Message from the Mayor
On Tuesday, the Township Committee approved a Resolution to designate certain properties on South Avenue and Chestnut Street as Areas in Need of Rehabilitation.
An Area in Need of Rehabilitation, like a Redevelopment Area, is a proactive tool municipalities can use to prevent further deterioration, promote investment and development on underutilized properties and encourage continued revitalization and growth in the Central Business District (Downtown). The Township has already designated two Redevelopment Areas: 750 Walnut Avenue and the North Avenue E Gateway.
Both Rehabilitation and Redevelopment designations require the township to prepare and adopt a Redevelopment Plan that specifies permitted uses, building designs, including height and building materials, parking and green space requirements and more. Redevelopment Plans are reviewed by the governing body and Planning Board at public meetings before being adopted.
I have committed to residents to hold a series of town hall meetings on each of these areas in addition to the official public meetings, to explain the process, present draft plans and get feedback from residents. This has already begun. Last week, I met with downtown business and property owners and the Chamber of Commerce to give an overview and answer questions.
In the coming weeks, I will begin a series of public presentations (dates will be posted on website and included in newsletter) I will also meet with neighbors in the area of 750 Walnut Avenue project. I also invite civic organizations and clubs like the Cranford Woman’s Club, Jaycees, Newcomers to contact me for a presentation.
These projects are important initiatives and residents and businesses deserve to have accurate information. Finally, the Township Committee and our professional staff are 100% committed to negotiations and oversight of every project to protect the best interests of Cranford.
Kathleen Miller Prunty
Mayor
