TOWNSHIP OF CRANFORD
NEWS
JANUARY 27, 2022
CRANFORD TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty      

Deputy Mayor Jason Gareis
Public Safety

Commissioner Brian Andrews
Public Works/Engineering

Commissioner Gina Black
Public Affairs

Commissioner Mary O’Connor
Finance
TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR

Jamie Cryan  
Message from the Mayor

On Sunday, Feb. 6*, I am certain that many Cranford residents of all ages, faiths, ethnicity and skin color will gather on the lawn at Temple Beth-El Mekor Chayim to stand in unity with our Jewish brothers and sisters against anti-Semitism, prejudice and hate.
 We will gather, as we have done far too many times, to proclaim that an attack on any house of worship is an attack on all. Bias incidents and intolerance against Jews, Blacks, Asians, Muslims, Hispanics, LGBTQ or any group is an attack on all. We are so much stronger when we stand together.
After we gather, let’s remember that inflammatory, hateful words are also damaging and may fuel more serious, dangerous events.
Join us to show that Cranford is working to be an inclusive, tolerant and welcoming community.

Best,

Kathleen Miller Prunty
Mayor

*Note: Date changed to February 6 because of anticipated snow storm.
Township Committee
Township Committee Meeting Highlights
Official Meeting
  • Introduced an Ordinance to rename the Cranford Municipal Alliance to the Cranford Prevention and Wellness Alliance to better reflect their broader mission and efforts to prevent substance abuse and encourage wellness. Approved 5-0.
  • Introduced an Ordinance to amend the Redevelopment Plan for 750 Walnut Avenue to clarify that any prospective redeveloper of the properties “may not later request or apply to increase the maximum number of residentials units already permitted by the existing Redevelopment Plan.” Currently, the Redevelopment Plan permits 250 units on 15 acres and commercial on remaining 15 acres. Approved 5-0.
  • Introduced an Ordinance to adopt a Redevelopment Plan for areas on South Avenue and Chestnut Avenue. Approved 4 – 1 (abstention).
  • Approved the following Resolutions:
  • Appointed Eva Piassek as the Coordinator of Cranford Prevention and Wellness Alliance
  • Authorized grace period extension for the 2021 sewer bill and waiving interest for payments made during period.
  • Award of contract to Colliers Engineering & Design for survey, design and administration of NJ Dept. of Transportation grant for road improvements on Burnside Avenue.
  • Authorized purchase of new boiler from Limbach Company (under State Contract) for the Cranford Library

Approved Resolution to renew municipal cost sharing agreement with the Mayors Council for Rahway River Watershed Flood Control. Council includes Cranford, Kenilworth, Garwood, Springfield, Rahway, Union, Millburn and Maplewood. Approved 3-2.
Workshop Meeting
  • Township Committee will return to in-person meetings on Monday, Feb. 7
  • Update on Engineering projects:
  • Roads are currently being evaluated on an 8-point criteria to determine which will be included in the 2022 Capital Budget. Roads being considered are based on resident complaints, previous evaluations by Township Engineering and Public Works employees.
  • Elm Street, Lawn Terrace and Mansion. Work progressing since new contractor has taken over the project. Elizabethtown Gas Company relocated main, American Water main relocation will be done by end of month.
  • Met with Elizabethtown Gas about major project to upgrade service on North and South Avenue. The work will be done overnight to minimize downtown disruptions, will not be done at the same time and equipment will not be stored in the road right-of-way. The project is expected to take eight weeks. Township Committee asked a Gas Company representative attend next workshop meeting to answer questions.
  • Discussion about restructuring the large municipal Flood Advisory Committee. The proposal calls for two or three working work groups with defined missions that will advise and assist the Township Committee ​to advance flood mitigation projects on the local, regional and state level. Discussion will continue at February 7 Workshop Meeting.
Fire Department
Cranford Fire Department has tips on Winter Storm Preparedness and Cold Weather Safety. Click on the links below to view this information on the Township website.


Drop Boxes at Municipal Building
A reminder that secure drop boxes are available at the Municipal Building. These are located at the rear entrance and can be used for tax payments and drop offs for building, zoning and engineering. A drop box for the health department is located outside their entrance.  

Public Works
2022 Recycling Schedule
Snow Removal
Crews salt the Primary Roads first, then Secondary Roads. Plowing begins once three (3) inches accumulates. After roads are plowed, roads are salted again.
 
   The information below describes which roads are done by the Township, County and State:

County Roads: Springfield Ave   Walnut Ave   Centennial Ave  South Ave  Kenilworth Blvd Raritan Road
State Roads: North Ave Lincoln Ave (North Ave to South Ave)
Primary Roads: North East Section: Elizabeth Ave, Orange Ave, Bloomingdale Ave, North Union Ave, Riverside Drive, Linden Place, Forest Ave, Central Ave, Dunham/Henley Ave
North West Section: Brookside Place, Orchard Street, Gallows Hill Rd, Willow Street, Beech Street, Spruce Street, West Holly Street, Holly Street, West End Place, Central Ave, Center of Town
South East Section: High Street, Lincoln Ave, Myrtle Ave, Lexington Ave, Hillside Ave, Commerce Dr, Jackson Drive, Moen Ave, Mohawk Drive, Iroquois Road, Winans Ave, No Lehigh Ave
South West Section: Lincoln Ave, Retford Ave, Lexington Ave, Denman Road, South Union Ave, Stoughton Ave, Burnside Ave, Hillcrest Ave, Fairfield Ave, Chester Lang Pl, Georgia Street
Secondary Roads: All other streets in the 4 sections
Tertiary Roads, Dead Ends, Cul de Sacs
Snow Removal Reminders for Residents, Business & Property Owners
  • Residents and business and commercial property owners are responsible for clearing and/or salting sidewalks.  
  • If you live near a fire hydrant, your help clearing snow off and around so that it is visible is appreciated.
  • Homeowners and property owners must remove snow and ice from all sidewalks abutting your property within 12 daylight hours of accumulation. This includes corners! If the snow or ice becomes hardened, salt, ashes, sawdust, or sand must be applied within 4 hours. Once thawed to an extent that removal is possible, hardened snow or ice must be cleared within 4 hours. Please spread the word and lend a hand if needed!
 
Violations should be reported to the Police Department at 908-272-2222. 
Health Department
Recreation and Parks
Winter Programs
Recreation and Parks is excited to have the Community Center back and bustling with activities for all our members from our youngest community members with our Kinder Programs, to our stimulating adult and senior programs. Register for programs at: https://register.communitypass.net/reg/index.cfm. You can also follow Recreation and Parks on social media: Cranfordrecreationandparks.
Food Waste Program
In 2021, the Township launched the "Food Waste to Energy" program as part of its commitment to support sustainable practices and encourage residents to reuse and recycle.

  Residents can bring food waste to the Conservation Center during regular open hours and leave in a dedicated bin set up for vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood (except shells), dairy and grains. Food waste can be put in the bin in any type of packaging excluding glass containers and black plastic bags. The food waste will be turned into bio-fuel to help power the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority and reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.

  This program, proposed by Cranford's Green Team, is done in partnership with Waste Management, a leader in converting food waste into a bio-fuel that creates green energy. The Green Team secured a Sustainable Jersey grant funded by the PSE&G Foundation to cover most of the cost of the program. Please review the graphics below on which items are acceptable and which are not.
COVID -19 Test and Vaccine Information
  Check the following websites for information.
 
 
The Township posts weekly data about confirmed cases in Cranford each Thursday or Friday on Township of Cranford Facebook page.