SCOTCH PLAINS — The zoning board of adjustment last week unanimously approved an application to allow homeowners to construct an addition to their home and to expand their existing garage. Daniel and Anna Upton will turn their 1.5-story, three-bedroom Cape Cod-style home on Hill Road into a five-bed...

COUNTY — Union County’s tax rate will remain flat this year despite rising operational costs and developing economic uncertainties.This year’s executive budget, Commissioner Rebecca Williams said, speaking during a regular meeting of the County Commissioner Board, represents “thoughtful planning and...

CLARK — During Monday night’s Clark Township Council workshop meeting, Mayor Angel Albanese reported that fundraising for the Clark Memorial Project has been going well, noting that at the last Senior Citizens meeting, one anonymous person donated $1,000.The goal of the collaborative fundraising pro...

WESTFIELD — The Westfield Town Council voted Tuesday to approve its $5-million capital budget for 2025, which town officials say will be used to make various public improvements, purchase new municipal vehicles and replace the roof and HVAC system at the department of public works.“The capital budge...

CRANFORD — An application to allow a local nursing home to expand its facilities and increase its potential capacity was tabled by the Cranford Zoning Board ofAdjustment on Monday night after several hours of public discussion.“We do not take any new testimony after 10:30 p.m.,” Board Chair Christin...

AREA — More than 700,000 New Jersey residents could lose access to health-care benefits and other crucial services if a series of federally-proposed Medicaid cuts is approved, Governor Phil Murphy said, speaking from the Westfield Community Center last week.Concerns about the future of the program —...

COUNTY — A resolution that would allow the Union County Board of County Commissioners to solicit proposals for its under-utilized Elizabeth jail complex was met with opposition last week by activist groups who said the move would open the door to unwanted partnerships with privatized prison companie...

FANWOOD — For a sixth straight year, Fanwood will see an uncontested election for borough council, with Democratic incumbents Kathy Mitchell and Gina Berry seeking new, three-year terms in November and the Republicans not fielding any candidates.Ms. Mitchell was first elected to the council in 2001 ...

GARWOOD — Four candidates — two Republicans and two Democrats — will compete for two, threeyear terms on the Garwood Borough Council in November’s election.Democratic incumbent Clarissa Nolde, this year’s council president, was first elected to the council in 2021. She is a former music teacher and ...

AREA— Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (R-D7) held his first official town hall of 2025 last week. The discussion took place over the phone and lasted for just over 30 minutes.The call, which was open to the public but required reservations, began with an opening statement from the congressman about Presid...