TOWNSHIP OF CRANFORD
NEWS
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This newsletter is published twice a month by the Township of Cranford to provide residents with important information and updates. |
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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
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TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR
Jamie Cryan
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Message from the Mayor
In the coming months, Topology, the planning firm approved on June 15, will conduct an extensive public outreach program to get feedback for the North Avenue East Gateway Area. The Township Committee selected this firm last month because of their experience and track record in public engagement as part of the Redevelopment Plan process.
The Redevelopment Plan describes a community’s vision that guides and controls any development with specifics about type of uses, architectural styles, building heights, layout and building materials, signage, parking, streetscape design, public space design and more. A Redevelopment Plan is often described as a “Master Plan with teeth," giving a municipality greater control of what is built.
At the Township’s direction, Topology has put together a public input plan with many opportunities for residents and business owners to participate. I encourage everyone to do so.
Below is an outline of the process. Specific dates and locations will be posted on the Township website on the new “Redevelopment” tab, Facebook page, and in future newsletters.
I know that some residents oppose this development, which is their right. The Township Committee is committed to public participation and updates that give you accurate, factual information so that you can question and decide.
Kathleen Miller Prunty
Mayor
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North Avenue East Gateway Redevelopment Area: Public Engagement Plan
Earlier this month, Topology Planners submitted an outline for a comprehensive approach to get meaningful feedback for the Redevelopment Plan for this area. Following is a description of the process that will begin soon and continue through October. Specific dates and locations will be announced and posted when finalized.
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Online Component: This part of the process will kick off in early August and is an opportunity for people who cannot or prefer not to participate in public sessions.
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Drop In Component: Topology teams will be out on several weekends and weekdays to answer questions and get public input at various locations such as:
- Eastman Plaza and other downtown locations
- Various events, including Downtown Cranford, Centennial Village and Chamber of Commerce Street Fair
- Orange Avenue Pool
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Stakeholder Focus Groups: Meet with members of various Township and civic organizations
- Downtown Management Board, downtown business and property owners
- Cranford Environmental Commission, Green Team, Planning Board, Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Parking Committee, Pedestrian and Bike Safety Committee
- Cranford Chamber of Commerce, Cranford Woman’s Club, Cranford Newcomers Club, Cranford Jaycees
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Town Hall Forums: this is an opportunity for anyone who has not been able to participate in any of the previous outreach
South Avenue and Chestnut Street Rehabilitation Area
Topology Planner Annie Hindenlang met with the Downtown Management Board to discuss this rehabilitation area. View the presentation here.
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News from Township Committee Meetings |
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Township Official Meeting – July 13
- Presentation of Public Engagement Plan for the North Avenue East Gateway Area (described above).
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Presentation and update on the Affordable Housing background and settlement. Mayor asked Township Attorney Ryan Cooper to provide information to explain that the redevelopment proposed is a result of the Township’s requirement to meet its court-ordered affordable housing obligation. Here is a link to the presentation.
- Township read two Proclamations:
- Recognize lifelong Cranford resident Michael Mason for his many contributions to the community, including his most recent effort to improve and beautify the historic walkway on the Rahway River. Mr. Mason passed away on June 26.
- Recognize and commend the Cranford Jaycees volunteerism, financial support of community organizations, student scholarships and the annual Firecracker 4-Miler that brings thousands of runners to town.
- Personnel News:
- Commissioners voted to advance three members of the Police Department and appoint two Probationary Patrolmen. Congratulations to Captain Edward Davenport, Lieutenant John Swandrak, Sergeant Steven D’Ambola, Joshua Sousa and Jason Ingram.
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- Commissioners voted on appointments to fill vacancies. Congratulations to Frank Genova as Construction Code Official and Building Sub Code official. Frank is a Cranford resident, past member of the Cranford Fire Department and recently the Construction Official in Roselle Park.
- Ashley Kurbanoglu was named Deputy Municipal Clerk. Ashley comes from Raritan Borough where she served as Deputy Municipal Clerk.
- Gianna Ricera as Communications Officer in the CPD.
- Robert DiDonato and Rich Lipari as Driver/Laborers in Public Works
- Awarded contract for painting of downtown Victorian light poles.
- Authorized advertising for bids for engineering projects: Burnside Avenue roadway improvements and Edgar Avenue drainage improvement.
- Adopted ordinance prohibiting operation of any class of cannabis business within the Township. The Township took this action to further study the regulations and implications. The Cannabis Legislation Working Group will continue work and report back to the Township Committee.
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Deputy Municipal Clerk Ashley Kurbanoglu |
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Construction Code & Building Sub Code official Frank Genova |
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7/21: Planning Board at 7:30pm
8/4: Planning Board at 7:30pm
8/9: Township Committee Workshop at 7pm
8/9: Zoning Board at 7:30pm
8/10: Township Committee Official Meeting at 8pm
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COVID-19 Update as of July 15 |
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In the ongoing effort to make streets safer for pedestrians, young and elderly, the Police Department will continue installation of flashing pedestrian crossing signs.
To date, 19 signs have been installed at 18 locations. This does not include other warning signs and pedestrian safety signs through out town. There are 7 additional locations, based on pedestrian volume and crash statistics, that are awaiting installation.
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Deputy Mayor Brian Andrews, liaison to the Pedestrian and Bike Safety Committee, and Anthony Durante, chair, commend the Police Department’s efforts to make streets safer and easier to cross. There is always more work to do but this is an excellent start.
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Engineering/Road Improvements |
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The following roads will be paved starting July 30 and continuing to August 13, weather permitting.
- Lexington Ave – South Union to Rankin Avenue
- Roosevelt Ave – Rankin to Hillcrest
- Preston Ave– Rankin to Hillcrest
- Besler Ave– Rankin to Hillcrest
- James Ave– Rankin to Hillcrest
- New Street – Rankin to Hillcrest
- Hillcrest Ave – Lexington to Christopher
- Christopher Street – South Union to Hillcrest
- Garden Street – Elizabeth to dead end
- Cranford Ave – Elizabeth to dead end
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Some residents reported receiving notice from their trash hauler that containers must be brought to the curb. The Township discussed a proposal to allow front yard pick up and decided unanimously not to change the policy. Cranford does not permit curbside pick up. |
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