertainment, holiday music, refreshments and meet Santa! Tree lighting with performances of the Linden High School Brass Ensemble, Madrigals, Touring Troupe and Dance Company will begin at 6pm in front of City Hall. After the tree lighting, Santa will arrive and will proceed to the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade for photo ops and goodie bags for children. Hot chocolate and pretzels will be served. Tickets will be given to children to have a chance to win a bicycle. The Grinch and other characters will also be available for photo ops.
  • When: Friday, December 6, 2024
    • Horse and Carriage rides from 5pm through 8pm.
    • Train rides for kids from 5pm through 7pm.
    • Tree lighting with performances of the Linden High School Brass Ensemble, Madrigals, Touring Troupe and Dance Company will begin at 6pm.
  • Where: In front of Linden City Hall, which is located at 301 North Wood Avenue.
    • After the tree lighting, Santa will arrive and will proceed to the Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade (400 North Wood Avenue) for photo ops and goodie bags for children.

Aries & the City of Linden – Saving Planet Earth

Aries Clean Technologies, a leader in biosolids gasification, announced that its facility in Linden, New Jersey, has demonstrated extended stable operations. Rather than the traditional landfill or incineration approach to disposing of wastewater sludge, Aries’ fluidized bed gasification captures the energy in the biosolids to power the plant’s drying process. This circular method reduces local pollution, improves the region’s carbon footprint, and creates cleaner communities across the metropolitan New York and New Jersey area. Watch this video to hear from Mayor Derek Armstead and from Aries personnel about this critical project, and how this and similar efforts are helping to save Planet Earth.

2024 Ward-Wide Garage Sales

The City of Linden is hosting 2024 Ward-Wide Garage Sales, with no permit required, for the following Wards and dates:

  • 7th and 9th Wards on September 28 and September 29, 2024.
  • 10th Ward on October 5 and October 6, 2024.
  • 3rd Ward on October 12 and October 13, 2024.
  • 4th Ward on October 12 and October 13, 2024.
    • Click here to view and/or download Resolution 2024-399 waiving fees for the Fourth Ward Community Wide Garage Sale.
  • 1st, 5th and 8th Wards on October 19 and October 20, 2024.

September Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Ovarian cancer is one of the most serious cancers affecting women today, with more than 200,000 women diagnosed annually worldwide and over 150,000 succumbing to the disease each year. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen, making early diagnosis difficult and treatment less effective, resulting in lower survival rates. Increased awareness and education about the symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and survival. Research and advancements in the prevention, detection, and treatment of ovarian cancer are crucial in reducing the impact of this devastating disease on women and their families. Support for women and their families who are affected by ovarian cancer is essential in helping them navigate their diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship journey. During this month, we recognize the strength and courage of those battling ovarian cancer, honor the lives of those lost, and renew our commitment to supporting research, awareness, and improved healthcare outcomes for all women.

September 11 Memorial Ceremony

Mayor Derek Armstead, Council President Michele Yamakaitis and the City of Linden invite you to attend the 2024 September 11 Memorial Ceremony with the Linden Police and Fire Departments.

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

  • Where: Wanda Green Park, Mack Place (Mack Place is located in the Eighth Ward off of Grier Avenue).
  • When: Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 6:30pm.

For more information, please contact Council President Michele Yamakaitis at (908) 494-0880.

Mark Ritacco Obituary & Funeral Information

Mayor Derek Armstead and Linden City Council regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Mark Ritacco, the City’s Construction Code Official and Zoning Board Officer. Mark died on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at his home. Mark Ritacco was a loving and passionate man and will live on in the hearts of those who know him.

Visitation will be at the Biondi Funeral Home of Nutley on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 3pm until 6:30pm. A funeral service will follow at 6:30pm. The cremation will be held privately.

Mark was a lifelong resident of Nutley before moving to Manahawkin in 1995. Mark graduated from Nutley High School, class of 1979, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1983. He was the owner of Mark Ritacco Plumbing & Heating for the past 20 years.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years Susan (nee Bunk) Ritacco; his devoted children Frank Ritacco and his wife Elizabeth, Gina Sicilia and her husband Joseph, and Juli Ritacco. Mark was recently made a grandfather to his cherished granddaughter Marina Jane Ritacco.

In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his loving siblings Joy Maschi and her husband Augie, Deborah Petrillo, and Frank Ritacco. Mark is also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews. Mark is predeceased by his parents Frank and Joyce (nee Cofone) Ritacco and his brother James DiRuggiero.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Pl. Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Weather Alert – Flooding

A unique combination of a slow moving cold front and the remnants of hurricane Debby are increasing the chance of major flooding impacting many parts of New Jersey this week.  Tropical moisture is surging into the region today and tomorrow, leading to moderate to heavy rainfall and flooding from strong thunderstorms.  The rainfall and flash flooding potential for today and tomorrow is concerning by itself, and can lead to 2 to 5 inches of rain, but the impact of additional moisture from the remnants of Debby will further affect the area on Friday into Saturday. Grounds will likely be saturated and rivers/creeks/streams will likely be running high. Please take the necessary precautions to be safe during this storm.

NJSACOP Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment

Click here to view and/or download the NJSACOP Accreditation Assessment Invites Public Comment News Release.

A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will examine all aspects of the Linden Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services on Thursday, August 15, 2024, Chief David Hart announced today.

“Verification by the assessment team that the Linden Police Department meets the Commission’s “best practice” standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” Chief Hart said.

As part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call 908-200-9251 on Thursday, August 15, 2024 between the hours of 10am and 11am. Email comments can be sent here.

Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards.  Please contact Sergeant Leon Paster at 908-474-8557 for information about the standards.

Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Linden Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to contact the Accreditation Program Director by email here, or write the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.

The Linden Police Department must comply with NJSACOP LEAP standards in order to achieve accredited status. Chief Hart indicated, “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.”

The Accreditation Program Director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Mr. Harry J Delgado, Ed.S. “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status,” Harry J Delgado stated.

Accreditation is valid for a three-year (3) period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. 

The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email here.  

Linden Police Department Community Meeting

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Linden Police Department invite you to attend the Linden Police Department Community Meeting. Meet Mayor Armstead, Chief Hart, and many of the Police Officers who work in your neighborhood.

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

  • What: Linden Police Department Community Meeting. Learn about various Police Department Programs and discuss crime and traffic concerns in your neighborhood.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Recreation Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • When: Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 7pm.
  • How: For more information, contact Captain Christopher Guenther via email here.