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Union County Parks to Re-Open on Limited Basis with Social Distancing, May 2

Union County, NJ – Union County parks will partially re-open beginning at dawn on Saturday, May 2, for limited and passive activities only, in accordance with statewide restrictions issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The County’s two golf courses will open next week, after routine maintenance is conducted.

“Union County parks will re-open under guidelines that are consistent with the statewide plan, which provides for residents to benefit from healthy outdoor activities while diligently observing precautions against spreading or contracting COVID-19,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“As a reminder, the virus does not disappear outside,” Mirabella added.

“Please be safe, and help save lives by observing the six-foot social distance guideline and other rules for visiting County parks during this time.”

Union County parks will open on the following basis:

  1. All group activities, including picnics and other gatherings remain prohibited.
  2. Only individual activities are permitted, such as walking, jogging, bicycling, and fishing. For these activities, individuals may be accompanied by family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.
  3. Park visitors must stay on marked paths and observe signage for social distancing.
  4. Park visitors are encouraged to wear masks.
  5. The following facilities remain closed until further notice:
    • Restrooms
    • Picnic areas
    • Athletic fields
    • Playgrounds and exercise stations
    • Trailside Nature & Science Center
    • Warinanco Sports Center
    • Watchung Stable
    • Echo Lake and Warinanco dog parks

Visitors are advised to avoid congested areas. When using pathways and trails give way to others, in order to maintain a six-foot social distance.

Visitors are also advised to observe other COVID-19 preventive measures including: wash hands frequently, do not touch face, cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or elbow, do not go out if sick, stay away from sick people, and use a face mask for additional protection.

Park visitors please note: Stay on marked trails in order to preserve fragile native habitat in County parks. The taking of plants and other wildlife is prohibited. Share paved paths by keeping to the right unless passing others. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths. Dogs must be kept on leash. All trash must be carried out where receptacles are full or unavailable.

– – – – – –

TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 133, reopening state parks and golf courses, and restoring the authority of county governments to determine whether county parks will be open or closed. The order takes effect at sunrise on Saturday, May 2. 

June 1st Property Tax Grace Period

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing Municipalities to Extend Grace Period for May 1st Property Tax Payments until June 1st

TRENTON – Governor Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 130, which allows municipalities to extend the grace period for property tax payments due on May 1st to June 1st. Such an extension would provide much-needed relief to homeowners struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Allowing municipalities the option of extending the grace period for May property tax payments is the right thing to do as many New Jerseyans are impacted financially as a result of this crisis,” said Governor Murphy. “Leaders of towns and cities across the state have been trying to find ways to lessen the blow on local residents, and with this action, they are empowered to provide relief to homeowners as we continue to do everything possible to fight this pandemic.”

For the full press release, please click here.

What not to flush, and how to prevent backups.

Help maintain a healthy sewer system in our community!

We continue to be proactive in our response to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Due to this public health emergency our equipment is experiencing blockages from “flushable” and disinfectant wipes. With the increased use of wipes (“flushable”, wet, baby, anti-bacterial, disinfectant) and paper towels, we are reminding all residents to PLEASE make sure you put these items in the trash and do not flush them down the toilet!

“Flushable wipes” are often marketed as an alternative to toilet paper and claim to be “flushable” and “sewer safe.” However…

  • These wipes DO NOT break down when flushed in both private household plumbing and the public sewer system.
  • Serious blockages resulting in septic and sewer backups may occur.
  • Disposable wipes, even those labeled ‘flushable’ should be disposed of in the trash, not flushed down the toilet.

Read the informative flyer for more information. Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy sewer system in our community!

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Providing Critical Short-Term Support for Renters

Additional Informational Resources for Renters, Homeowners, and Landlords Now Available

TRENTON – To provide additional options to tenantswho are struggling financially as result of COVID-19, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 128, allowing tenants to direct their landlords to use their security deposits to offset rent or back rent. 

“We recognize the anxiety that so many are feeling about looming rent payments, and during this emergency renters should have the ability to utilize their security deposit to help them stay in their place of residence,” said Governor Murphy. “While this action does not resolve the broader financial concerns of New Jerseyans, this will provide critical short-term support as the first of the month approaches. My Administration will continue working with the housing community and federal government to develop long-term solutions to this crisis.”

Read & Download

PPP Resumes April 27, 2020

The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 10:30am EDT.

Paycheck Protection Program Loan Information

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lenders and Borrowers (04/26/2020)

How to Calculate Loan Amounts

For affiliation rules applicable for the Paycheck Protection Program, click here.

The Interim Final Rule for Applicable Affiliation Rules for the Paycheck Protection Program as posted in the Federal Register.

Frequently Asked Questions for Faith-Based Organizations Participating in the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

Apply for the Paycheck Protection Program by finding a lender.

Celebrate Earth Day & National Park Week

Linden Parks & Recreation in cooperation with National Park Trust present these activities to Celebrate Earth Day and National Park Week.

