TOWNSHIP OF CRANFORD
NEWS
JUNE 16, 2022
This newsletter is published twice a month by the Township of Cranford to provide residents with important information and updates.
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

The Township Committee recently took two actions to defend the right of municipalities, like Cranford, to plan and manage growth and satisfy affordable housing obligations in a way that best meets local objectives. Cranford joined 10 other NJ municipalities calling for action to get the courts out of the affordable housing arena and return authority to Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), as was intended by 1985 Legislation.
The action urges Governor Phil Murphy to make appointments to the COAH Board which no Governor has done since Gov. Chris Christie tried to abolish COAH in 2013 because leaving important affordable housing decisions to trial judges is unfair to municipalities trying to fulfill their obligations.
In a statement from Surenian, Edwards & Nolan LLC, the law firm representing Cranford and the other towns, called on the Governor to make the appointments to COAH and implement the FHA policies:
1.      COAH should impose only realistic fair share responsibilities on municipalities. Not require municipalities to create housing opportunities of a fair share that itself is unrealistic.
2.      Home rule must be restored and municipalities that agree to voluntarily comply must be able to secure approval of an affordable housing plan the municipality deems to be the best plan for the community free from the demands of developers and threat of a builder’s remedy lawsuit.
 
This was an important step by the Township which has faced developer lawsuits and been wrestling with difficult decisions on redevelopment to meet its affordable housing obligations. We respect the intent and need for housing options but the time has come for New Jersey to address affordable housing in a fair and equitable manner and respect towns, like Cranford, to decide the best way to satisfy its obligations.
  In another move to preserve local control, the Township Committee passed a Resolution opposing a NJ Senate Bill (S-2103) that would require local Planning Boards to approve applications for mixed-use developments in business parks and shopping malls. The primary purpose of the bill is to provide options for vacant or struggling business parks and increase the State’s housing stock.
This Bill completely undermines and overrides Cranford’s ability to decide what is in the community’s best interest and manage our own growth by requiring applications for mixed-use projects go before the Cranford Planning Board. 
A letter strongly opposing this Bill with a copy of the Resolution opposing was sent to our NJ Senate and Assembly representatives. 

Best,
Kathleen Miller Prunty
Mayor
Township Committee Meeting Highlights
Official Meeting: May 24


Resolutions adopted 5-0 vote
  • Approved use of Hanson Park by Jaycees for Installation BBQ on June 11; Alumni BBQ on July 14
  • Authorized periodic closures of Holly Street between Alden Street and Springfield Avenue in connection with movie filming May 23 to June 24.
  • Awarded contract for liquid chlorine for Centennial and Orange Avenue pools
  • Authorized going out to Bid for various engineering road projects: Inflow & Infiltration project, 2022 Capital Roads Improvements, DOT Spruce Street Improvements Project, various drainage improvement projects and Cranford Avenue Drainage Improvement Project
  • Designated 750 Walnut Avenue Logistics LLC and 750 Walnut Avenue Urban Renewal LLC as Redeveloper of 750 Walnut Avenue; and approved an escrow agreement
 
Execution of Redevelopment Agreement for 201 Walnut Avenue, 100-126 South Avenue, 32 High Street and 2 Chestnut Street. 4-1 vote
Workshop Meeting June 13, 2022

