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Cranford has a rich and vibrant history. On Monday this week, we helped amplify an under-represented chapter in Cranford’s past by dedicating a bench in honor of the Cranford Dixie Giants. A century ago when our country and sports were segregated, the Dixie Giants were a semi-professional African-American baseball team that competed in our region against other community-based teams, irrespective of race, often beating their opponents.

This project would not have been possible without the work of several dedicated Cranford High School students, their teachers and administrators, as well as the Cranford Historical Society and Tyree family. The bench is located on Township property at the corner of Elizabeth Avenue and North Union Avenue, where the Dixie Giants used to play.

June 13 Official Meeting Highlights

Commissioner Reports

Mayor Andrews

-New Affordable Housing Law: Tasked outside counsel to prepare an information sheet on new requirements and key dates for our website, as well as a public briefing and Q&A session with public.

-Affordable Housing planner building a strong case for the township to prove it is already built out and highlight the challenges of development in Cranford such as flooding. More info to come over the coming months. We are in better shape than many towns and cities in NJ given implementation of our current round requirements.

-750 Walnut Avenue—Township will host a public meeting to discuss traffic issues. June 26 in Community Center A/V room, 7 p.m. Walnut Ave 25 mph and no truck traffic signage approved. More will be done.

Notified contractor they must provide advance notice to township when they shut down streets in the area so public can prepare.

Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty Engineering & Public Works

-Update on Footbridge Crane Pkwy. and Harold Johnson—shut down for safety reasons. It can be repaired, and does not need to be replaced. Work will take about a month. Footbridge will reopen before school starts in September. The repair cost is funded through an emergency appropriation of $55,253.

-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 or them as it is a property maintenance violation.

-Potholes can reported under the Public Works department page on the website.

Commissioner Paul A. Gallo-Public Safety

-Commended the Police and Fire Departments for its response to an infant who needed assistance downtown.

-Police Dept. is holding National Night Out on Aug. 6.

-Fire Dept. reminds residents to never leave a child or pet unobserved by water. Keep a phone and flotation nearby.

-Parking permits renewals are open. Current permits expire end of June.

Commissioner Gina Black – Finance

-Estimated Tax Bills mailed in August.

On average property taxes increased $202.80 from 2023. (see tax breakdown below)

-Crane Parkway footbridge emergency appropriations of ~$55k in next year’s budget.

-New round of home elevation, appropriating $4 mil. in capital offset by $3.5 mil. in federal grants and $500k in homeowner contributions.

-No comments in the annual audit, second year is a row is a huge testament to teamwork.

Lavona Patterson - CFO/Administrator

-Congratulated Police Dept. advancements of Thomas Stiansen to the rank as lieutenant and Ryan Gerrity to rank of sergeant. CPD does an excellent job.

-Explained estimated tax bills are estimated for reasons of cash flow so township can continue to pay bills. Those estimates end up being the actual rate

-Tax rate increase is as low as possible for the residents. 

2024 Estimated Tax Breakdown

• School District: $65,551,062 or 57.2%
• Library Levy: $1,780,126 or 1.5%
• Municipal Levy: $26,639,879 or 23.25%
• County Tax Levy: $19,817,035, Open Space Levy: $808,379, Total: $20,625,414 or 18%
• Moody’s retain AA2 rating. A very good rating of a town this size. This has provided the town with an interest rate of 3.22% for debt that will be paid off in 12 years.

• Mayoral Appointment: Zachary Colyer as a Class C Cranford High School Student member to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, retroactive to May 1, 2023, for an unexpired three-year term ending December 31, 2025.

Ordinances and Resolutions

Proclamations

• Church Women United Cranford Day • The Arc of Union County-Celebrating 75 Years of Service • Juneteenth, Wednesday, June 19, 2024-Emancipation of Enslaved African-Americans in the Confederacy­

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Public Safety Message from Fire Chief Dan Czeh

Visible House Numbers Saves Lives

It is important that homes are clearly marked with house numbers that can be seen from the street. Locating a home quickly and easily in an emergency can save lives. Doing so is of great assistance to the first responders who need to locate your home during an emergency.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

Reminder: Swimming Pools Require Permits

• All swimming pool installations require prior approval from the Zoning Department, prior to review by the Building Department.
• Private swimming pools must be surrounded by a barrier, such as a fence or wall.

Go Online for Detailed Information

RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT

Free Friday Senior Movies at the Community Center

Cranford In Focus

Tune in on Thursday, June 27, at 8 p.m. on TV 35 on cable, Facebook Live, YouTube and Livestream to watch the second installment of the live show "Cranford In Focus". In this episode, Deputy Mayor Terrence Curran joins TV 35 to discuss Township Committee initiatives, what is happening around Cranford and more.

Submit Your Questions to Deputy Mayor Curran:

cranfordinfocus@cranfordnj.org

Submit Questions for Discussion by June 25.

TV 35 Programming Schedule is Now Updated in Real Time on the Township Website.

DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC WORKS

• Have a Pothole? Notify DPW by completing the form online.
• 2024 Permits for Conservation Center expire April 2, 2025. Go online for more info.

PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Children's Department Annual “Chalk the Walk for Pride”

• Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. -- decorate the library’s walkway using chalk, make a variety of crafts, and celebrate!
• New York Times bestselling author Robb Pearlman will share his book, “The Sublime Ms. Stacks,” at 11:30 a.m.

All are welcome at this all-ages program, no registration required.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

DOWNTOWN CRANFORD

Follow Downtown Cranford on Facebook and Instagram for Events

JOB OPENINGS

Please go online to view our current job openings at:

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

Municipal offices are closed Friday, June 21 in observance of Juneteenth.