View as Webpage

Our incredible Downtown benefits residents, visitors, and our small businesses that give so much back to our community. However, it has been 40 years since the last major investment to improve this vital feature in Cranford. The recently approved New Jersey State Budget includes a $2.7-million investment to promote pedestrian safety, create more public gathering spaces, address flooding issues, and boost the local economy in our Downtown.

We are excited about the opportunities this funding provides. Over the last year, our Downtown Management Corporation has been developing concepts to achieve the goals outlined above. Following early conversations with business owners, property owners and residents, we look forward to engaging our full community to hear your views, ambitions and advice on how we continue to improve the Downtown we love.

July 9 Official Meeting Highlights

Commissioner Reports

Mayor Andrews

• Received $2.7 million in State funding for downtown revitalization and pedestrian improvements. Click for press release.

• Thank you for feedback at the resident meeting held about traffic in around the area of 750 Walnut Avenue. We are working on a plan for improvements discussed. (Watch mtg. on TV 35)

• Township has an escrow account from Hartz Mountain to use to address traffic measures.

• Sam Champion of ABC News will feature Downtown businesses and Cranford’s summer attractions during an upcoming broadcast.

• The Township Committee will discuss Ice Rink inquiry in open session in upcoming meeting.

Commissioner Terrence Curran Recreation and Parks

• 750 update: Latest inspection found five deficiencies with the site. Hartz was notified and a reinspection is July 12.

• Pools—very well attended throughout July. Memberships exceed last year at 2,334 memberships / 6,221 members. Guest passes are sold out and we ordered new passes. Day pass at $45 is very successful—451 sold.

Encourage people to come out and join the pool.

Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty Engineering & Public Works

• Explained road projects awarded in the 2024 capital budget is for township-funded road projects and DOT-funded road projects. Now that capital is approved, the engineering design and survey work will begin, then will prepare a bid package. These road projects would begin construction Spring of 2025.

• Township Committee bylaws discussion in the workshop session—this is not in any way an attempt to limit public speech. Discussion addresses conduct and personal attacks at public meetings.

Commissioner Paul A. Gallo-Public Safety

• Jaycees 45th annual Firecracker 4 miler – while he was volunteering a runner had fallen and he called 911. He thanked three members of the CFD who participated in the race for assisting the runner.

• CPD has reported multiple motor vehicle accidents—reminded residents to wear seatbelts and put down phones when driving.

• CPD is enforcing the lowered speed limit on Walnut Ave.—advised drivers to slow down to new posted speed limit of 25 mph.

Commissioner Gina Black – Finance

• Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority (RVSA) bills to the Township has increased over recent years. One way the township is looking to address the increase in cost is an adjustment of sewer fees billed to residents. Township Committee is discussing raising sewer fees to residents. Sewer fees the residents pay to the town have not increased since 2019. Resident sewer fees collected from the town are covering about 60 percent of the RVSA billing. 

(Click the button to watch the video to see a chart breakdown of RVSA costs and sewer fees.)

Lavona Patterson - CFO/Administrator

• County certified tax rate is as township estimated and results in no increase in tax rate.

• Bond Anticipation Note interest rate is 4 percent. Interest rates are higher than 4 percent now, so Township did very well in securing the BAN rate.

Clerk's Office

A special Primary election will be held on Tuesday, July 16, to determine who will serve the remainder of former Congressman Payne’s term (ending January 3, 2025). Early Voting this weekend Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Union College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Nomahegan Building, Room N4, Near Guard Booth; Parking in Lot 1.

• A special General election will be held on Wednesday, September 18.

• Please note that the Tuesday, November 5, election will determine who serves the 10th Congressional District seat beginning in January 2025.

• Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on each Election Day. Contact the Clerk’s Office with questions at 908-709-7210 or visit www.unioncountyvotes.com.

Ordinances and Resolutions

Bulk Trash Notice

Bulk items like couches, chairs, tables etc. left at the curb cannot remain for an extended period. If these free items are not taken, residents must call a hauler to dispose of them or utilize the drop-off service in Westfield. Items left at the curb could result in a property maintenance violation.

The Town of Westfield offers Cranford residents bulk waste disposal service. Click Here for the online permit and information. One carload is $60.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

The Township of Cranford has partnered with LEW Environmental to provide a comprehensive solution to ensure compliance with the new State of New Jersey law that certain rental units in Cranford Township, built before 1978, are required to have a visual inspection to assess for lead hazards. Lead inspections must be completed at the next tenant turnover, or by July 22, 2024.

Please click here to navigate to the Building Department for important information about lead inspections.

RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT

New Pool Events

Foam Party

On the grounds of the Cranford Pools, a mega foam blaster cannon will blast millions of tiny bubbles, creating a Foam Zone to play in. A free event open to members, guests and day pass holders.

July 15 at 2 p.m. at Centennial Ave. Pool.

July 22 at 2 p.m. at Orange Avenue Pool.

Kayak in the Pools

Tuesday, July 30, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Orange Avenue Pool.

Wednesday, July 31, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Centennial Avenue Pool.

A free event open to members, guests and day pass holders.

Summer Concert Series

Orange Avenue Pool on July 31, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with local band Triphammer.

Members: $5 individual Member or $20 per family

Non-Members: $10 individual Non-Member or $30 per family

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Cranford National Night Out will be Tuesday, August 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Municipal Lot #1, located at North Union and Springfield Avenues.

Seeking Candidates: Civilian Traffic Maintenance Driver/Laborer.

OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

As Hurricane Season is already upon us and active, we encourage residents to take some precautionary steps in advance of any future storms being named. Assembling a Go-Bag as a means of hurricane preparedness is one of the first steps. Click to the website to learn more about Go Bag supplies. Refer to the OEM Website for more OEM information. OEM will continue to bring you more tips and advice for storm preparedness.

PUBLIC LIBRARY

Join us for our 2nd annual Tosho-con at the Cranford Community Center on Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, full-day, all-ages comic, anime and pop culture convention will include panels with industry professionals, interactive workshops, crafts, special guests, dance parties, a costume contest and more!

No registration needed.

Tosho-con is sponsored by the Cranford Public Library and the Friends of the Cranford Public Library. Thanks to our partners at the Cranford Community Center and Downtown Cranford.

DOWNTOWN CRANFORD

Follow Downtown Cranford on Facebook and Instagram for Events

Senior Citizen Day is Wednesday, August 21, and the Cranford Theater is celebrating with a complimentary showing of the film "Moonstruck" starring Cher. The film begins at 4 p.m. Click here to register for the film screening. This is sponsored by Union County Savings Bank.

New Jersey Senior Olympic Games--Registration is open now. Games are open to senior athletes ages 50 plus and held September 6-8 in Woodbridge, N.J. Learn more by clicking here.

JOB OPENINGS

Please go online to view our current job openings at:

https://www.cranfordnj.org/home/pages/employment-opportunities

Municipal Offices are operating under a Summer Hours schedule through Labor Day. Municipal Offices will be open as follows: Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Look out for the next Township Newsletter on August 15.