  • Police Chief Ryan Greco reported on two recent incidents when officers were confronted with illegal “Ghost Guns.” Chief Greco, who is also President of the Union County Police Chief’s Association, has embarked on a campaign to urge Congress and the Senate to take action against high-powered assault weapons and Ghost Guns. From Chief Greco’s letter. “I ask you not to allow the gun lobbyists to influence your voting trends. I ask you to take preventative, meaningful action to end the cycle of senseless mass shootings in our Country and help protect our residents, our law enforcement, and most importantly, our children." Township Commissioners agreed to support Chief Greco’s efforts and also contact legislators.
  • Town Administrator Jamie Cryan, Parks & Rec, Pool Director Steve Robertazzi answered questions and provided information concerning the delay in opening Centennial Avenue Pool, the Splash Pad and status of securing a temporary pump.
  • Mr. Cryan said the experts at Aquatics Services believe the rental pump will work with the pool's current system and Centennial pool will open once all work, including filling and chlorinating the pool, and pump installation is complete. Mr. Cryan estimated that to be around the beginning of July.
  • The township expects to rent a temporary pump for two months at a cost of $26,000, including delivery and installation. If the custom pump does not arrive in August, the temporary pump can be rented through Labor Day for a total cost of approx. $34,000. 
  • Finance Director Lavona Patterson said the pool's capital funds could pay up to $36,000 for the rental.
  • Commissioners were unanimous in their directive for improved inter-department communication and oversight of construction/engineering projects.
  • Administrator Cryan asked Jeff Curry of DMR to give an update on renovation of 375 Centennial Ave Recreation facility. Lighting, backboards installed; exterior painting begin June 20; scoreboards on June 24; flooring will be installed July 7-15. Anticipate August opening.
  • Discussion on the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority 2021 fee increase. Commissioners asked for information from RVSA: location of RVSA meters, reports that show Cranford’s inflow and outflow.
  • Discussion on NJ Senate Bill 2103 requiring local Planning Board to approve mixed-use development applications in business parks and shopping centers to increase housing stock. Commissioners unanimously agreed to adopt a Resolution opposing the Bill.
  • Discussed proposed policy on installing new curbs as part of road paving projects. Will be added to June 28 Agenda for action.
Official Meeting June 14, 2022

  • Issued a Proclamation honoring Harrison Brown, Thomas Cutro, Jack Gard, Logan Gard, Max Kapetanakis and Joshua Schwartz of Boy Scout Troop 75 for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
  • Issued a Proclamation in honor of Juneteenth, the day marking the emancipation of enslaved African-American in the Confederacy, Sunday, June 19, 2022.
  • Adopted Ordinance repealing Cranford’s Single Use Plastic Ordinance that was adopted prior to the State enacting a law that supersedes local ordinances.

Resolutions Adopted 5-0
  • Approved liquor license renewals.
  • Execution of Memo of Understanding between Township and US Dept of Agriculture to participate in a Floodplain Easement Program for properties on West Holly Street at the Orchard Brook. This is a voluntary buy out program.
  • Awarded contract to Statewide Fencing to install bollards in the Community Center/Library parking lot to improve safety.
  • Approved vendor for Fireworks display on July 2 in Nomahegan Park
  • Request NJ Legislators take action to stop repetitive flooding (A253, S2431)
  • Authorized Transit Village Grant application to NJ DOT
  • Authorized advertising for bids for the 2022 Bulk Waste Collection
  • Opposing NJ Senate Bill (S2103) that preempts local zoning regulations (see workshop item above)
 
Resolution authorizing execution of two Redevelopment Agreements associated with 750 Walnut Avenue. 4-1 Vote
Thanks to the children, parents, our Police and Fire officials and residents who joined us to raise the Pride Flag at Town Hall.
The Municipal Building Summer Hours schedule will be effective July 1, 2022 through September 2, 2022. Summer Hours of operation will be in effect for municipal offices Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
Learn how to support biodiversity and bring butterflies and birds to your backyard by using native bushes and flowers. You will learn how to add native flowers and bushes to your garden; this workshop is perfect for beginner gardeners. It features detailed information about the easiest and most beautiful native plants. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
The Township has been notified by Giordano that there will not be Southside recycling pickup on Monday, July 4th. Instead, Southside residents should put their materials out Thursday, July 7, and they will be picked between Thursday/Friday.
On Saturday, June 18th and Sunday, June 19th Conrail will be performing track maintenance, requiring Raritan Valley Line trains to be replaced by NJ TRANSIT buses between Cranford and Newark Penn Station.