TOWNSHIP OF CRANFORD
NEWS
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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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CRANFORD TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE
Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty
Deputy Mayor Brian Andrews
Public Affairs
Commissioner Jason Gareis
Public Safety
Commissioner Tom Hannen
Public Works & Engineering
Commissioner Mary O’Connor
Finance
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TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR
Jamie Cryan
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Message from the Mayor
I am pleased to announce the Municipal Offices and Community Center will reopen to the public on Monday, April 19. In this past year, our staff adapted to the challenges caused by the Pandemic to provide uninterrupted service to residents and businesses. While some towns never opened to the public this past year, Cranford did when cases numbers dropped but had to close again when the numbers spiked. These decisions are made after careful consideration and with the goal of keeping the public and our employees safe. We will continue to monitor the situation at the state and local level during this Public Health Emergency.
We strongly encourage the public to seek information first by calling or emailing the appropriate office or employee before coming to the building. You can find contact information and answers to many questions on www.cranfordnj.org. If you must meet with staff, please call to make an appointment so you do not have to remain in the building longer than necessary. Please limit visits to Building and Zoning Offices from 8:30 am to noon and Tax Collector Office from noon to 4:30 pm. Check in with the front desk receptionist before proceeding to any office.
A reminder about the convenient and secure drop boxes at the rear entrance that can be used to leave tax payments, applications and paperwork for building, zoning and engineering departments. A Health Dept. drop box is located at the side entrance.
All Township offices and the Community Center are equipped with plexiglass dividers and screens, hand sanitizing stations and signs to keep a safe distance but we ask that you not visit the building if you are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19 virus. Masks must be worn inside the buildings at all times.
Kathleen Miller Prunty
Mayor
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News from Township Committee Meetings |
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Workshop, April 12
- Municipal Alliance Chair Brad Young gave an update about plans for 2021, including working with the Cannabis Legislation Working Group chaired by Comm. Jason Gareis.
- Authorized DMC to pursue a Gift Card Program to sell cards with value of $5 to $500 that can be used at any participating business.
- Township received three proposals for the North Avenue Gateway Area in response to the Request for Expression of Interest. These are non-binding proposals that give the Township ideas about how the area might be developed and what might be included in the future Redevelopment Plan. The actual Redevelopment Plan will undergo public meetings at the Planning Board and Township Committee in addition to open community sessions to get input. These will all be published in future newsletters and on social media.
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Mayor gave update from Mayors Council for Rahway River Watershed Flood Control meeting also attended by Flood Advisory Committee Chair Patrick Giblin and member Dan Aschenbach. The Township has requested Gov. Murphy direct the NJ DEP and Senators Booker and Menendez to urge the US Army Corp of Engineer to resume flood control work using the extensive planning work and data already available. Mr. Giblin and Mr. Aschenbach are also members of a sub committee working with Essex County officials to reach agreement on plan.
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Read a Proclamation honoring victims, survivors and liberators of the Holocaust. Announced the 10th Holocaust Memorial Service tonight at 7:30 pm will be virtual and can be viewed on TV35.
- COVID-19 Report to the Community from Health Officer Mike Fitzpatrick and Emergency Management Coordinator Lt. Matt Lubin.
- The 2021 Municipal and Downtown Management Corp. (DMC) budgets were introduced. These can be viewed on Township website. A public hearing for budgets will be May 11.
- Appointed a Single Use Plastics Ban Working Group to develop an information and implementation plan for the law that will go into effect May 2022. The group includes representatives from the business community, Downtown Management, Green Team, Centennial Village Committee and Chamber of Commerce
- Authorized the DMC to set up and maintain parklets for business use in various downtown locations April 15 through October 31.
- Authorized the Jaycees to use the Cranford Canoe Club or Hanson Park on July 15, 6 to 9 pm for the annual member barbeque in compliance with COVID-19 protocols. The Organization also received approval for alcohol consumption consistent with all applicable State laws and regulations.
- Appointed Frank Genova as Acting Construction Code Official, effective immediately.
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Due to the public health emergency and in accordance with the Governor’s Orders, meetings will be conducted remotely and by electronic means. Please click here for more information on virtual meeting procedures: Township of Cranford Virtual Meeting Procedures.
- 4/21: Planning Board at 7:30pm
- 4/26: Township Committee Workshop at 7pm
- 4/26: Zoning Board at 7:30pm
- 4/27: Township Committee Official Meeting at 7:30pm
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Cranford Fire Department Applauds Alex Kessler |
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The Cranford Fire Department applauds 12-year old resident Alex Kessler for his quick thinking and action at a serious house fire earlier this month. Alex was with his sisters and were walking their dog around their neighborhood when they came across an occupied home which was on fire. Alex immediately dialed 9-1-1 and went to the front door to alert the homeowner. The homeowner came out and Alex passed his phone to him, which was now connected to the 9-1-1 operator. All occupants and their pet were able to escape the house unharmed.
The first moments of a fire incident are the most critical in determining the overall outcome, and Alex’s actions certainly helped ensure the occupants could escape before the smoke and flames were too intense. It also demonstrates his ability to think clearly and calmly in a stressful situation. We sincerely applaud Alex and his siblings for their action!
We are also happy to present Alex with a gift card on behalf of our friends at Front Line Appreciate Group (FLAG) to Vanilla Bean Creamery in town.
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Cranford Police Youth Academy |
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The Cranford Police Department is happy to announce the applications for this year's Cranford Police Youth Police Academy are now available: Cranford Police Youth Academy.
No payment is due until acceptance into the Academy.
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Register for Spring Programs |
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Registration is still going on for spring programs, with options for children, teens, and adults. The classes will meet in-person at a Township park or in a room at the Rec Department. Click here to sign up!
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Bike Ways Map of Cranford |
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Now that the weather is warming up, it's a great time to go for a bike ride with the whole family. Click on the following link for a map of Cranford Bike Ways: Bike Ways Map of Cranford.
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Garbage & Recycling Information |
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Recycling: Please go here for information on the recycling schedule, the Conservation Center, and more: Cranford Recycling.
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Clean Communities Committee is partnering with several Girl Scout Troops for a Cranford Clean Up Day Saturday, April 24. Everyone is welcome to join. For more information, you can join the group on Facebook, Cranford Clean Communities.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who do their part to help keep Cranford clean!
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