A Message from Mayor Mahr

Earlier today, the state reported another 1,297 COVID-19 positive test results, bringing the statewide total to 143,905. Union County currently has a total of 14,492 confirmed cases.

Fanwood now has a total of 88 confirmed cases that have ranged in age from 21 to 100 years old. But our cases are leveling off, with only 3 additional cases this week.  Unfortunately, we now have a total of 12 individuals that have passed away from COVID-19 and I would ask that you keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers as we head into this weekend.

New this week, long term care centers, including assisted living centers,  will be mandated to test their staff and residents on an ongoing basis.  Westfield Board of Health has discussed the best way to move forward with this directive with Chelsea officials, and the Board of Health will maintain daily contact with them throughout the testing process.

Governor Murphy announced new permissions again today, as part of the state’s Road Back plan. They concern elective surgeries, the July election, and new small business grants. Details can be found below.

You should take note that on Monday, Paterson Road will be closed for paving.  Affected residents received instruction on parking from the paving company earlier this week.  You’ll find the details below.

For those of you who have not yet paid your property taxes; as we near the end of the grace period, I want to be sure you are aware that any late payments after the grace period will have interest assessed back to the May 1, 2020, due date.

I do encourage you to consider sending in a brief Memorial Day video for our planned “Virtual Memorial Day”. The deadline is midnight Monday and all submissions are welcome.  We do not need fancy production values, just you on the phone (horizontal please!) with your heartfelt observations about the holiday, or a patriotic greeting.  You can see more on this below.

If you are having trouble accessing relief services, or you’re experiencing other emergency needs, I urge you to reach out to me directly at mayor@fanwoodnj.org.  We are here to help.

I wish each of you a lovely weekend! Enjoy the nice weather and keep safe and sound until we come back together on Monday.

– Mayor Colleen Mahr

Beaches to Open for Memorial Day

Governor Murphy today announced new openings and restrictions as part of the state’s broader Road Back plan:
  • The Jersey Shore will open May 22 for Memorial Day Weekend, with restrictions on the number of beachgoers as well as social distancing enforcement and no contact sports
  • Restaurants on the boardwalk may open for takeout only
  • Rides, playgrounds, and visitors centers will remain closed
  • Park bathrooms are also permitted to open May 22 and must be cleaned and sanitized frequently

Paterson Road Closure Starts May 18 thru 22

Please be advised that commencing on Monday, May 18 at 7:00 A.M. Paterson Road will be milled and paved from North Martine Avenue to Hunter Avenue.  It is anticipated that the work will take approximately one week to complete, weather permitting.

All of the work will be completed from 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.  This will require a full road closure.  Parking will be prohibited on Paterson Road within the work zone during the operation of milling and paving.  Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Detour signs will be posted and Fanwood Police Officers will be on scene to assist with traffic.  All inquiries should be directed to Lieutenant Francisco Marrero of the Fanwood Police Department (908) 322-5000, extension 509.

Fanwood Gold Star Tribute

In an effort to shine a light on those many Fanwoodians who have served our country and paid the ultimate price, the Memorial Day Committee is developing a map for the Gold Star Tribute.

The map traces the route among all of the twelve streets in Fanwood that are named after fallen service members.  Each street sign now has a gold star.  The Committee will place a placard with a history of the fallen at the base of the street sign and we encourage you to visit the sites and remember the sacrifice of these Fanwood heroes.

You are of course discouraged from taking the walk in large groups and know you will practice social distancing on the walk.  We will release the map from this e-blast prior to Memorial Day.

On The Road Back

Governor Murphy issued the following executive orders as part of the state’s Road Back plan today:

  • Elective surgery will be allowed beginning Tuesday, May 26
  • The July election will be a hybrid election;
    • Vote-By-Mail with at least one polling place in each municipality;
    • Vote-By-Mail ballots will be sent to every registered voter and secured drop boxes will be required by each municipality
  • The NJEDA has announced another $50 million in grants dedicated to small businesses

Fanwood Hosting Virtual Memorial Day Observance

Because we are unable to gather together this year to honor the fallen, the Memorial Day Committee invites you to make your own video remembrance to be included in the Fanwood video tribute.

Feel free to be creative, if you wish to offer a patriotic tune or other creative/artistic material feel free to express yourself.

  • Please send your video via email (NO TEXTS) in full resolution to FanwoodGoldstars@gmail.com
  • Please shoot horizontal, and not the vertical cell phone look.
  • Your video should be brief, no longer than 2 minutes.
  • Submission Deadline. Midnight, Monday, May 18

Important information for Second Quarter 2020 Tax Payments

In line with Governor Murphy’s executive order, the Borough of Fanwood has extended the normal May 1st property tax payment grace period to June 1st. This action supersedes the action the Borough Council took last month to reduce the interest rate applied to late payments.

Since Borough Hall is currently closed to the public, payments should be submitted as follows:

  • Regular Mail mail to tax collector 75 N Martine Avenue, Fanwood NJ 07023
  • Online on our homepage click on the sidebar for tax/utility payments; you will be directed to a site to make an online payment using credit card or e-check (additional charges are applied when paying online see information listed on payment site)
  • Drop-off there is a mail slot located on the wall outside of the front entrance to borough hall labeled tax and sewer payments drop payment inbox it will go into a secure payment box inside of the building.

Property Owners should take note of the additional fees that are charged on credit card payments. These charges are not imposed by the Borough of Fanwood but by the entity that will process the payment.  This site has been set up as a convenience.  The upcharges are as follows:

  • $1.05 to send an e-check
  • $3.95 for Visa Debit
  • 2.95% upcharge for credit card payments