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This newsletter is published twice a month by the Township of Cranford to provide residents with important information and updates. | |
We thank our veterans for their service to our country. We remember and commemorate the women and men who lost their lives in service to our country. | |
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
Zoning Board
Monday, June 10, at 7:30 p.m.
Planning Board
Wednesday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m.
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Township Committee
Monday, June 10: Workshop at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 11: Conference Meeting at 7 p.m. and Official Meeting at 7:30 p.m.
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Last week, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors invited me on behalf of Cranford to lead the discussion on flooding at their annual summit. Towns and cities across New Jersey are experiencing more severe flooding as a consequence of overdevelopment, the loss of trees and climate change. My message to the conference was that while each town needs to do more on flood mitigation on their own, we must also work more closely together on regional, state and federal solutions.
The conference agreed. They asked if I would help them establish flooding as a permanent agenda item for the organization's work going forward. This is an important first step and I will share more as we determine the best approach to advance this mission.
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May 21 Official Meeting Highlights | |
-Introducing ordinance to stop circular/coupon deliveries. The circulars get thrown on driveways and are a hazard to stormwater systems; we have heard from residents they don’t want them. Opt in to receive by calling (800) 376-6222. | |
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Deputy Mayor Terrence Curran
Recreation and Parks
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-750 Walnut update: In contact with SUSC District on a daily basis to oversee this site. Landscaping is planted and conforms with landscape plan approved by planning board.
-Pools—Outdoor pools open this weekend--Sign Up Info Here. Concert Series at Orange Avenue Pool this summer. Birthday parties at YMCA. Summer Camps open.
-Shade Tree Commission: gave ~100 tree saplings at street fair.
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Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty Engineering & Public Works | |
-Riverside Drive roadwork contract changed to include paving a section of North Union Avenue.
-Much needed roof replacement at Hanson House.
-Approved an agreement with Union County to work on the Orchard Brook culvert expansion to reduce flooding in the West Holly area.
-Downtown Cranford kicks off Summer Sounds series June 6, Thursdays through September.
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Commissioner Paul A. Gallo-Public Safety | |
-Attended Union County 200 Club Valor Awards ceremony. Proud of officers Christopher Folinusz and Ryan McSharry and the police and fire dept. for keeping public safe.
-Knights of Columbus donated flag to CFD (read more below).
-Keep barbecues at least 10 feet away from home and other structures.
-EMS week—May 19-25--thank you to EMTs and Cranford First Aid Squad for service and commitment to community.
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Commissioner Gina Black – Finance | |
-Adopting capital budget. We will begin working on budgeting for upcoming year.
-Extension on Giordano garbage hauling for municipal building contract, only raising 3 percent.
-The $37k was a well-needed paving of a portion of North Union Avenue.
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Lavona Patterson - CFO/Administrator | |
-Bonding for ~$3 mil. in capital budget. Permanent financing to pay off debt.
-Beech Street bids came in much lower than anticipated and budgeted for--Another good trend.
-Lead-mandated inspections resolution—900 rentals to be contacted before July--inspections have to be done per state mandates every two years. X-ray inspections—if passes, opted-out of this program. If lead is positive--costs $295 per inspection and continue until lead-free.
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Ordinances and Resolutions | |
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Ordinances - Adopted
- Adopt the capital budget for capital improvements and purchases--roads, drainage and curbing; pedestrian safety; desilting portion of river; Eastman Plaza; communication and signal systems (CPD); security cameras at Cranford Crossing garage and Municipal Bldg.; power load stretcher and chest compression machine (CFD); computer server; downtown streetscape; HVAC and Hillside tennis courts (recreation).
Aggregate Appropriation and Estimated Cost: $4,735,000
Aggregate Grants Appropriated: $1,297,028
DMC Contribution Appropriated: $240,000
Aggregate Down Payment Appropriated: $152,972
Aggregate Amount of Bonds and Notes Authorized: $ 3,045,000
Ordinances - Introduced
- Amend the code to revise regulation of the distribution of handbills and stand-alone advertisement notices.
