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Message from Mayor Armstead

Social Media – A Scammer’s Playground

According to reports received by the FTC Consumer Sentinel Network, scammers are leveraging social media platforms to generate substantial profits. New data released by the FTC reveals that scams originating on social media have resulted in $2.7 billion in reported losses since 2021, surpassing all other contact methods.

Social media gives scammers an unprecedented advantage at little to no expense, reaching billions of users worldwide. They can easily create a fake persona, hack into profiles, pretend to be the user to deceive contacts, and spread misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. Scammers learn to tailor their approach to what users share on social media. Furthermore, scammers may place ads using tools available to advertisers, systematically targeting users based on personal details like age, interests, or past purchases.

Image Source: FTC
Image Source: FTC

In the first half of 2023, social media was the contact method for over 38 percent of fraud cases reported by people aged 20-29.  For people aged 18-19, that figure was 47 percent. The numbers decrease with age, consistent with generational differences in social media use. Data indicates that, while online shopping scams have the highest number of cases, the most significant monetary losses are due to scams that promote fraudulent investment opportunities via social media. More than half of the money lost to social media fraud resulted from investment scams. Additionally, there has been an increase in romance and investment scams, commonly referred to as “pig butchering.” These scammers often advertise their fake investment successes and try to entice users to invest in fake websites and apps.

Social media users should set stringent security settings for social media accounts and critically evaluate sources of information consumed, seeking reliable and verified information. Verify information before sharing posts, clicking links, or promoting the post’s content, including familiar and shared contacts. Bait-and-switch posts often originate from pages that are not associated with a specific individual, have comments turned off, and are relatively vague in the descriptions used in the post. 

NJ PTR (Senior Freeze) & Anchor Program Public Event

Mayor Derek Armstead and the Tax Collector are hosting a public event for NJ PTR (Senior Freeze) and the Anchor Program on October 12th, 2023 from 10am until 2pm in the Court Room, located on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 301 North Avenue.

When is the event?
The event will be held on October 12th, 2023 from 10am until 2pm.

Where is the event?
The event will be held in the City Hall Court Room, located on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 301 North Avenue.

Can I come to this event, and what do I need to bring with me?
This is a public event. All may attend! Please make sure to bring your government issued photo ID to this event.

What is the NJ PTR Senior Freeze?

The Senior Freeze Program reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled persons for property tax or mobile home park site fee increases on their principal residence (main home). To qualify, you must meet all the eligibility requirements for each year from the base year through the application year. Please note that eligibility requirements, including income limits, and benefits available for all property tax relief programs are subject to change by the State Budget.

When is the 2022 filing deadline?
The deadline for 2022 applications is October 31, 2023.

What is the 2022 payment schedule?
We are currently issuing 2022 payments to qualified applicants.

What is the Anchor Program?

The Anchor Program is the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters program. In this program, the Division of Taxation staff will do the following:

  • Assist in determining your eligibility for the ANCHOR program;
  • Provide information such as New Jersey gross income or, ID and PIN
  • (homeowners only), which can be used when completing an ANCHOR application;
  • Help file your homeowner or tenant ANCHOR application; and
  • Answer your questions about the program.
  • Check the status of your previously filed application or verify whether you have already filed.

New Jersey American Water Invests $700,000 in Linden Infrastructure

Linden, N.J. – AUG. 2, 2023 – New Jersey American Water will install approximately 700 feet of new water main in Linden starting this week. The company will install the new 8- and 24-inch ductile iron main along Stiles Street, from Lynn Court to West Linden Avenue, and West Linden Avenue, from Stiles Street to Coolidge Street. 

The project also includes installing one fire hydrant and 20 utility-owned service lines along the pipeline route. Additionally, New Jersey American Water will replace any customer-owned service line that has been identified as lead or galvanized. This $700,000 investment will continue to advance water service reliability and increase water flows for household consumption and fire protection in this community. “I am always grateful when utility companies see the tremendous evolution in Linden and recognize that certain infrastructure and support services need to be enhanced or increased” said Mayor Derek Armstead.

New Jersey American Water’s local, qualified contractor, Montana Construction, will begin work this week and expects to be completed within approximately three weeks, weather permitting. Work hours will be from 7 am until 4 pm, Monday through Friday. Some overnight work may be required to maintain project schedule. Final street restorations will be completed in spring 2024. 

Project timelines are subject to change due to a variety of factors including weather and availability of supplies. For the public’s and workers’ safety, traffic restrictions and/or alternating traffic patterns are likely to occur during work hours. All emergency vehicles and local traffic will be allowed access during construction. New Jersey American Water values the safety of its workers and advises drivers and pedestrians to take caution in the vicinity of work sites.

Mayor Derek Armstead Saves Linden from Massive Tax Hike

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Linden, New Jersey, May 1, 2023 – Linden Mayor Derek Armstead successfully offset a $3.2 MM loss caused by Governor Philip Murphy’s costly statewide New Jersey Health Benefits Plan. In fact, instead of a drastic property tax increase, Mayor Armstead’s creative allocation of municipal resources and collaboration with the Linden Board of Education resulted in a tax cut for Linden homeowners.