Happy Earth Day and National Park Week! While we’d much rather be spending it outdoors at our favorite park, there are still lots of creative ways to celebrate from home. Earth Day began 50 years ago to focus on the importance of environmental protection and education.  Today we invite you to join us and participate in some environmental fun at home by getting a little dirty and building a veggie garden with our woolly mascot Buddy Bison. You can reuse materials from around your home and even use kitchen scraps to grow your own produce. In the spirit of National Park Week, we are excited to share 10 lesser-known amazing national park sites that you and your family can discover while earning Junior Ranger badges online. Stay healthy and safe!

Buddy Bison’s Veggie Garden

Make the most of kitchen scraps by creating your own vegetable garden with Buddy Bison! Decorate with natural materials and learn about different seeds that will flourish on your windowsill or on your counter. Download the instructions here. Post a picture of your garden and share it with us on Instagram by tagging @nationalparktrust or using the hashtag #BuddyBison.

Online Junior Ranger Badges

To celebrate National Park Week, we are thrilled to share 10 Junior Ranger badges you can earn from home. It doesn’t matter what age you are, just “explore, learn, and protect” your national parks online and become an official Junior Ranger and earn your badges! From Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas to Point Reyes National Seashore in California, you can learn about history, night skies, or even dinosaurs! Click here to learn more!

With any questions, please always feel free to contact Ralph Dunhamn, Director of Linden’s Department of Parks & Recreations.

Local Linden COVID-19 Updates

  • If you are out of work due to COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment online, if you are eligible. 908-474-8665
  • For those residents who cannot make their rental/mortgage payments because of being out of work please note that you cannot be evicted or foreclosed upon. However, your landlord and or mortgage company/bank can start the proceedings but cannot enforce eviction or foreclosure until 60 days after the Executive Order by the Governor has been lifted.
  • The United Chinese Americans Association of New Jersey donated facial masks to the City of Linden.

What’s closed to the public in Linden and how do I reach them by phone?

  • Linden City Hall – 908-474-8493 
  • Union County Offices – 908-527-4787
  • Linden Municipal Court – 908-474-8423
  • Linden Welfare Office – 908-474-8620
  • Linden Public Library
  • Linden Multi-Purpose Center
  • Linden PAL
  • John T. Gregorio Recreation Center – seniors who receive Meals on Wheels receive at-home delivery.

Do Your Part

  • Seniors Who Are Shut In – call the Mayor’s office at 908-474-8493.
  • Report price gouging to the Weights & Measures Division of the County Consumer Affairs Department by email or by phone at 908-527-4787.

Corona Testing Site Information

This post contains all testing site related updates.

Holmdel PNC Bank Arts Center

Open to those who live within 50-mile radius of the site. This site and the Bergen County Community College site (below) are alternating the days upon which they operate. 

Bergen County Community College

Open to those who live within 50-mile radius of the site. This site and the Holmdel PNC Bank Arts Center site (above) are alternating the days upon which they operate. 

Kean University on Morris Avenue in Union

Open to Union County Residents, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am – 4pm. Up to 72 hours for test results. Free testing is available to all Union County residents who wish to be tested, whether or not they are experiencing symptoms. You can now make an appointment online here. You must have proof of NJ Residency IDs when visiting the testing site.

COVID-19 Related Legislation

This post contains updates with relevant COVID-19 related legislation.

Click here to see The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health through Public Health Flyer.

Click here to see all press releases from Governor Murphy’s office.

  • Schools will stay closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. 
  • The Governor’s “The Stay at Home Order” Executive Order states that if you do not need to go out, then please stay home. If you have to leave your home, then please practice the 6-foot social distancing directive.
  • All non-essential businesses are now closed, which include (but are not limited to) restaurants, bars, theaters, hair salons, spas, nail parlors, tattoo parlors malls, aquariums, museums (and in Union County, Adult Daycare Centers). Restaurants located in a mall with an outside separate entrance are able to provide pick-up service for ordered meals.
  • As of May 22, 2020, some businesses have been allowed to open. Click here for that information.
  • Call 211 for updates or text your Zip Code to 898211 and updates will be sent to your phone. 
  • Deadlines for the following have been extended: 
    • OPRA requests
    • Building permits 
    • City budget 
    • NJ State’s deadline to file income tax extended to July 15, 2020.
  • $15 million was approved to assist food banks.
  • Public bodies can now meet electronically and give electronic involvement to the public through email, video, etc.
  • Expanding technology for Board of Educations and students in addition to other school related legislation.
  • School districts will be credited 180 days for virtual learning.
  • A bill regarding employee paid time off so they won’t use sick/vacation time.
  • Governor Murphy announced that decisions regarding the reopening of schools in New Jersey  will not be made until April 17th at the earliest.
  • The NJ Homestead Rebate for residential owned homes is rescinded for 2020.