COUNTY — Last week, the Union County Board of County Commissioners announced its intention to award a total of $1,500,000 in grant funding to help local municipalities repave roads, repair sidewalks, build playgrounds and complete other necessary infrastructure projects. “We are so happy to continue supporting the growth and development of our communities through the Union County Infrastructure and Municipal Aid grant program,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “These funds represent our commitment to investing in projects that enhance the quality of life for our residents, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will have.”
The Union County Infrastructure and Municipal Aid grant program, county officials said, is funded by the proceeds from the sale of Runnells Specialized Hospital in 2014. According to information provided by the county, the grant program, which kicked off in 2015, is intended to “stimulate the development of public projects of economic, social, transportation and governmental importance to local municipalities.”
On Thursday, during a regular meeting of the commissioner board, representatives from each of the county’s 21 municipalities expressed their gratitude for the funding and explained their upcoming projects via a short video presentation.
Westfield, which received a check for $100,000, will use its share of the funds to support playground improvements at Memorial Park. Over the course of the coming months, the town will remove the existing playground structure so that it can be replaced with a more accessible model.
“We are working to create an inclusive playground that can be used by children both with and without disabilities,” Westfield Recreation Director Megan Schaffer said, adding that the playground’s existing wood chips will be replaced with a poured rubber surface to make it easier for children with wheelchairs or other mobility devices to navigate. “We have been looking forward to this project for a long time, and we think it will be a real asset to the community.”
Garwood, meanwhile, will use its $38,000 allocation to make improvements to Borough Hall and other municipal facilities.
“We are in serious need of renovations, and this grant will help us check a few things off the list,” Garwood Mayor Jennifer Blumenstock said.
Other communities, like Fanwood (which received $40,000), Cranford ($90,000), Mountainside ($40,000), Clark ($42,500) and Scotch Plains ($100,000), will use their grant appropriations to repave roads, address drainage issues and improve pedestrian safety throughout their communities.
“This grant is going to be used to help us update our critical infrastructure and make our roads safer in town,” Cranford Mayor Brian Andrews said. “This is a massive project, and it would not be possible without the support of the commissioner board.” The commissioner board granted its unanimous approval to the program last week.
“As chair of the Fiscal Committee, I am proud of the diligent work put into allocating these funds effectively,” Commissioner Rebecca Williams said. “This grant program stands as a testament to our dedication to responsible fiscal management, ensuring that our municipalities have the resources they need to tackle vital infrastructure projects and strengthen local economies.”
