News from the Township of Cranford
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Please note that the information regarding the Cranford Municipal Building has been revised from the newsletter sent earlier today.
Announcements from the State of New Jersey
       Today, Governor Phil Murphy announced that masks or face coverings are now required in outdoor public spaces where social distancing cannot be practiced. Previously, masks were only required inside public buildings, all business establishments and houses of worship. Masks are also required by owners and employees of businesses, whether meeting with customers inside or outside for dining or curb side pickup.
    The mandate to wear a mask is effective immediately.
Travel Advisory

     Due to the high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in other states, Governor Murphy has issued an advisory for travelers to and from 19 States. People coming from these States are urged to self-quarantine for 14 days and to get tested. 
Weekly COVID-19 Case Update as of 1 pm today
 
  • CRANFORD: 490 confirmed cases; (3 new) 95 fatalities (0 new)
  • UNION COUNTY: 16,443 confirmed cases; 1,141 fatalities
  • NJ: 174,039 confirmed cases; 13,476 fatalities 
Important Reminders: Masks Are Required Inside All Businesses

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 click here.

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.     
Announcements from Cranford

Cranford Municipal Building: the building is not open to the public at this time. If you need to meet with staff, please call ahead to make an appointment. This will help to control the number of people in the building and maintain social distancing. We encourage you to call or email offices or check the Township website for information and forms ( www.cranfordnj.org ). Here are some things to know about the Municipal Building if you have an appointment:

  • The public and employees are required to wear a mask and observe social distancing.
  • Acrylic or plexiglass barriers have been installed in offices and reception areas; the public is not permitted in the individual office areas.
  • Hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the building.
  • A secure Drop Box for tax payments will be installed at the rear entrance to the building; official notices and announcements are posted on the Message Board in same area.
Working to Assist Businesses: The Parks and Recreation Department assisted 14 businesses in finding suitable outdoor spaces in Cranford parks so they could provide classes and services to their clients. These include yoga and dance studios, sports, fitness and Karate businesses using Lincoln and Hanson Park, Roosevelt and Sherman Fields. To reserve time, contact Parks and Rec at 908-709-7283 or recreation@cranfordnj.org.

Parking: A reminder that downtown on-street parking is available for 90 minutes and the Shopper Lots have three-hour spaces for longer downtown visits. The Parking Garage at Cranford Crossing has four-hour spaces. Please do not park in spots marked for Permit Holders.
                                
Cranford Public Library News: Patrons are asked to follow this guide for book requests and returns. For much more information about the Cranford Library plans for returning to full service, please click here.
Congratulations CHS Class of 2020!
 
     “Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” – Maya Angelou
Thank you to Cranford Area Happenings for sharing this photo and wonderful message.
A Message from the Deputy Mayor
 
      Keeping residents informed about important announcements, projects, municipal services, new initiatives, and meetings is essential to good government and citizen participation. Plans for a Township newsletter, upgrades to Township website, and enhanced use of social media were underway when COVID-19 changed much of our daily lives.
    On March 23, I wrote the first Township newsletter which quickly became a daily publication primarily dedicated to COVID-19 updates and eventually included other Township news. A few weeks ago, we transitioned to twice a week and will be publishing weekly going forward with the option of special newsletters for important announcements.
    The newsletter is the Township’s official publication with information and updates from municipal departments, boards and committees. Thank you subscribing to the Township’s official newsletter and we encourage you to share with friends, family and neighbors.

Kathleen Miller Prunty
Cranford Township Committee

The Township Committee will hold a combined Workshop and Official Meeting on Tuesday, July 14. The Agendas (when finalized) and the link for public participation will be posted on the Township website, www.cranfordnj.org.

Mayor Patrick Giblin                                      p-giblin@cranfordnj.org
Deputy Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty       k-prunty@cranfordnj.org
Commissioner Tom Hannen                         t-hannen@cranfordnj.org
Commissioner Jean Maisonneuve              j-maisonneuve@cranfordnj.org
Commissioner Mary O’Connor                   m-oconnor@cranfordnj.org
Administrator Jamie Cryan                          j-cryan@cranfordnj.org