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March 3, 2026

Ribbon Cutting for Watchung Stable Improvements

The Watchung Stable improvement project included a wide range of repairs, renovations, and new construction designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall functionality across the site.

Key upgrades included drainage and riding surface improvements, renovations to staff locker and restroom facilities, repairs to existing barns and support structures, and enhancements to waste containment and workplace safety areas.

The project also delivered a new 9,900-square-foot, ADA-accessible Therapeutic Riding Building with an indoor riding ring, support amenities, and expanded parking, further strengthening the Stable’s ability to serve the community.

$10.7 Million Recreational Facility Completed In Union County

A previously vacant lot in Union is now equipped to host a variety of outdoor activities. Article from Patch.com; Written by Eddie Callahan

On Dec. 11, The Union County Improvement Authority welcomed residents to the brand new “Lightning Brook Park.” The grand opening marked a milestone in the $10.7 million project that began in April to transform the 5.58-acre space.

“This reimagined space will benefit residents across Union County, ensuring that Lightning Brook Park remains a place of community and recreation for all in the region, from neighboring Franklin Elementary School to families visiting from Plainfield,” Dr. Bibi Taylor, Director of UCIA, said.

The grounds are now home to a synthetic turf field, basketball court with bleacher seating and lights, restrooms, and a 50-space parking lot. There is also a new playground, splash pad, and multiple open and shaded play areas.

“We’re creating a welcoming, accessible, and dynamic park that will serve our residents and future generations,” added Sergio Granados, Union County Commissioner and liaison to the UCIA.

The renovations were supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan. The park is located at 1596 Union Ave.

The Union County Improvement Authority works with and provides professionals to create and operate projects within the County and its municipalities. The organization plays a variety of roles, including planning and permitting, selection and oversight of design teams, contract and proposal administration, contractor oversight, and post-construction assessment.

Union County Improvement Authority Named Developer of the Year at the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Conference

The Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA) received the Developer of the Year Award during the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Conference, recognizing the Echo Lake Dog Park project in Mountainside.

The honor highlights the UCIA’s collaboration with the Somerset–Union Soil Conservation District, which ensured the park’s hilly terrain was fully stabilized prior to opening. This inter-agency coordination was essential to preparing the site for safe public use while addressing all erosion concerns.

The award was accepted by UCIA Executive Director Dr. Bibi Taylor and Troy Marzziotti of MAST Construction.

Groundbreaking on UCNJ’s New $35 Million PECK Building

Officials from the Union County Improvement Authority and Union College of Union County, NJ, broke ground on a transformative $35 million renovation of the Physical Education Center (PECK). The project will create a modern, high-tech hub for athletics, academics, and community connection. Read More

The Union County Improvement Authority is putting Taxpayers’ Money Back to Work — Returns $735,000 to Municipalities

As part of its restructuring, the Union County Improvement Authority has identified and returned more than $735,000 of taxpayer money to local governments in less than a year Improvement Authority Chairman Christopher Kolibas announced today.

The Authority recently returned funds that were sitting dormant in accounts for more than a decade. “The previous authority administration left the money unused,”Kolibas said. “The funds were allocated for projects in the respective jurisdiction, but went unspent.”

Union County Commissioner and UCIA Liaison Sergio Granados said, “The County Commissioners would like to thank the leadership at the UCIA for its willingness to evaluate its operations and identify cost saving measures that benefit our residents.” 

“We’re putting the people’s money back to work by closing-out completed projects and returning unused balances,” Kolibas said.  Identified funds can be used to pay down debt or pay for other infrastructure improvements within each jurisdiction. 

The UCIA plans, develops and manages public improvements for municipalities and the County for the public benefit.  The Authority has undertaken a review of its operations in recent years to achieve economy and efficiency.

The Authority has returned:

• $448,212.64 to the City of Plainfield,
• $223,003.44 to the Township of Union,
• $65,319.17 to the Plainfield Board of Education, and
•  $751.20 to Union County.  

“We’re working daily to make sure the taxpayers get value from each tax dollar,” Kolibas said.