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This newsletter is published twice a month by the Township of Cranford to provide residents with important information and updates. | |
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UPCOMING MEETINGS
Zoning Board
Monday, May 13 and May 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Planning Board
Wednesday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m.
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Township Committee
Tuesday, May 21: combined Workshop at 7 p.m. and Official Meeting at 8 p.m.
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This week the Township Committee took the first step to lower the speed limit of Walnut Avenue to 25 MPH. Walnut is a residential road and also has many community gathering locations, including a school, library, community center, synagogue, and church. We have long heard about speeding concerns and the dangers of crossing the street, even at marked crosswalks.
Recognizing the 750 Walnut project could exacerbate the situation, we started working with Union County over a year ago to reduce the speed limit. We received approval last week and are moving quickly to make the change a reality.
Separately, we have a number of road work projects underway or starting soon across Cranford. We are aiming to minimize the disruptions while we improve our streets and stormwater management. If your street is being paved and there is an issue with the work, please reach out quickly to the Township so that we can have the contractor remedy it.
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Tune in to TV 35 Tonight to watch "Cranford In Focus". Read more below. | |
May 7 Official Meeting Highlights | |
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Mayor Andrews
-Discussed traffic mitigation at 750 Walnut Ave. County has agreed with the request from the Township to lower the speed limit on Walnut Avenue. CPD monitoring the area for truck idling in front of 750 Walnut Ave. Read the full update here.
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Deputy Mayor Terrence Curran-Recreation & Parks
-Outdoor pools are being prepped for summer. New this summer: every month the pools will host live music with an inaugural event set for June 26 with local band “Alden Street” performing.
Sign Up Info Here
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Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty Engineering & Public Works
-Footbridge at Crane Parkway is deemed unsafe and closed. Township is discussing with the county next steps in getting the bridge back open.
-Next in the Senior Citizen Downtown Movie Series is "Mamma Mia!" on May 15.
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Commissioner Paul A. Gallo-Public Safety
-Signage will be placed at township parks and facilities to remind public to consider people with food allergies.
-CFD is participating in Light the Night Red Campaign to honor fallen firefighters.
-CFD will grill free burgers to Relay for Life participants.
-Congratulated Police Officers Colineri and Cook for their commendation. They displayed courage and selflessness responding to a scene of a man threatening to jump off GSP overpass.
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Commissioner Gina Black – Finance
-Additional grants totaling $72k added to revenue. Restructuring bonds for permanent financing. Our AA2 rating is very good and helps the township get lower interest rates and consolidated funding.
-Circulars--residents can opt-in to receive them on their driveway. Township requested to discontinue service once Suburban News closed. Residents can opt-in to the delivery service. Call 1-800-376-6222.
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Lavona Patterson - CFO/Administrator
-FEMA home elevations: The last home elevation in the current round will be successfully done by the end of the month. Fourteen homes approved in 2023 will begin next. RFPs will be sent and in four to five months will start with bidding.
-OEM training took place last week. Commended the OEM staff for their work.
-Permanent financing--going out to bid on May 15. Goal is to increase the Bond Rating.
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- Mayoral Appointment to the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Dr. Theresa Montani as an Associate Member for a term ending December 31, 2024.
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Ordinances and Resolutions | |
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Ordinances - Introduced
- Amend the code by establishing a lead-based paint inspection program.
- Change the speed limit on Walnut Avenue to 25 mph.
- Amend the code pertaining to storm water management, to establish NJDEP-mandated regulation for privately owned salt storage.
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Resolutions
- Awarded engineering contract to Colliers Engineering & Design for Beech Street Improvements Project.
- Authorized purchase of four, 2024 Dodge Durango Police AWD vehicles.
- Requested extension to the Construction Contract Award Deadline for the NJ DOT FY2023 Transit Village Program - Eastman Street Sidewalk Improvements Project.
- Combining several authorizations of bonds into a Single Issue for $8,600,000 General Improvement Bonds dated June 15, 2024.
- Combining several authorizations of Bonds into a Single Issue for $1,099,000 Swim Pool Utility Bonds dated June 15, 2024.
- Authorizing the publication, printing and distribution of a Notice of Sale and the Publication of a Summary Notice of Sale and prescribing the forms thereof for $8,600,000 General Improvement Bonds and $1,099,000 Swim Pool Utility Bonds.
- Approval of items of revenue and appropriation for National Opioids Settlement; American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant; Distracted Driving Crackdown - U Drive. U Text. U Pay; 2024 UC Local Arts Program Grant (SID); Recycling Tonnage Grant.
