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Union Man Arrested on Narcotics and Weapons Charges

A two-month long investigation concluded led to the recovery of an illegal “ghost” gun and the arrest of a Union man on multiple weapons and narcotics distribution charges.

On Thursday, January 18, 2024 Detectives from the Linden Police Department Narcotics Bureau, with assistance from the Union County Prosecutors Office Narcotics Task Force, executed search warrant on the 800 block of Hobson Street in Union.

Luiz Melendez, 53, was arrested outside of the home without incident. Inside the home, Detectives recovered an illegal “ghost” gun, along with an illegal high-capacity magazine, as well as a quantity of suspected cocaine and suspected MDMA. Over $85,000 in cash was also seized from the home.

Melendez is charged with a number of weapons related offenses, including third-degree possession of a “ghost” gun and fourth-degree possession of a high-capacity magazine, as well as with second-degree possession of a weapon while committing a CDS offense and as a certain person not to possess a weapon. Melendez also faces second and third-degree charges related to the possession and distribution of suspected cocaine and MDMA. He was remanded to the Essex County Jail pending a scheduled appearance in Superior Court. 

“Illegal drug sales and the violence that accompanies them have had a devastating effect in our community, and we are incredibly proud of the investigative work that led to this arrest and the seizure of this dangerous weapon,” said Police Chief David Hart. “I want to thank all of our Police Officers, as well as our partners in the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, for their continued efforts to keep illegal drugs and guns off of our streets.”

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Union County Helping Hand 365 offers 24-hour a day assistance, 365 days a year. Please click here for more information. 

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Celebrate Black History Month

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Linden Cultural & Heritage Committee are pleased to invite Linden children and adults to explore the history and meaning of Kente patterns and cloth by creating your own Kente pattern while sipping and snacking while you sketch!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • Who: Linden residents (children and adults).
  • What: Create your own Kente pattern while you sip and snack while you sketch!
  • When: Saturday, February 24th from 10am until 12pm.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Recreation Center, located at 330 Helen Street, Linden NJ 07036.
  • How: Register using the form below. Please note that this event is for Linden residents only.

A Night with Catherine McCall

A Night with Catherine McCall; the Mayor’s Youth Commission fundraiser to raise money for Linden High School Senior Class of 2024 Scholarships. There will be a concession with baked goods, snacks and beverages available for purchase, as well as door prizes. Ticket prices are as follows: Students with ID $10, General Admission $35 and VIP section $50.

  • Student tickets are $10 each. Must have a student ID to purchase student tickets.
  • General Admission tickets are $35 each.
  • VIP section tickets are SOLD OUT.
  • $0.00
    The registration fee is paid online through PayPal after you submit this form. Please make sure to pay the total amount in green. The PayPal link can be accessed above, or by clicking here: https://www.paypal.com/donate?campaign_id=MNBN3TJBSDZAY

Black History Poster Contest

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce the Black History Poster Contest. This year’s theme is Black American Disney Characters. Be creative, have fun and submit an entry! There will be prizes for first place winners only.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for the Black History Poster Contest.

  • Who: Linden students from grades K through 5.
  • What: Black History Poster Contest, this year’s theme is Black American Disney Characters. Be creative, have fun and submit an entry! There will be prizes for first place winners only.
  • When and How: All posters must be submitted to the John T. Gregorio Center (330 Helen Street) on or before February 29, 2024. The John T. Gregorio Center hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 4:30pm. Posters will be judged on Friday, March 1, 2024. Elementary art teachers will announce the winners at school on Monday, March 4, 2024. First place winners from each school will be presented with a prize along with a photo taken from a Linden Recreation staff member on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the John T. Gregorio Center.
    • All posters must be 9″x12″. All entries must have full name, school, teacher, grade, and parent/guardian cell phone number printed on a blank index card taped to the back.
    • Click here to view all rules and regulations for the contest.