- Amend the code to establish NJDEP-mandated regulation of tree removal and amending chapter 255, article IV, of the code.
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Resolutions
- Authorizing a one-year extension of the contract with Giordano Company for Garbage Removal Services for Municipal buildings and grounds for 2024-2025.
- Authorizing an award of contract for Lead-based Paint Testing Services to LEW Environmental Services.
- Ratify, affirm and approve execution of a License Agreement with the County of Union by the Mayor and Township Clerk in connection with the Tuesday, July 2, 2024, Fireworks Display at Nomahegan Park (rain date Sunday, July 7, 2024).
- Authorizing an award of construction contract to Cifelli & Son General Contracting Inc. in connection with the NJDOT Beech Street Project.
- Authorizing an award of construction contract to Sky General Construction LLC in connection with the Hanson House Roof Replacement Project.
- Authorizing the execution of a Shared Services Agreement with the County of Union in connection with the Orchard Brook Culvert Replacement Project.
- Authorizing the Suspension of "Resident Only" on-street parking on Forrest Avenue, between the dates of Monday, May 20 and Friday, June 14, 2024, in connection with the 2023 Road Program, to pave Riverside Drive.
- Authorizing the Township Clerk to post advertisements to the Township's website and newspaper(s) for the solicitation of proposals for services pertaining to Construction Management Services and Grant Administration for FEMA-Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program.
- Appointment of Sarah Oliver to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for an unexpired term ending December 31, 2027.
- Appointment of Antoinette Negri as Deputy Tax Collector, effective June 5, 2024
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Clerk's Office
Important Message from Municipal Clerk Patricia Donahue
June 4 Primary: Polls open 6 am to 8 p.m.
Polling locations announcement, effective June 2024:
- District 3 is moved from the Municipal Building to Bloomingdale Ave. School.
- District 7 is moved from the Municipal Building to Cranford High School.
- District 26 will remain in the Municipal Building.
Ballot Drop Boxes for the June Primary Election are now open and located at the Community Center and Union College.
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• Clay Courts dedication to honor Mary Goodfellow and the Hogan Family
• Moms Demand Action Against Gun Violence -Wear Orange - Friday, June 7, 2024- National Gun Violence Awareness Day
• Memorial Day - Buddy Poppy Days
• Relay for Life - The American Cancer Society
Mayoral Appointment to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board: Daniela D'Amato as an Associate Member for a term ending December 31, 2024.
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CFD Raises New Flag
Cranford Knights of Columbus donated a new American flag to the CFD. Last year, Call Department Lt. Ron Marotta was recognized by the Cranford Knights of Columbus as the Firefighter of the year. As part of this recognition, the Cranford Knights made a donation to the charity of choice and Lt. Marotta chose a flag for the ladder truck.
"Flying a flag from a fire apparatus is a visual display of pride and honor for our department, the community and for the country. This flag will be raised for celebrations, and unfortunately for somber occasions. Every time it is raised though, we will be full of pride and honor as we salute the colors," Fire Chief Daniel Czeh said.
We thank Call Lt. Ron Marotta and the Cranford Knights of Columbus for making this generous and patriotic donation. Watch on TV 35 YouTube
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RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT | |
- Spring and Summer Recreation program registration is ongoing.
- Director sign-up for Cranford West 2024 is open on Community Pass. Must be a Cranford resident, 21+ to register. Information: go online or call (908) 709-7283.
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Memorial Day Parade
Line up begins at the Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave., at 8:30 a.m. and marching commences at 9 a.m.
The parade route is as follows: Marchers will proceed north on Walnut Avenue to North Avenue, swing west to Eastman Street, go north on Eastman Street to Central Avenue, go east on Central Avenue to Springfield Avenue, turn north on Springfield Avenue, go east and south on Riverside Drive, proceed to Central Avenue and disperse.
The parade will be immediately followed by a ceremony at Memorial Park. A limited number of American stick flags will be distributed to those along the parade route.
In the event of inclement weather, the Memorial Day ceremony will be held at the Community Center at 10 a.m. Check the Recreation and Parks social media for notifications.
