COVID Vaccines, Development: Looking Ahead In Union County, 2021

UNION COUNTY, NJ — As the state of New Jersey rolls out its coronavirus vaccine locations, and students anticipate a return to school after break (remotely at first, in many cases), residents and officials look ahead to 2021 with hope and caution. When will things get back to "normal"?

Here are some of the stories that will likely be most relevant in Union County's towns in 2021:

Coronavirus vaccine rollout

The state has begun rolling out coronavirus vaccination sites and created a phased plan for who gets vaccinated first. So far, three Union County sites have been announced. Two groups may be the first to get vaccinated in January, 2021. Read more:

Union County Sites Announced As COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout To Begin

Westfield Announces Gives Final 2020 Coronavirus Update, Vaccine Information

NJ: Here's Who May Get Vaccine Next, And Where

Business openings and promotions

Union County saw several businesses announce their openings in 2020, and several more plan to open in 2021 or ramp up their offerings. Downtowns will continue creative promotions to highlight their businesses.

Long Awaited Westfield Brewery Expects To Open Next Month

Downtown Cranford Winter Events

WWD Sings Praises Of New Store In Downtown Summit

(Got a business opening or other business news in Union County? Post in the comments or use the email address below.)

Development

Deciding what to build is never easy, especially of parts of older towns transform. Here are some development stories that are likely to continue to make news in 2021:

Cranford Reaches Agreement With Hartz-Mountain Over 750 Walnut Development

Westfield And Streetworks Discuss Future Of Lord & Taylor Site

Officials Discuss Future Of Closed Rialto Theatre

Schools: Remote, or not? What about camp for summer?

The rules around remote learning and school activities will continue to be at issue in 2021. Several local districts will begin remotely in January. Meanwhile, organizations must decide soon about summer camp.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Parents File Lawsuit To Reopen Schools 'Immediately'

Summit Schools: 'We Ask That Families Return To NJ' By Jan. 3

Cranford Schools To Go Remote After Winter Break

Westfield Schools Remote For A Week After Winter Break

Summit YMCA Announces Summer Camp

Westfield YMCA Announces Summer Camp

Government

The presidential and municipal elections are local, and several new officials will be sworn in at January meetings.

Summit Council Will Reorganize

Cranford Township Commitee To Reorganize Jan. 2

Animals, animals, animals

And send us your cute pet photos, but beware whenever you're shopping for a pup.

Westfield Police Report Puppy Scam

Check out the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Pet Of The Week

Did you miss our 2020 year in review stories? Here's the list from Union County.

Got news? Email caren.lissner@Patch.com. To be the first to get news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.