JANUARY 19, 2024

CRANFORD TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

Mayor Brian Andrews

[email protected]

Deputy Mayor Terrence Curran

Public Affairs/Recreation & Parks

[email protected]

Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty

Public Works/Engineering      

[email protected]

Commissioner Gina Black

Finance

[email protected]

Commissioner Paul A. Gallo

Public Safety

[email protected]

TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR

Lavona Patterson

[email protected]

UPCOMING MEETINGS



• January 22 at 7:30PM: Zoning Board Meeting
• February 5 at 7PM: Workshop Township Committee Meeting
• February 6 at 7:30PM: Official Township Committee Meeting
• February 10 8AM-1PM: Budget Meeting

Mayor Brian Andrews

I want to update residents about the project at 750 Walnut Avenue and actions the Township is taking to remedy several situations. In December, Township Administrator Lavona Patterson, our professionals and I met with the developer to raise concerns about certain issues like dust and clean up. Mesh was installed on fencing and a tracking pad put in place. Hosing down vehicles isn’t viable now because of freezing.

The greatest concern was removal of more trees on the berm than was approved by the Planning Board. We reviewed the approved plans and Hartz acknowledged the violation. The Township demanded the problem be addressed and asked for a new landscaping plan to replace the trees that were removed. In addition, we pushed for landscaping and tree replacement to begin in late March or April, weather permitting. The original plan called for May planting. We will continue sharing updates with residents.

Two Ordinances were introduced in response to concerns raised by residents. The first is to ban truck traffic the length of Lexington Avenue. This would prohibit trucks of a certain weight and size but allow delivery, moving, and contractor vehicles.

The second Ordinance addresses parking on Pacific Avenue between Orange Avenue and Locust Drive. Upon approval, parking will only be allowed on the Roosevelt Park side of the street.

Deputy Mayor Terrence Curran – Recreation & Parks

• Renovations at the Centennial Avenue Fitness Center and Indoor Pool are almost complete. Plumbing work on bathrooms was more extensive than expected, causing delay in opening but expect to reopen in a few weeks. More than 300 people have joined and membership is still open. See the work to date and learn more here.
• The Recreation Department is revamping website making it easier for residents to see the many programs offered for all ages.
• A new Memorial Park Committee was created to work on improvements. Members are representatives of the VFW, Green Thumb Garden Club, and Cranford 86.

Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty – Engineering & Public Works

• Shared reminders about snow plowing and clearing snow and ice from sidewalks (see chart). The Township is divided into four sections and crews are assigned plowing in each area .
• Asked residents to clear snow from fire hydrants and leaves from catch basins located near their home to assist Fire Department and flow of storm water.
• Reminder Union County Public Works will clear county roads: South, Centennial, Walnut, Springfield Avenues, Kenilworth Blvd and Raritan Road. North Avenue is a State road and will be cleared by NJ DOT.
• Please use 911 only for actual emergencies. All other calls for Police should go to 908-272-2222.



Commissioner Paul Gallo - Public Safety

• Reported more fires occur in winter months and shared information from CFD.
• Turn off portable heaters and extinguish fireplace completely when leaving home and bedtime.
• Keep all items at least three feet from any heating source.
• Get furnace, fireplace and chimney checked annually by licensed contractor.
• Have carbon monoxide detectors outside bedrooms and every level of home.
• Fire Dept can answer questions or check your carbon monoxide alarms. Call 908-709-7360.

January 16 Official Meeting

Proclamation – Mayor Andrews read a Proclamation recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King

Ordinances – Introduced two ordinances described in Mayor’s Message. 4-0 Vote.

Resolutions – 4-0 Vote

• Appointing Nicollette Tufano as First Grade Patrol Officer 
• Designated the following firms for various engineering services: Neglia Engineering Associates, Matrix New World Engineering, Land Surveying & Landscape Architecture, PC & Remington and Vernick Engineers
• Authorized Police Department to participate in Defense Logistics Agency Law Enforcement Support Program
• Advertise for sale of Township vehicles no longer needed and sale of unclaimed vehicles at public auction Saturday, Feb. 24.
• Authorized street closure for Downtown Fire& Ice Event
• Authorized salary increases for certain full and part time employees

January 16 Workshop Meeting

• Discussed possible rezoning of 106 South Avenue W for retail use with representatives of Benjamin Moore Paint Store. Township Attorney was asked to follow up.
• Discussed and approved renewing lease for operation of the Cranford Clay Courts on Springfield Avenue.
• Approved installation of a temporary vestibule for Toast Restaurant on Walnut Avenue.

TUESDAY VOTING INFORMATION

We are sharing a video prepared by the Cranford Board of Education on how the bond proposal will finance long-term improvements for Cranford's schools. As a reminder, the bond referendum vote will be January 23.

Dear Residents,



It came to our attention that many residents are leaving their garbage cans at the curb of the street in front of their houses.

According to Township Ordinance 232-3E, for all residential premises, no solid waste or solid waste receptacle may be placed on the street, front sidewalk or between the front sidewalk and curb of the street. Rear yard pickup shall be required. For rear yard pickup, solid waste receptacle(s) may be placed in the driveway or rear yard, but not beyond 10 feet from the closest wall of the dwelling. This subsection shall not apply to the Township permit-based cleanup program or the Township curbside recycling program.

Kindly ensure that you keep the sidewalk and curb in front of residential premises free of obstructions. Please refrain from placing garbage cans in the street prior to the pickup. Garbage cans should be kept on your property at all times.



Failure to comply with the Ordinance may result in legal action (summons being issued). Please contact the Health Department if there are any questions.

The Health Department may be reached at 908-709-7225.

Sincerely,

Monika Koscova, MPH, REHS, CPO, CMR

Registered Environmental Health Specialist