More Information
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The Cranford Memorial Day Committee is pleased to announce the Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 27, 2024. | |
Outdoor Pools Open this Weekend
The outdoor pools open this Saturday in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Register on Community Pass
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Guy Borges Drive at Orange Avenue Pool
Commissioners Kathleen Miller Prunty, Paul A. Gallo and Gina Black joined the Borges family, Karen Borges, daughters Linsey Dowling and Aimee Avedissian, to honor the late Guy Borges on May 16, at Orange Avenue Pool where Mr. Borges dedicated over 30 years of service. The Township unveiled a new Orange Avenue pool sign and named the roadway to the pool entrance in his name—Guy Borges Drive.
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The Dr. Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe Reading Garden in Lincoln Park was dedicated to honor the late Cranford native whose work in education and civil rights impacted lives of so many in this country. Last week, friends, family, her sorority sisters, and community members gathered during the dedication ceremony.
Rev. Alfred Brown of the First Baptist Church of Cranford, pictured at podium, gave the invocation
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The Cranford Clay Tennis Courts have been a mainstay for more than 100 years, but almost disappeared in the 1990's until Mary Goodfellow and the Hogan Family stepped up. The Association dedicated two courts to honor these individuals who remain dedicated to preserving this recreational amenity. | |
Free Friday Senior Movies at the Community Center |
Downtown Cranford Senior Citizen Film Series
Next is "Casablanca" at the Cranford Theatre, June 12, at 4 p.m. Registration opens two weeks in advance.
You can sign up by clicking on our Downtown Cranford Eventbrite or call the office at (908) 709-7208. It’s free for Union County seniors 55+ while tickets are available.
Thanks to a grant that we received from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, we were able to create the Downtown Cranford Senior Citizen Film Series.
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Tech for Seniors 1:1
Need help with Technology? Contact the Library at (908) 709-7272 to register for upcoming sessions or click here. June 4, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. is the next scheduled session. This series is in collaboration with the Cranford Recreation and Parks Dept.
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All are welcome to join us as we raise the Pride flag at the Municipal Building on June 6 at 4 p.m. to celebrate Pride Month. | |
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In addition to the Pride events listed the Little Library at the Gazebo will contain books donated by the Cranford Unity Project and the Cranford Library that celebrate voices from the LGBTQ+ community.
All are welcome to plant with the the Green Thumb Garden Club in the annual pride planting. The Club received a H.E.A.R.T. grant for this project.
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TV 35 Honored
With Three JAG Awards
On May 16, 2024, at the annual JAG Conference and Awards Dinner, Cranford TV 35 was honored with three awards:
First Place: "Home For The Holidays House Tour" video. Camera work and editing by TV 35 Producer Christine Hoffman.
First Place: Ribbon Cutting for the opening of Toast. Camera work and editing by Mike Vastano.
Award of Recognition: Sandcastle video interview by TV 35 Director Don Smith, filmed October 2023. Mike Vastano filmed and edited the video.
We thank Christine Hoffman for submitting all of our entries!
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Cranford TV 35 is part of a state-wide organization called the Jersey Access Group (JAG), an organization that is for the interests of Local Access TV in New Jersey. | |
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DEPARTMENT of PUBLIC WORKS
*NEW* DPW Hours 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Seasonal Job Openings Available
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The library has a wealth of offerings for all ages, please see the calendar of events. | |
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Click here to read a brief guide on protecting yourself from insect bites.
Insect repellents are substances that, when used as directed, can reduce tick, mosquito, and other insect bites. Preventing bites will help you avoid disease-causing pathogens carried by these animals.
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Painted Piano Unveiled
Downtown Cranford unveiled the Painted Piano May 22 at the Gazebo with live music performed by Joe Regan.
The piano is painted with a display of images symbolizing Downtown Cranford businesses and unity.
The piano is open all season. We invite the community to come out and play the piano for all to hear.
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Caroline and Addison (pictured, left to right) along with Shaun, Cranford Girls Scout Cadettes from Troop 40624, painted the piano in a Public Art project for their Silver Award. | |
Follow Township of Cranford on Social Media
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