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Newark Man Sentenced to Nine Years for Daytime Robbery

On November 15, 2024, a Newark man was sentenced to 9 years in state prison for his participation in the daytime robbery of an Amazon driver in June of 2023.

Union County Superior Court Judge Daniel Roberts sentenced Anthony Torres, age 24, to 9 years in State Prison for second-degree robbery, directing that he must serve at least 85% of that sentence before being eligible for parole.

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at about 3:00 p.m. Officers responded to the parking lot of Jersey Lanes, 30 N. Park Ave. The victim, an Amazon delivery truck driver, told the Officers that he parked in the lot to take a break when Torres reached though the open side door into the driver’s compartment and stole his backpack.

The driver exited the van and confronted the suspect, grabbing onto his shirt as he entered a vehicle parked nearby. Torres struck the driver several times in an attempt to break free, and the driver was struck by the vehicle as it fled the scene. The driver suffered minor injuries.

“There is absolutely no place for violent crimes like this in our community,” said Linden Police Chief David Hart. “I’d like to thank the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as the responding Officers and Detectives whose diligent efforts made an extended sentence like this possible.”

Captain Christopher Guenther

Linden Awarded Pedestrian Safety Grant: Safer Drivers Save Lives

The City of Linden and the Linden Police Department announced that they have been awarded a year-long, federally-funded grant focused on improving pedestrian safety. The $20,000 grant, administered through the New Jersey Department of Highway Transportation & Safety, supplements and supports the department’s educational and enforcement efforts throughout the year.

In New Jersey, drivers are required to STOP for pedestrians in a crosswalk and yield to pedestrians walking outside of a crosswalk. Drivers are also advised to slow down and be alert for pedestrians; the risk of death for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 23 mph is 10%, but jumps to near 50% if the vehicle is traveling at 40 mph.

“Walking is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health, and for the environment,” said Police Chief David Hart. “In Linden, we are committed to keeping our pedestrians safe on the sidewalks and while crossing the street — anywhere that people walk, bike, or roll they should be able to do so without fear or stress. We urge drivers to take the time to look out for pedestrians, slow down, and incorporate pedestrian awareness into their driving routines.”

Despite a nationwide decline in highway fatalities last year, pedestrian fatalities across New Jersey surged 30%. Two hundred and twenty-two pedestrians lost their lives in vehicle crashes, the most since 1968.

For more information about pedestrian safety, please click here.

Black History Vision Board Display

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce the Black History Vision Board Display. This year’s theme is Historically Black College and University. Be creative, have fun and submit an entry! There will be a prize for each participant along with a photo taken by Brad Creanzo.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the Black History Vision Board Display.

  • Who: Linden students from grades 6 through 12.
  • What: Black History Vision Board Display, this year’s theme is Historically Black College and University. Be creative, have fun and submit an entry! There will be a prize for each participant along with a photo taken by Brad Creanzo.
  • When and How: All vision boards must be submitted to the John T. Gregorio Center (330 Helen Street) on or before February 26, 2025. The John T. Gregorio Center hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 4:30pm. Vision Board Display will be presented on February 27, 2025. Each participant will be presented with a prize along with a photo taken by Brad Creanzo. Participants and their families will be invited to celebrate everyone’s future dreams and goals at the John. T. Gregorio Center. For further information please call 908-474-8627.
    • All posters must be 22″x28″ or larger. All entries must have full name, school, teacher, grade, and parent/guardian cell phone number printed on a blank index card taped to the back.
    • Click here to view all rules and regulations for the contest.

Code Blue Alert

The Union County Board of Commissioners has announced a Code Blue sheltering due to predicted severe weather conditions from January 15 through January 24. Individuals and families seeking shelter MUST go to the Union County Division of Social Services for Code Blue placement during business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8:30am until 3pm to be screened and placed. Office addresses are:

After 3pm weekdays, and on weekends and holidays, referrals and persons seeking Code Blue placement should dial the NJ Homeless Hotline at 211, or (817) 652 – 1148.

