News from the Township of Cranford
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Important Information About Road Closures and Other Storm Updates
Some of your family or friends, especially those who are elderly or ill, may be without power so we ask that you this share information with them. In case of an emergency, call 911.
 
   Cranford experienced widespread impacts from Tropical Storm Isaias with trees and wires down throughout the Township resulting in closed roadways, power outages, and damage to private and public property. While Cranford was spared flooding impacts, this was a highly impactful storm. Cranford Police & Fire responded to over 275 incidents yesterday afternoon and evening and the communications center fielded well over 1,000 resident phone calls during and immediately following the storm.

   Public Works, PSEG, Emergency Services, and numerous other contract crews are out working on storm recovery and restoration efforts.

Roads which are still currently closed/impassable:
 
Raritan Rd. between Cherokee and Lexington Ave.
Kenilworth Blvd. westbound from Springfield Ave.
Walnut Ave. between Lincoln and Blake Ave.
Lincoln Ave. at Centennial Ave.
Lincoln Park East at Cranford Hall
Hillside Ave.
Ludlow Ave. at Christiani St.
Riverside Dr. between Orange and Casino Ave.
Lenox Ave. between Tuxedo and N. Union Ave.
West End Pl. at Hampton Rd.
Balmiere Pkwy
Spruce St. at Torbush St.
Makatom Drive
Moss Lane
Greaves Place
Spring Garden at Estelle Pl

Please note that the Cranford Library is currently without power. You can check the Cranford Library Facebook page for updates.

Never drive past barricades.  Roads are closed because of safety impacts with trees and/or wires which are very dangerous. 
Power Restoration
   There are over 300,000 PSEG customers without power, including 2,360 in Cranford (down from 3,000 Cranford outages last evening). The damage to the electrical grid is extensive. In fact, this storm was one of the strongest in years to hit the PSEG service territory. It is therefore very difficult to estimate when power will be restored. PSEG is working 24/7 on the restoration effort. The current worst case scenario for Cranford is Monday for full restoration; however most customers will likely be back online before then.

  Please note that the Township cannot “prioritize” restoration and does not have any specific information on when power will be restored. The best course of action is to ensure that you reported your outage to PSEG so it is properly accounted for. Customers who sign up for PSEG updates will receive automatic updates on their specific outage. 
Debris Removal:
  The Public Works crews are out clearing roads and picking up debris. Residents can bring branches to the curb for pick up (storm debris only). Residents with a permit sticker can also bring storm debris to the Conservation Center that is open today, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.
 
Conservation Center Permit Information
 
   You must have a permit sticker to bring branches, garden and landscaping debris to the Conservation Center. You do not need a sticker to drop off recyclables. For information and permit application please go here.
Township Has New Secure Lock Boxes for Convenient Drop Off
 
  The Township has installed secure lock boxes for drop off for tax payments, documents, correspondence and applications for the Building, Zoning, Engineering and Health Departments. The boxes are located at the rear entrance to the Municipal Building (parking lot area) except for the Health Department which is in the back but on the side of the building close to the Police Department.
From the Tax Collector’s Office
 
PROPERTY TAX AND SEWER PAYMENTS 
   The 3rd Quarter estimated tax bills have been mailed and are due August 1, 2020, a 10-day grace period applies up to and including August 10, 2020.
   
Payment Options:
   The $1.05 service charge for tax online payments made by ACH/Echecks will be credited to your 4th quarter taxes. Debit and Credit Card service charge still applies.
  • Online Bill pay through your bank  
  • Mail to Cranford Township, 8 Springfield Avenue or place in the “Tax Payment Drop Box” at the rear entrance of the Municipal Building.
 
Please allow mail travel time if paying via mail or online.
Union County Mobile Paper Shredding Event – Saturday, Aug. 8
 
   Union County will hold a paper-shredding event for Union County residents on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 9 am to 1 pm at Kean University in Union.
·        Place paper in the trunk of your car. Stay in your car and someone will remove it.
·        Material should be brought in paper bags whenever possible (not leaf bags)
·        Do not bring shredded paper or wet paper
·        This event is garbage-free: boxes and plastic bags will not be accepted
·        Limit papers to confidential / sensitive materials only

Union County Residents Only • Please No Businesses
Weekly COVID-19 Case Update since July 29 newsletter

  • CRANFORD: 518 confirmed cases; (8 new in community) 96 confirmed fatalities (0 new)
  • UNION COUNTY: 16,605 confirmed cases; 1,177 confirmed fatalities (170 probable but not yet confirmed)
  • NJ: 183,329 confirmed cases; 13,989 confirmed fatalities (1,853 probable but not yet confirmed)
Answer the Call!

   Contact tracing has been used by Health Departments for many years to track the spread of communicable diseases. It is especially important to stopping the spread of COVID-19 so please take the call. Contact tracers will never ask you for personal bank information, social security number or other personal financial information. To learn more about contact tracing and how to spot scammers please click here.
Cranford Township Committee


Mayor Patrick Giblin                                     [email protected]
Deputy Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty      [email protected]
Commissioner Tom Hannen                        [email protected]
Commissioner Jean Maisonneuve             [email protected]
Commissioner Mary O’Connor                  [email protected]
Administrator Jamie Cryan                         [email protected]