News
Utility Assistance Information from Elizabethtown Gas
As winter approaches and households start to receive higher heating bills, know that programs exist to help with utility costs. There have been updates to assistance programs and income guidelines. Some changes include a higher monthly maximum benefit amount of $180 and changes to the USF Fresh Start program, which may forgive your current outstanding balance.
On October 1, 2021, Utility Assistance programs were expanded for a two-year period to better assist those impacted by the continuing pandemic. Income guidelines for assistance programs have been increased to allow more households to be eligible. For example, a family of 4 can make up to $106,000 and be eligible to receive assistance. In some cases, entire past due balances may be erased. Information on all available programs can be found here.
This Energy Assistance Fact Sheet provides contact information for agencies that can provide more detailed information and program applications. Additionally, all programs have an online application, where applicants may apply for assistance without leaving their home. Additionally, representatives from Elizabethtown Gas are available to speak about conservation measures and energy assistance by request.
New Jersey American Water Plans For Temporary Treatment Change in Water Treatment Plants Serving Central and Northern Parts of the State
As part of an annual maintenance program for its water distribution system, New Jersey American Water will temporarily change the water treatment process from a chloramine (combined) residual to free chlorine residual at the company’s Raritan-Millstone and Canal Road Water Treatment plants. These surface water treatment plants serve New Jersey American Water customers in the following counties: Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union.
“This periodic, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water treatment practice that allows us to continue to provide safe, high-quality water for our customers,” said Matthew Csik, Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance, New Jersey American Water. “We perform this distribution system maintenance program every year as an added measure to further disinfect the pipelines in our distribution system.”
The temporary treatment process will begin the week of February 7, 2022 and continue until the end of April 2022. During this period, some customers may notice a slight taste and smell of chlorine in their water. This is normal and will only be temporary until the system maintenance is complete. Customers who wish to reduce the taste of chlorine can place water in an uncovered glass container in the refrigerator overnight to dissipate chlorine faster.
“We will continue to monitor water quality in the system to continue to provide service that meets or is better than federal and state drinking water standards,” Csik said.
New Jersey American Water has used chloramines in its water treatment process since the 1970s. For more information, visit newjerseyamwater.com. In addition, due to ongoing water treatment plant upgrades at the Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant, New Jersey American Water has temporarily shut down the fluoridation system. The company anticipates that fluoridation will resume by the end of this year. Fluoride is considered a drinking water additive and the temporary absence will have no impact to the quality of your water. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com, under Water Quality, select Fluoride.
Free Blood Pressure Screening – Second Tuesday Each Month
The Linden Health Department is conducting free blood pressure screening to Linden residents.
- Who: Open to Linden residents.
- What: Free blood pressure screenings.
- When: Second Tuesday each month, from 12pm – 2pm.
- Where: JTG Center, 330 Helen Street, Linden NJ 07036
- How: Walkup. No appointments necessary. Please bring a valid form of ID.
COVID-19 Sunday Vaccinations
Mayor Derek Armstead has partnered with St. Georges Family & Specialty Pharmacies to provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Walkups permitted, but you must first fill out the registration form online by clicking here.
- Who: Open to everyone 5 years and older (children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). ID is required.
- What: COVID-19 vaccinations.
- When: Sunday, February 6th from 3pm until 6pm.
- Where: Linden Multi Purpose Center, located at 1025 John Street.
- How: Fill out this registration form prior to arrival.
Informational Meeting on February 16th for the NJ Civil Service Commission Police Entrance Exam on February 28th
The Linden Police Department will be hosting an informational meeting at the Linden Public Library on February 16th @ 5:30pm.
Officers will be on hand to answer any questions a potential applicant might have about eligibility, background investigations, physical requirements, and training. For anyone interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, our goal is to make sure you know exactly what to expect throughout the process. Register for the event by clicking here!
The application deadline for NJ Civil Service Commission Police Entrance Exam is February 28th.
Saturday School Cancelled
Due to the forecasted snowstorm, Saturday School at Linden High School is canceled for Saturday, January 29th, 2022.
Thank you and stay safe!
Free Income Tax Help
The City of Linden Department of Parks & Recreation announces that they are partnering with AARP Tax-Aide to offer free income tax help to all Linden residents. All volunteers are IRS certified and can address most issues asked by their clients.
Appointments are needed. Appointments are on Tuesdays, starting February 15th through April 12th, at 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am or 11am at the John T. Gregorio Center, 330 Helen Street. To schedule an appointment, call 908-474-8600 between 9am and 4pm, Monday through Friday.
Participants must bring a copy of last year’s tax return, Social Security card, photo ID, children’s Social Security cards, all W-2’s, 1099s’ and any other documents necessary to complete their tax return.
For additional information, email us here, or call 908-474-8600. The Parks & Recreation office is located here.
Significant Snow Forecast – Residents Are Reminded to Remove Vehicles From Designated Streets
Several inches of snow are expected to fall in Linden. Residents are reminded that vehicles must be removed from designated snow emergency routes once snow begins. Vehicles not in compliance will be towed. TOWED VEHICLES CANNOT BE RELEASED UNTIL MONDAY.
Alternate side of the street parking will be suspended today, Friday January 28th as storm preparations are made.
| Name of Street | Side | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Chandler Avenue | Both | Entire length |
| Clinton Street | Both | Entire length |
| Cranford Avenue | Both | Entire length |
| DeWitt Street | Both | Entire length |
| DeWitt Terrace | Both | Entire length |
| Elizabeth Avenue | Both | Entire length |
| Grier Avenue | Both | Entire length |
| Knopf Street | Both | Entire length |
| Linden Avenue | Both | Entire length |
| McCandless Street | Both | Entire length |
| Orchard Terrace | Both | Entire length |
| Park Avenue | Both | Entire length |
| Pleasant Street | Both | Entire length |
| Raritan Road | Both | Entire length |
| Roselle Street | Both | Entire length |
| Route U.S. 1 (Edgar Road) | Both | Entire length |
| St. Georges Avenue | Both | Entire length |
| Stiles Street | Both | Entire length |
| Tremley Point Road | Both | Entire length |
| Wood Avenue | Both | Entire length |