Armstead’s leadership was crucial in identifying solutions to the significant financial setback. He brought the Linden Board of Education into the mix, enabling the school system to identify $2 MM in potential tax savings. The Mayor then leveraged these savings, combined with his own creative allocation of municipal resources to produce a tax cut for all Linden homeowners. The achievement generated widespread praise, with residents commending the Mayor’s ability to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to complex problems. 

“As a former Mayor, I know the issue of employee benefits is an annual struggle,” said former West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi, who commented on Armstead’s fiscal wizardry. “There’s a contractual financial responsibility as well as a moral obligation to take care of your municipal employees where the costs are undeniable, so what Mayor Armstead did to eliminate that deficit is creative good government, and it demonstrates what an effective leader he is.”

First elected Mayor of Linden in 2014, Armstead has made significant strides improving the City’s infrastructure and economy with interconnected yet autonomous government agencies. His focus on creating jobs, attracting new businesses, and improving Linden residents’ quality of life has built a great relationship among its diverse population. 

Armstead’s leadership during this recent financial challenge further demonstrated his ability to navigate complex issues and produce tangible results. With Linden now enjoying a tax cut thanks to his efforts, Armstead’s reputation as an effective leader has only increased.

Some political observers have speculated that Armstead’s success could make him an attractive candidate for Governor in 2025, as Armstead’s continued success in Linden may be attractive to voters looking for a leader who can get things done. For now, Linden residents are celebrating Mayor Armstead’s success, offsetting a significant financial loss while providing ongoing tax relief for Linden, New Jersey homeowners.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt 2023!

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks and Recreation are pleased to present the 2023 Annual Easter Egg Hunt!

Due to the predicted inclement weather on Saturday, April 1, 2023, the Easter Egg Hunt at Wilson Park is cancelled. We look forward to having it on the scheduled rain date, Saturday, April 8, 2023.

  • Who: For children ages 12 and under.
  • When: Rain date: Saturday, April 8, from 12pm until 2pm.
  • Where: Wilson Park, which is located behind the High School Academy Building.
  • How: Please bring your own Easter basket, or a bag can be provided.
    With questions, call the John T. Gregorio Center at (908) 474-8600.
  • Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

City of Linden Annual Dog License

The City of Linden requires all dogs six months and older to be licensed. To obtain a dog license, written proof of valid rabies vaccination is required. Dog licenses available April 1, 2023.

  • Dog License Fee:
    • $13 for non-spayed/non-neutered.
    • $10 spayed/neutered (proof required).
  • Click here to complete a dog license application online.
  • To obtain your dog license in person, visit the City Clerk-License Office (9am until 4:30pm) located at 301 North Wood Avenue.
  • To submit your application by mail, send to: City Clerk-License Office, 301 North Wood Avenue, Linden, NJ 07036.
  • Click here to view and/or download the Annual Dog License informational flyer.

Ariel Rivas Rosado Scholarship Fund

Linden Public Schools has created the Ariel Rivas Rosado Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will be awarded to a Linden High School graduate each year to honor Ariel’s memory.

Click here to view and/or download a flyer containing information for the first fundraiser. The School #4 PTO will be selling silicone wristbands bearing the inscription, “Dance Like No One is Watching.”

Mayor Armstead Appoints Youngest Member to Zoning Board in New Jersey History – Press Release

Linden, NJ. (Wednesday, February 22, 2023) – Mayor Derek Armstead appointed the youngest person ever in New Jersey’s history to its Zoning Board. In Linden, board appointments are made by the Mayor and approved by City Council. At last night’s City Council meeting, Linden’s City Council unanimously approved and welcomed Ms. Hagr Elweshahy to its ranks. 

Ms. Elweshahy’s appointment is Mayor Armstead’s latest example of empowering qualified youth to engage in important and critical leadership positions. “I take special note of exceptional people and will continue to do everything in my power to enable their inclusion in building Linden’s bright future” said Mayor Armstead. 

A lifelong Linden resident and current senior in Linden High School, Ms. Elweshahy is currently slated to graduate as the school’s 2023 valedictorian, and is the Commander of Linden’s ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps). She is also Linden High School’s Student Council President, former National Honor Society Officer and has developed and overseen a myriad of Linden High School programs, functions and fundraisers. “I am humbled and honored that Mayor Armstead recommended me for this appointment. I love my town, and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to help Linden residents and businesses in this way. The Mayor has put a lot of faith in me, and I will not let him down.”

The Linden Zoning Board of Adjustment hears and decides on appeals regarding determinations made by the Zoning Official in the enforcement of the zoning code. “Of all boards and commissions, the Zoning Board is one of the most important ones as it pertains to the development of any municipality” said Mayor Armstead. When asked about appointing an eighteen-year old to the Zoning Board, the Mayor responded that “Ms. Elweshahy has proven herself time and time again, rising to any occasion and overcoming any challenge. I have no doubt that her contributions to the Zoning Board will be significant.”