A Message from Mayor Mahr

Earlier today the state reported another 3,250 positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide total to 78,460. The current total in Union County is 8,429 per the state tracking. Fanwood numbers remain unchanged.

Despite these hard times we’re sharing, it is incredible to see the generosity and outreach of so many of you. For all the sadness and insecurity we’re experiencing, it is very moving to recognize such a deep reservoir of goodness among us.  That should give us all some hope for brighter days ahead, I know it lightens my heart.

If you are in need of assistance or have assistance to offer, please contact me directly at mayor@fanwoodnj.org.

Best wishes to you all for a pleasant weekend.  Stay home, Stay safe, Stay well!

– Mayor Colleen Mahr

Second Quarter Taxes Due May 1

The Mayor & Council of the Borough of Fanwood recognizes the effects this deadly virus has had on the community and wishes to mitigate, to the extent possible, these disastrous consequences on those who reside in the Borough.

Because it is within our power to fix interest rates for delinquent payments, we have resolved to extend the “grace period” for late payments from May 10th to May 31st, 2020.  Further, the Council has determined that the interest rate for payments made after the May 31st  deadline will be assessed at .00001%.  You can read the full resolution here.

Second Quarter 2020 Tax Payments are due May 1. Payments must reach the Tax Collector on or before the end of the May 31 grace period to avoid interest charges.

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.

Council Meeting Monday, April 20

On Monday, April 20 at 7 pm the Fanwood Council will meet for our regularly scheduled meeting. We encourage the public to participate electronically.  To download instructions, please click here.

To view the meeting agenda, please visit fanwoodnj.org.

Joint Statement from Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith

Sadly, we wish to inform the community that the 2020 SPF Memorial Day Concert and Parade has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The SPF Memorial Day committee chaired by Ralph Checchio shared the decision today with the Mayors of Scotch Plains and Fanwood.

We understand the importance of these events to our communities and it is not a decision taken lightly, but with a strong conviction that it is in the best interest of the health and welfare of those marching and those who line the route that we support this decision. Chairman Checchio and the volunteers have put in countless hours planning, raising funds and executing these events that are a beloved tradition in our communities and we thank them for their dedication and efforts. They plan to be back in 2021 to host these great events.

We have agreed that in the coming weeks to discuss ways that we can honor our SPF veterans while maintaining all the prudent social distancing guidelines that now guide our way of life.  One bright spot is that the Hometown Hero Banners will soon be put on full display with our American Flags and are glad to see many new banners that will line our streets.

The federal government’s stimulus checks will start arriving to homes all over the country beginning this week. If you are curious to find out the status of your check, please visit IRS.gov.

Good News in Hard Times

Carol Zimmerman and Laurie Gallahue have never met, yet on the Facebook Fanwood Scotch Plains Neighbors page, they decided to write a post, ask for a few donations and send a few pizza pies to frontline healthcare workers.  But they were surprised and delighted at the public response, and to date, they’ve raised over $10,000!

They are using those funds to purchase food from local restaurants and they deliver the food to area hospitals. Since March 26, these women have distributed:

  • 120 Pizza Pies
  • Dozens of bagel/egg/cheese sandwiches
  • 600 subs
  • 200 wraps
  • 400 individually wrapped baked goods
  • One LARGE box dark chocolate almond bark, and
  • 200 Aquaphor ointments (for the nurse’s sore hands)

Carol and Laurie are to be congratulated for their efforts to support both local businesses with their purchasers and frontline healthcare workers with the meals they provide.

To help in this worthwhile effort, please Venmo @Laurie-Gallahue or @Carol-Zimmerman-19.