TOWNSHIP OF CRANFORD
NEWS
FEBRUARY 11, 2021
This newsletter is published twice a month by the Township of Cranford to provide residents with important information and updates.
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
TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR

Jamie Cryan  
Message from the Mayor

 On Tuesday, the Township Committee decided to seek “Expressions of Interest” for the redevelopment of the North Ave Gateway area. This action, which is non-binding and no cost to the Township, invites qualified developers or development teams of planners and architects to submit ideas for redeveloping this area of the Downtown Business District. This action brings a fresh set of objective eyes to the process. As a result, the Township will be the beneficiary of ideas of how to develop the site and encourage investment in a way that enhances the downtown and creates opportunities for greater success.
 This is just one step of many in the process that includes public hearings and I want to repeat my commitment to keep the public informed. As I have mentioned before, we will hold a series of Q & A sessions, likely virtual at this time, so we can present information to you on all aspects of proposed projects. This is also an important opportunity for residents to share their ideas and ask questions. We will continue to provide updates in the Township’s official newsletter and on social media and add a “Redevelopment Information” page to the website.
  Almost one year ago, I launched this Township newsletter to keep our residents and business owners informed about the impact of COVID-19 on our community and quickly expanded the publication to include other official announcements and news.
  Public information was a priority in my campaign and I have remained committed to keeping residents informed. I ask for patience and understanding while the Township Committee negotiates on behalf of residents and in the best interest of this town that we all care about. We may not always agree but we shouldn’t question anyone else commitment to Cranford.
 I want share my remarks from the Township Committee meeting. “People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.” Dr. Martin Luther King
 Let’s talk and let’s listen. Stay safe everyone.

Kathleen Miller Prunty
Mayor
Township Committee
News from Township Committee Meetings
  • Mayor read a Proclamation recognizing Black History Month and cited the creation of the Cranford Equity and Inclusivity Initiative and the Cranford Unity Project to foster awareness and respect for cultures and contributions of all people; these efforts promote a better understanding and contribute to making Cranford a more welcoming and stronger community.
  • Awarded contract to Topology NJ for planning services to prepare a Redevelopment Plan for 750 Walnut Avenue.
Upcoming Meetings
 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.

Agendas and Minutes will be posted on the Township website.

  • 2/17: Planning Board @7:30
  • 2/23: Township Committee @6:30
  • 2/25: Cranford Library Board @7
Township Department Contacts
If you're looking for contact information for Township Departments, keep this chart handy. It lists phone numbers and email addresses for the Township Committee, Township Administrator, and Township Department heads.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Please note that the totals are sometimes adjusted by the Board of Health.

CRANFORD (as of 2/10/21)
  • 59 Active
  • 4 new in community / 1,164
  • 0 new deaths / 105
 
UNION COUNTY (as of 2/11/21)
  • 186 new / 46,299 cumulative confirmed cases
  • 1,520 deaths

NJ (as of 2/11/21)
  • 3,012 new / 656,904 cumulative confirmed cases
  • 20,083 deaths

There is a reduction of confirmed cases of COVID-19 but the positive results are almost exclusively in the community, reminding us of the importance of avoiding large gatherings and limiting your time indoors with non-family members. Practice safe distancing and wear a mask. New CDC guidelines suggest wearing two mask when out in public.
 
Reports from the last four months (October thru January) confirm the highest counts are in the community. 555 total confirmed cases with 543 in community and only 12 in LTC (long term care).
Recreation & Parks Department
     Thank you to Tv35 for sharing an update from Deputy Mayor Brian Andrews and Steve Robertazzi, Director of Recreation and Parks, on the latest COVID-19 updates regarding virtual program offerings, how to register, and more.

President's Day Holiday
Please note that due to the President's Day holiday, the Township Offices will be closed Friday, Feb. 12 and Monday, Feb. 15.

There will be recycling pickup on Monday, Feb. 15 (southside) and Tuesday, Feb. 16 (northside).
Lithium Battery Dangers
Atlantic Coast Fibers, a recycling facility in Passaic, NJ, had a tragic fire last weekend due to a lithium battery in their stream. 
 
This facility and G&F Recycling & Salvage Corp., are 2 recycling facilities in our area within the last 7 months to burn down due to lithium batteries. Within the last 2 years, there have been other facilities that have had fires due to batteries in the stream.
  
Batteries CANNOT be put out for curbside single stream collection.

Please click here for a list of the items that can and cannot be recycled: What Can and Cannot Be Recycled.
About Town
CranfordLoveStorm
 The Cranford YarnStormers will be creating LoveStorm 2021, a fundraiser to support Cranford Family Care and to help neighbors share their love for Cranford. The hearts are sold out, but you can still help support the cause. The YarnStormers will be holding a food drive to support Cranford Family Care on Sunday, February 14th from 10:00 - 2:00 at the gazebo. Cranford Family Care is especially in need of condiments, crackers, cookies, canned chili, canned chicken, paper products, and juice.