- Authorizing the appointments of Adam Kipnis as a Probationary Laborer/Driver within the Department of Public Works, effective May 13, 2024; Lindsay Clark and Laura Holcomb as seasonal part-time employees within the Downtown Management Corporation, effective May 8, 2024.
- Authorizing the re-appointment of Derek M. Farbanac as Special Law Enforcement Officer II within the Police Department, effective June 29, 2024.
- Accepting, with regrets, the resignation of Suzanne Welsh, a Constituent Services Coordinator, effective May 10, 2024.
- Accepting, with regrets, the retirement of Thomas Bell, a Patrolman within the Cranford Police Department, effective July 1, 2024.
- Supporting the 2024 Click It or Ticket Safety belt mobilization program.
- Expressing condolences to the family of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. and remembering his life of service.
See Here for Full meeting
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Clerk's Office
Important Message from Municipal Clerk Patricia Donahue
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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Union County Mosquito Control Program for 2024 information is now posted on the clerk's website. For more details click here. | |
Watch the segment with Mayor Brian Andrews, Commissioner Paul A. Gallo and Det. Sgt. Luedecker (pictured) on Cranford TV 35. | |
Capital Budget Highlight
Pedestrian Safety
The budget includes the purchase of two mobile radar speed signs and eight flashing beacon crosswalk signs.
The mobile radar speed signs (pictured at left) will flash to allow a driver to know they have exceeded the speed limit, while collecting data to determine speeding occurring in the area, Det. Sgt. Russell Luedecker of the Cranford Police Department Traffic Bureau explained.
The eight rapid flashing beacon crosswalk signs feature a solar-powered, high-visibility flashing light when activated by a pedestrian to stop traffic for pedestrians crossing roadways.
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MVC returns to Cranford Community Center on May 14 & May 16, 2024. Check the Cranford Police App for the link to make your appointment today! If you have any questions, or don't have the App, please contact the Cranford Police non-emergency # at (908) 272-2222. | |
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FIRE DEPARTMENT
SPRING FIRE & LIFE SAFETY TIPS Every season brings its own safety hazards. Spring is the time we traditionally clean up our homes or businesses. Here are a few things you can add to your list: Read the full Fire Safety Message.
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Nationwide Recall-Fire Hazard
Best Buy is recalling Insignia Air Fryers and Air Fryer Ovens due to fire, burn and laceration hazards. Click the link to the Consumer Product Safety Commission Recall Info.
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RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT | |
- In honor of Guy Borges and his dedication to the Township Pools, the Township is unveiling an honorary sign in his name at the Orange Avenue Pool on Thursday, May 16, at 4 p.m.
- 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.
- “Tune-Up Tuesdays,” a weekly program at the Community Center on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Tune Up Tuesdays will continue through May 14, all are welcome.
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Dr. Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe Reading Garden at Lincoln Park | |
NEW DATE DUE TO RAIN
We invite the community on Monday, May 13, at 11 a.m. to the formal dedication of the Dr. Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe Reading Garden created at Lincoln Park.
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Free Friday Senior Movies at the Community Center | The Township is pleased to offer a variety of programs dedicated to residents ages 55+. The township website will soon offer a breadth of information for seniors to navigate so they can live, work and play in their beloved community of Cranford, New Jersey. | |
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NEW SHOW 📺 Cranford In Focus
Tune in on Thursday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. on TV 35 on cable, Facebook Live, YouTube and Livestream to watch a new live show "Cranford In Focus". In this first episode, Mayor Brian Andrews joins TV 35 to discuss Township Committee initiatives, what is happening around Cranford and more.
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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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Shade Tree Commission
Tree of the Month: Red Maple
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This month’s tree is a terrific native tree, the Red Maple (Acer rubrum). It is one of the most widespread trees in eastern North America, growing from the Maritimes to the Midwest and south to Florida. It is tolerant of many types of soil types, textures, moisture, and pH levels, and can be found nearly anywhere in the region. Red maples thrive in full sun to part shade and have a modest lifespan of 100 to 150 years, typical characteristics for a mid-successional forest tree.
Read More
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KEEP GARBAGE CANS IN REAR YARD OR DRIVEWAY
Residents should leave garbage cans on the rear yard or driveway of their house, per township ordinance.
No solid waste or solid waste receptacle may be placed on the street, front sidewalk or between the front sidewalk and curb of the street. Kindly ensure that you keep the sidewalk and curb in front of residential premises free of obstructions. Please refrain from placing garbage cans in the street prior to the pickup. Garbage cans should be kept on your property at all times.
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