COVID-19 Update - as of June 12
Dear Friends,

Starting next week, NJ will enter Stage 2 of reopening. It’s been a long road, but we are taking the next step to open our Cranford Businesses. This week's newsletter will go over:

  1. Stage 2 Reopening - What Businesses are permitted to open
  2. Webinar Recap - UCEDC - SBA
  3. Streatery
  4. Gifts for Dad’s Grads and Teachers
  5. Spend $20 to win $50
  6. Update Your Hours
  7. Zoom meeting
1)   Stage 2 Reopening / Increase in indoor Social Gatherings

  • Tuesday June 9th, executive order 152 was signed permitting indoor “social gatherings” at a maximum of 50 people or 25% of a building’s capacity, whatever is lower. Please note the Township made the initial interpretation that Yoga and Dance Studios can reopen. However, the Governor has clarified that Yoga and Dance studios are classified as Gyms and cannot reopen as of now. These businesses will have to wait for an announcement from the Governor.

  • Monday June 15th
  • Non essential retail can permit customers inside their stores at a maximum of 50% capacity. Also retail establishments and service providers can place a table outsider their store for a sidewalk sale 7 days a week.
  • Restaurants - Restaurants are permitted to have outdoor dining. All tables must be a minimum of 6 feet apart and must meet all guidelines at outlined in Executive Order 150. Here is an outline of this order from Mayor Giblin.
  • Child Care Centers can reopen while following all safety guidelines

  • Monday June 22nd
  • Beauty, Hair and Nail Salons will be permitted to reopen. We are waiting to hear on what safety and health guidelines will be required by the Governor.

When NJ reaches Stage 3, an updated list will be provided on what additional businesses can reopen.
2)   Webinar with UCEDC and SBA

Though there were some technical difficulties, we were able to have Ellen McHenry from UCEDC and Claudia Yarborough from SBA present and provide some updated information guidelines.

Their slides and updated information and suggested contacts were forwarded in a previous email. I hope everyone found the meeting informative.
3) Streatery

In an effort to create more outdoors space for people to come downtown to eat, shop and enjoy, the Township will be closing Alden Street this Thursday from 3:00pm to Sunday at 9:00pm. This will be a trial period and will be reassessed in the beginning of July. We are calling this the "Streatery." The street closure from N. Union to a portion of Miln Street. There will be outdoor dining, classes and sidewalk sales.
4) Gifts for Dad, Grads and Teachers     

We can’t believe the school year is coming to an end. Please promote on social media gifts for dads, grads and teachers. With the reopening of Retail Business, let’s hope people come back downtown to shop in person.
5) Spend $20 to Win $50

We are continuing our "Spend $20 to win $50 gift card" campaign. Just spend $20 in any business in Cranford and email a receipt to us for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Since we started this campaign approximately $17k has been spent in Cranford businesses.
6) Update Business Hours

With the stage 2 reopening, please make sure your business hours are updated on all your web sites and social media accounts.
7) Weekly Zoom Call

We will return to have our weekly Zoom call at the normal time, this Thursday at 10am. There will be no guest speaker.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Best,
Downtown Cranford Office