Pre-K 3 Showcase

The Linden Early Childhood Department presents Pre-K 3 Showcase. The showcase will provide information for parents who are interested in enrolling their children in our Pre-K 3 Program.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • Who: For Parents.
    • To enroll in the Pre-K 3 program, the child must be a Linden resident and be three years old on or before October 1, 2024. Board policy prohibits early admission.
  • What: Pre-K 3 Showcase. The showcase will provide information for parents who are interested in enrolling their children in our Pre-K 3 Program. The Showcase will include representatives for Private Providers and from the Linden Public School district.
  • Where: The Gym at School #1, which is located at 728 North Wood Avenue.
  • When: March 7, from 5pm until 7:30pm.
  • How: Click here for more information.

Snow Removal Law

The Alliance Center for Independence (ACI) would like to remind all municipalities about New Jersey’s Snow Removal Law. Businesses in your community need to be aware of this important law!

Passed in 1999, Snow Removal Law (P.L., 1999, Chapter 182. (N.J.S.A. 39:4-207.9), which requires owners and operators of parking lots to remove snow, ice and other obstructions from accessible parking spaces, access aisles and curb cuts. The owners and operators must remove snow and ice within 24 hours of the occurrence or be fined $500 to $1,000.

  • For more information, contact Luke Koppisch by email here or call 732-738-4388.
  • Click here to view and/or download the ACI Snow Removal flyer.

Dance

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to offer Dance, directed by Chafonda Colvin. Unleash your moves!

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this program.

  • Who: Ages 4 through 18.
  • What: Dance classes, directed by Chafonda Colvin. Unleash your moves! Classes include Hip-Hop, Jazz and Ballet.
  • Where: Linden High School, which is located at 121 West St. Georges Avenue.
  • When: March 4 through June 15.
    • Mondays, from 5pm until 8pm.
    • Wednesdays, from 5pm until 8pm.
    • Thursdays, from 5pm until 5:45pm.
  • How: Register January 9 through March 3, 2024. Click here to register. Cost is a $50 one-time payment fee, plus a $6 insurance fee.

Winter Food & Clothing Drive

Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church is hosting a Food and Clothing Drive on the fourth Saturday of every month.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this event.

  • What: Winter Food & Clothing Drive.
  • When: Fourth Saturday of every month from 10am until 12pm. Come join this Saturday, January 27, 2024.
    • The Food and Clothing drive will be held on the third Saturday of the month in November.
  • Where: Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church, which is located at 24 East 14th Street.

New Jersey American Water Invests $1 Million in Linden Infrastructure

New Jersey American Water will replace approximately 1,200 feet of aging water main in Linden starting this month. The company will upgrade the aging 6-inch water lines that were installed as far back as the 1920s with new 12-inch ductile iron main along East Gibbons Street from North Wood Avenue to Washington Avenue. The project also includes replacing fire hydrants and utility-owned service lines along the pipeline route. Additionally, New Jersey American Water will replace any customer-owned service line that has been identified as lead or galvanized as part of a statewide initiative to remove all lead and galvanized service lines by 2031.

  • Click here to view and/or download the official press release regarding the New Jersey American Water $1 Million investment in Linden infrastructure.
  • Click here to view and/or download details regarding the main replacement project.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

This is a message from the NJ Department of Health. COVID-19 vaccines are available on a first-come first-serve basis. No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome.

  • Who: Ages 6 months and up.
  • What: COVID-19 vaccinations on a first-come first-serve basis.
  • When: 10:30am until 2:30pm
    • Saturday, January 20, 2024.
    • Saturday, January 27, 2024.
  • Where: Elizabeth Public Library, which is located at 11 South Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07202.
  • How: No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome.

Winter Storm Warning

A Winter Storm Warning that includes a forecast of snow has been issued for Linden NJ – City Government for Friday, January 19, 2024.

Residents are asked to park vehicles off the roadway when possible, and be mindful of areas where parking is restricted during a snow warning. A Nixle emergency alert will advise residents should it become necessary to remove vehicles from designated roadways. RESIDENTS WHO WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TO MOVE THEIR VEHICLES ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAN ACCORDINGLY. Vehicles in violation are subject to fines and may be impounded.