Notice is hereby given that the Township of Union intends to file a Final Application for Minor Diversion (NJAC 7:36-26.6) with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Green Acres Program.
The Minor Diversion consists of a New Jersey Department of Transportation utility easement that is proposed within the property currently known as Veterans Memorial Park and Block 2914, Lot 1 in the
Township of Union, Union County, New Jersey. The proposed easement will be located within the Veterans Memorial Park which is along westbound US Route 22 between Wewanna Avenue and
Stuyvesant Avenue. The proposed Minor Diversion is needed to allow for the permanent relocation of overhead utility lines to accommodate the replacement of an obsolete and deficient bridge structure, namely
the US Route 22 bridge over Chestnut Street. The relocation of the overhead utility lines will require a permanent utility easement within Veterans Memorial Park that will result in the use of approximately 1,63 9
square feet or 0.038 acres of the park property. The easement will be owned by the NJDOT while the Township of Union will maintain ownership of the park property on which the utility easement will be
placed. There are no park facilities located within the portion of the park where the Minor Diversion is proposed. Compensation for the diverted park property and tree loss will involve the replanting of 482
trees with a 3-inch caliper as well as monetary compensation for 114 trees which will be deposited within the Shade Tree Fund. The compensation for the use of the park (proposed Minor Diversion) will result in
a total land compensation of $62,000. Based on the guidelines of the Green Acre Program, the $62,000 will be used by the Township for operating, maintenance or capital expenses related to the park or to its recreation program.
A Public Hearing (NJAC 7:36-26.6(c)) has been scheduled for July 17, 2018 between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM at the Township of Union Municipal Building Committee Chambers, at 1976 Morris Avenue, Union,
New Jersey. The public is invited to attend and participate at the Public Hearing and submit written comments. Written comments can also be submitted to: :
Township of Union Administrator
Township of Union, Department of Administration,
1976 Morris Avenue,
Union New Jersey 07083.
All written comments must be received no later than July 31, 2018. Copies of all written comments must
also be submitted to:
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Green Acres Program
Bureau of Legal Services and Stewardship
501 East State Street, 1st Floor
PO Box 420, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0420
Copies of the Minor Diversion Application for NJDEP Commissioner and State House Commission Approval have been submitted to the NJDEP Green Acres Program and are available for review at the
Township of Union Municipal Offices, the Township of Union Public Library as well as the NJDEP Green Acres Program offices.