State Rental Assistance Program

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) opens the waitlist and are accepting pre-applications for the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP). Apply now!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in English.
Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event in Spanish.
Click here to view and/or download the key details for this event.

  • Who: NJ residents who meet eligibility criteria are invited to apply with preference given to qualified veterans, elderly, families, disabled, and homeless.
  • What: The New Jersey State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) is a state funded program that provides housing subsidies on behalf of very low-income New Jersey residents, for decent, safe and sanitary housing. Persons applying must meet all applicable SRAP income and eligibility requirements. A total of 6,000 households will be selected through a lottery system to be placed on the State Rental Assistance Program waiting list. You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older or be an emancipated minor to apply. Please note that only New Jersey residents are eligible to apply for SRAP assistance. 
  • When: The open enrollment period begins on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 9am and ends on January 31, 2025 at 5pm.
  • How: Click here to apply online and click here for the program details. For more information or assistance, please call the NJDCA assistance line at (609) 292-4080, then choose option 9. They are available 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.

City of Linden Warming Centers 2025

Below is a list of the City of Linden’s Warming Centers for 2025. These are the municipal buildings that are open and available to the public during their normal operating hours. Nothing else is required.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the 2025 City of Linden Warming Centers.

  • Linden Public Library – 31 East Henry Street
    • Operating Hours: Monday and Wednesday from 9am until 9pm. Tuesday and Thursday from 9am until 5pm. Friday from 9:30am until 5pm. Saturday from 9am until 5pm.
  • John T. Gregorio Recreation Center – 330 Helen Street
    • Operating Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 4:30pm. *Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Linden Multi-Purpose Center – 1025 John Street
    • Operating Hours: Monday through Friday from 9am until 8pm. *Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Winter Wrestling Program

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce the Winter Wrestling Program. Our program has produced League and State champions! All skill levels are welcome.

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

  • Who: For children Kindergarten through Grade 8.
  • What: Instruction on basic wrestling techniques and skills to improve one’s body awareness and overall confidence. All participants must have their own wrestling shoes. All skill levels are welcome.
  • When: Program runs from December 3, 2024 through March 27, 2025. Practice will be held on Monday through Thursday from 6:30pm until 8pm.
    • No practice on days that schools are closed.
  • Where: LHS Athletic Department Building, which is located at 700 West Curtis Street.
  • How: $60 registration fee, plus a $6 insurance fee. All participants must have their own wrestling shoes. Register online here, or register in-person at the John T. Gregorio Center (330 Helen Street) from 9am until 4pm, or at the Linden Multi Purpose Center (1025 John Street) from 9:30am until 7:30pm. All locations accept checks, money orders, Visa and Mastercard. No cash. No refunds once the session begins. For more information, call (908) 474-8600. Please note, all new “First Time” participants must bring the following original documents at the time of registration and we will make copies:
    • Child’s original birth certificate.
    • Household bill showing proof of residency.
    • Diver’s License or photo ID of parent/guardian signing up their child.

2024 Holiday House Decorating Contest Winners

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Linden Cultural & Heritage Committee present the Holiday House Decorating Contest! Let’s light up Linden with holiday spirit!

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

All homes in Linden that had their holiday lights on from December 12 to December 20 were judged. No registration was required. Winners announced on December 28, 2024. Winning homes will be on the City of Linden website, and pictures will be shared on Linden’s Facebook and Nextdoor pages. Gift cards will be delivered to the winning homes. Homes that have won in the past two years were not be eligible. 

Click here to view the winners!

New Jersey Devils vs Vegas Golden Knights Game

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to invite you to the New Jersey Devils Game.

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

  • Who: Ages 8 through 18.
  • What: New Jersey Devils game. We are excited to have our members attend an exhilarating hockey game. Let’s show our support to the New Jersey Devils! All attendees will receive a drawstring bag! Limited spots available.
  • When & Where: Thursday, February 6, 2025
  • How: Limited spots available. Registration Deadline is January 13, 2025. If you have any questions, please call 908-474-8639.