A Message from Mayor Mahr

Earlier today, the state reported another 1,216 COVID-19 positive test results, bringing the statewide total to 142,704. Union County currently has a total of 14,385 confirmed cases. Fanwood’s total remains at 86 confirmed cases.

Governor Phil Murphy has announced additional small steps to reopening our state today. Public restrooms at parks may open again while the beaches will open for Memorial Day Weekend under certain restrictions, among other steps, both beginning May 22. Details of his announcement can be found below.

As part of our Memorial Day celebrations, we are introducing the Fanwood Gold Star Tribute.  Fanwood remembers the twelve young men who gave their lives while serving their country. This, in addition to asking you to send in your own thoughts on what Memorial Day means, is how we will stay connected this year. See below for details.

And finally, just a reminder that your property tax grace period will end on June 1, which is a Monday. That will be the last day to submit your taxes without added interest, so please keep an eye on it!

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.

– Mayor Colleen Mahr

Election Deadlines

Due to COVID-19, Borough Hall remains closed to the public until further notice. The following election deadlines are approaching:

  • June 16, 2020: Voter Registration Deadline

You may also choose to vote by mail. The deadline to apply for Vote by Mail for the Election is seven days prior to the election date (July 7, 2020).  You may also apply in person at the Union County Clerk’s Office until the day before the election at 3:00 pm.

All forms may be dropped off at Brough Hall by deadline dates or mailed directly to the Union County Clerk, Two Broad Street, Room 113, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07207.

Any questions regarding elections, please go to www.unioncountyvotes.com or call the County Clerk at (908) 477-5787.  All Applications are available below.

Voter Registration Form (English)

Voter Registration Form (Spanish)

Vote-by-Mail Application (English)

Vote-by-Mail Application (Spanish)

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

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

Hospital data continues to trend in a positive direction, including decreases in new hospitalizations, patients in the ICU, and patients on ventilators. This steady decline has allowed state leaders to begin planning for incremental reopening.  Today Governor Murphy signed an Executive Order to:

  • Allow the restart of non-essential construction
  • Allow non-essential retail stores to reopen for curbside pickup only
  • Permit drive-through and drive-in events under social distancing guidelines

The Governor is expected to announce further steps in the coming days.

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

Spring Planting Time!

Want to help beautify the community?  The Fanwood Green Team is leading a search for willing volunteers to fill a downtown planter.  There are approximately 15 planters and we’ll provide the flowers, planter, and soil.

Simply email greenteamfanwood@gmail.com to sign up for you and your family to bring your hand tools downtown and fill a planter or two.  To observe social distancing we don’t plan on a one-day event but will have plants available for pickup and will direct you to a particular pot with plantings to be completed by May 22.

Look forward to hearing from you and beautifying Fanwood together!

Join NJ Human Services on their Facebook page at facebook.com/NJDHS this Wednesday, May 13th at 7 p.m. for a live discussion about services that could help you and your family during this public health emergency.