Union County News

New Jersey Senior Freeze property tax reimbursement payments begin. November 2 application deadline. Eligibility requirements and payment schedules.

Berkeley Heights announces traffic safety improvements for schools ahead of 2026-2027 school year. Speed bumps, speed limit reduction, turning lane.

Berkeley Heights police investigate vehicle burglaries and suspicious incidents. Commercial vehicles targeted. Detective Bureau investigating incidents.

Springfield announces passing of retired Fire Chief Donald Schwerdt Jr. Former chief served 2004-2006. Municipal memorial announced August 18, 2026.

Springfield culvert project completed after months of coordination. Drainage improvements expected. Infrastructure work finished August 2026.

Mountainside Borough Council approves $8.4 million bond ordinance for community pool replacement. 25-year financing, $168 annual tax impact.

Summit Recreation Center solar energy proposal presented to city council. 169-kilowatt system planned. Federal and state incentives available.

Summit Police Department reports 2024 crime statistics to city council. Crime index down, violent crime minimal. Zero racial profiling complaints.

New Jersey ANCHOR property tax relief program September 15 deadline. Homeowners and renters eligible. Up to $1,500 for homeowners.

Lightning strike ignites two-alarm attic fire at nine-unit apartment building in Summit Thursday evening. Dozens of firefighters respond. No injuries.

Fanwood resident Tai Cooper announced as Democratic candidate for Union County Clerk. November 2026 election. Economic development background.

U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. awards $530,000 federal funding for Summit Glenside Avenue sidewalk project. Pedestrian safety and drainage improvements.

Jen Burns joins Cranford Fire Department after eight years at Cranford High School. Municipal professional transitions to Fire Department.

Cranford's Palmas Café celebrates first anniversary and announces Bound Brook expansion in 2027. Specialty coffee and Latin American cuisine.

Cranford resident Rocco Della Serra, 65, killed August 6 in Route 22 bicycle crash. North Plainfield man charged with vehicular homicide.

Plainfield firefighters respond to Johnston Avenue fire August 18, 2026. E-bike lithium battery ignited flammable materials and structure. No injuries.

Cranford box turtle recovery project concludes August 2026 after recovering 208 turtles. Cranford Fire Department stops accepting turtles as of August 17.

Alice Debowski, special education teacher at J. Christian Bollwage Finance Academy, named Union County Teacher of the Year 2026-27.

Plainfield approves campaign sign ordinance. Signs must be removed within 14 days of election. New rules take effect before November.