News from the Township of Cranford
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Cranford Begins Equity and Inclusivity Initiative
         The Township’s newly established Equity and Inclusivity Initiative will host "The Talk: An Open Conversation about Racism" on Thursday, July 16 at 7 pm. The conversation will be live on TV35 and on the TV35 Facebook page . Members of the community can participate by sending comments or questions via TV35's Facebook page or sending e-mails to [email protected] . Questions/comments will be addressed by members of the initiative.
    
While we have made progress, we must confront the sad truth that we have fallen short in our efforts to obliterate racism and intolerance in our own community. Together, we must do more to address the systems, organizations and acts that perpetuate such, and ensure that every member of the Cranford community is genuinely respected, accepted, and treated with the equality and dignity that they deserve as human beings. Together, we must remain steadfast in our stance that Cranford is intolerant of racism and hate, and, therefore, take every action necessary to abolish it.
  
To this end, Cranford Township is embarking upon an Equity and Inclusivity Initiative. In short, the purpose of this initiative is to come together as a community to 1) examine and identify current strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that will advance our efforts; 2) determine a shared vision of inclusivity for our community; and 3) formulate a strategic plan, inclusive of goals, objectives, and actionable steps that will, ultimately, realize our vision for an equitable and inclusive community. For more information about the Initiative and the online survey please click here . A message from the Cranford Township Committee, Cranford Board of Education, NAACP, the Cranford Clergy Council, and additional concerned citizens.
Weekly COVID-19 Case Update since July 8 newsletter
  • CRANFORD: 492 confirmed cases; (2 new in community) 96 fatalities (1 new in LTC)
  • UNION COUNTY: 16,537 confirmed cases (94); 1,160 fatalities
  • NJ: 175,915 confirmed cases (1,876 new); 15,582 fatalities 
Important Reminders: Masks Are Required Inside All Businesses
           
      In recent days, we’ve heard disturbing stories about some people refusing to wear a mask inside a business and then berating employees or store owners. This is unacceptable and a violation of the State Order mandating masks be worn by anyone entering a business.
   In true Cranford tradition, countless members of the public and other business owners stepped up to do the right thing and call out this dangerous behavior.
   Businesses are already struggling during these very challenging times. They should not have to contend with people refusing to obey rules and putting them and other customers at risk. WEAR A MASK!
 
Restaurants:  Outdoor dining, including the use of approved public streets and parking spaces, is permitted so that restaurants can maximize the number of customers. Check with each restaurant for specific information, hours, menus and information about curbside pickup.

Retail Businesses: Customers are allowed to shop inside stores but must practice 6-foot distancing. Stores are only permitted to have 50% of the store’s normal occupancy.
 
Personal Care Businesses: Personal care services, like hair and nail salons, barbers, tattoo and massage businesses, cosmetology and spas, reopened but customers can be seen by appointment only. For more details about what to expect please go here: COVID-19 FAQs for Personal Care Businesses.
 
Dance and Yoga Studios, Martial Arts, Gymnastics, Arts & Crafts : These businesses can hold classes or sessions inside but they are limited to 25% of normal occupancy. Many of these businesses are conducting outdoor classes.
 
Gyms and Fitness Centers : may reopen in outdoor spaces only so long as they follow required social distancing and other safety protocols . Indoor spaces remain closed except for individualized instruction by appointment only.
UPDATED Travel Advisory
   
  Due to the continued acceleration of confirmed COVID-19 cases in other states, Governor Murphy has issued an advisory for travelers to and from 22 States, and today added Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Delaware has been removed from the list. People coming from these States are urged to self-quarantine for 14 days and to get tested. 
Announcements from Township of Cranford    

Cranford Municipal Building remains closed to the public, but we encourage you to call or email offices or visit the Township website, www.cranfordnj.org
Lantern Fly: If You Spot These Call 1-833-223-2840
The public is asked to email photos to [email protected] . For more information  please click here .
Township Committee Meeting

     The Township will hold a combined Workshop and Official Meeting tonight beginning at 6:30. The Agendas are posted on www.cranfordnj.org.

     Due to the ongoing public health emergency, and the Governor's Executive Orders related to the same, the Township Committee of the Township of Cranford will conduct all meetings remotely and by electronic means for the foreseeable future. The Township Committee will continue to meet on their regularly scheduled meeting dates and times. 
   In accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 (the “Open Public Meetings Act”) and consistent with the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services guidelines, the Township Committee Meetings will be open to the public by electronic means. Residents can view the meetings on TV-35, and via livestream on TV-35's Facebook Page. 
   Residents who wish to participate in the virtual meeting for purposes of making a public comment or to participate in any scheduled public hearing should follow the instructions and complete the registration form available at the Township of Cranford’s website at www.cranfordnj.org/minutes-and-agendas .
  Information from NJ Motor Vehicle Commission
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]