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
Our Township Health and Public Safety officials have continued to monitor COVID-19 cases and the impact of new variants, particularly the Delta variant that now accounts for 90% of new cases in NJ. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Union County is identified as an area with a substantial transmission rate. I met with our Township professionals and based on their expertise and recommendations from CDC and NJ Health Commissioner Persichilli, we will again require masks inside Township buildings: Town Hall, Police and Fire Departments, Community Center, Library, Centennial Fitness Center, and Indoor Pool area.
Masks are required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to maximize protection from the Delta variant. Our facilities are already set up with safety screening to protect the public and our employees. The positivity rate for PCR Molecular tests quadrupled to 3.95% last week. Health experts expect an increase in cases through October as people return from vacations, possibly from COVID hot spots, and congregate indoors with people who may or may not be vaccinated.
The best way to combat COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated. Fortunately, the majority of Cranford residents have been vaccinated but we can do better. Here’s a snapshot of Cranford according to the Health Department:
Fully vaccinated 12+: 76%
Fully Vaccinated 12-17 yrs: 38%
Fully Vaccinated 18+: 80%
Fully Vaccinated 18-29 yrs: 81%
Fully Vaccinated 65+: 83%
Thank you for your continued cooperation and patience during these extraordinary times. The common sense protocols of wearing a mask, hand washing, distancing and avoiding large crowds remain important deterrents but getting vaccinated is the best defense against getting and spreading COVID-19.
Be safe. Be well.
Kathleen Miller Prunty
Mayor
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COVID-19 Update as of July 28 |
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Eastman Street Will Reopen. Parklets will be Installed. |
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Cranford is committed to finding creative ways to open more public space. In April parklets were approved through October, and in May Eastman Street was closed between Miln Street and North Avenue to create the outdoor gathering spaces desired by our residents. This was similar to steps taken last year and has been well received by many members of our community.
The Township has had substantial engagement with the NJ Department of Transportation (DOT) on traffic circulation where Eastman Street meets North Avenue. Based on those discussions, Township will reopen Eastman Street for vehicular traffic effective Monday, Aug. 2 and create parklets on Eastman Street in spaces recommended by DOT. These will be similar to parklets in other areas of downtown.
Additionally, the Downtown Management Corporation is considering an “End of Summer” event on Eastman Street and will seek approval for a 48-hour street closure, which is permitted by the NJDOT. Watch for details soon.
We hope you continue to enjoy the outdoor public spaces and seating at the Clock Plaza at Eastman, Post Office Plaza, the Gazebo and the numerous parklets.
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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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There is still time to sign up for summer programs, including Playground Camp. Please go to the Recreation and Parks website to view the available programs.
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Zoning Office Update and Appointment Information |
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Greer Patras, Director of Land Use, AICP/PP at Topology, NJ LLC will perform Zoning Officer duties until a permanent Zoning Officer is appointed. We anticipate minimal interruption to the Township’s operations as Topology is very familiar with Cranford, having served as Planners for the Township Zoning Board over the past two years. Ms. Patras has years of experience serving in similar roles in other NJ municipalities. She will be available by phone (908-709-7216) and email ([email protected]) to answer questions and will be available for in-person appointments on Wednesdays from 8am – 4:30pm. Zoning Assistant Ruth Nicholas remains available Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30 pm.
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Cranford 150th Celebration |
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In 1871 Cranford was established and this year we celebrate our 150th Anniversary. To honor our sesquicentennial, the 150th Anniversary Committee is bringing back the Cranford River Carnival!
Join us as we celebrate the rich history of our town with a magical boat parade down the mighty Rahway River, one of our greatest treasures. We are inviting local organizations, sports teams, groups and individuals to decorate a canoe or kayak and join us on September 18th (rain date will be 9/19) to take them out on the river as part of the festivities. Limited canoes are available from the Canoe Club if you do not have one.
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The Cranford 150th Anniversary Committee cordially invites organizations to participate in the Cranford Day celebration in Downtown Cranford on Saturday, September 25 from noon to 4:00 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, September 26).
Organizations can set up and staff tables to provide information. There is no fee to participate but you must provide your own display tables and chairs. Pamphlets, brochures, flyers, decorations, multi-media displays, etc., are permitted. No food or beverages are permitted to be sold or distributed at the tables. No merchandise is to be sold at the tables. You may only sell logo items that are fundraisers unique to your organization. You can provide music, artwork, or entertainment if you wish.
If you are interested in participating in the Cranford Day celebration, please respond by August 15. To respond, if you need more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Jeff Pistol by email at [email protected] (please write "CRANFORD DAY" in the subject line) or by phone at 908-447-1168.
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The Township is excited to officially launch the "Food Waste to Energy" program as part of its commitment to support sustainable practices and encourage residents to reuse and recycle.
Residents will be able to 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.
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