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 Jason Gareis
Public Safety
Commissioner Brian Andrews
Public Works/Engineering
Commissioner Gina Black
Public Affairs
Commissioner Mary O’Connor
Finance
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TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR
Jamie Cryan
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Message from the Mayor
The Township required Hartz Corp to do a traffic study for the 750 Walnut Avenue project. That report, currently available on the Township website, is being analyzed by the Township’s own traffic expert, Maurice Rached of Colliers Engineering. Mr. Rached is also in contact with our own Police Traffic Division and Union County Engineer because Walnut is a County road.
The Hartz Report is not the final traffic and pedestrian plan for the area in and around the project. Mr. Rached met with residents on February 28 and with Township Commissioners at Monday’s Workshop meeting to get feedback and we invite residents to continue to provide input. Send your comments and questions to [email protected] by March 15. Your comments and questions will be forwarded to Mr. Rached.
Following this analysis, Mr. Rached’s recommendations to address traffic and pedestrian issues will be available for review.
Best,
Kathleen Miller Prunty
Mayor
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Township Committee Meeting Highlights |
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Official Meeting
- Adopted an Ordinance to amend the Redevelopment Plan for 750 Walnut Avenue. The amendment strengthened the Township’s position that any prospective developer may not in the future request or apply to increase the maximum number of residential units already permitted (250). 5-0 vote.
- Adopted an Ordinance to increase the base rate per medical transport to $850. These fees, which have not increased in 10 years, are charged to insurance companies and not residents. 5-0 vote.
Resolutions: approved 5-0
- Appointed two Per Diem Emergency Medical Technicians: Zachary Kornberger and Theodore Trojan.
- Appointed Lauren King to the Cranford Green Team
- Appointed members to the restructured Flood Prevention & Mitigation Advisory Board. Two subcommittees will have specific focus and work with Township professionals and consultants.
- State & Regional Planning: Comm. Gina Black as Liaison, Patrick Giblin, chair, Dana Friedman, Steve Jandoli, Chris Kolibas, Zach McCue and Kathleen Murray
- Stormwater Infrastructure Planning: Deputy Mayor Jason Gareis as Liaison, Ann Dooley, chair, Ben Cohen, Dave Coughlin, Joe McMahon, Jay Stevens and Patricia Vogler
- Authorized change orders for 375 Centennial Avenue Recreation Center to paint building exterior ($44,400) and install indoor safety netting ($8,000).
- Authorized replacement of pump at the Centennial Avenue Outdoor Pool ($41,700)
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Workshop Meeting
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750 Walnut Avenue Traffic Study: The Township’s traffic expert Maurice Rached of Colliers Engineering discussed the traffic study done by Hartz and concerns raised by residents at previous neighborhood meetings. Residents were invited to continue sending comments and questions for Mr. Rached to consider in the final report. Send emails to [email protected].
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Gas Powered Leaf Blowers: Members of the Green Team shared information about the group’s public information campaign to educate the public about the environmental impacts of gas powered leaf blowers. The GT will be working on information materials. In meantime look at My Green Cranford for important information about protecting the environment.
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Policy on Curbing: Township Engineer Jacqueline Dirmann presented a proposed policy for installing curbing during road improvement projects which can be viewed here.
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North Avenue Gateway Redevelopment: Township Planner Annie Hindenlang of Topology discussed her summary and analysis of the public outreach, which can be viewed here.
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Registration for the Pool is Open! |
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The Conservation Center is open Wednesdays 9:30 am to 3:20 pm and Saturdays 9:30 am to 3:50 pm. As of March 6, the center is also open on Sundays 9:20 am to 3:50pm. For more information, please go here.
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Starting May 4, a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags goes into effect. So what do you need to know?
* Non-grocery and retail stores can still provide paper bags.
* Large grocery stores — anything over 2,500 square feet — cannot give out paper bags.
* There are a few exceptions to the plastic bag ban, which includes bags to contain or wrap uncooked meat, fish, or poultry, bags used to package loose items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc., a bag used solely to contain food sliced or prepared to order, a laundry, dry cleaning, or garment bag, a pharmacy bag to carry prescription drugs, and a bag for newspapers.
So how can you prepare? Get used to keeping a reusable bag in the car so you can carry it when you shop downtown or keep a reusable bag in your purse so you can easily access it. Please remember that this is a mandate throughout all of NJ and we know our merchants appreciate your patience and understanding as we all adapt to this change. For more information, please visit Bag Up New Jersey.
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Union County Recycling Events |
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A paper shedding event will be held March 26 and 27 at the County Vo-Tech School from 9 am to 1 pm. For a full list of events visit www.ucnj.org. |
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Help with Paying For Utility Bills |
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NJ's moratorium on utility shut-offs expires on March 15, 2022. If you need help paying utility bills:
FROM PSE&G:
Customers at risk of disconnection should enroll in a Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA) and apply for payment assistance to avoid an interruption of their utility service. Many more customers are now eligible for energy assistance programs that have been expanded with increased income limits. PSE&G is offering more flexible payment options and new deferred payment arrangements (DPAs).
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Enroll in a PSE&G Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA): Visit pseg.com/myaccount; or call 800-357-2262. When asked, “What would you like help with today?” say, “Payment arrangement.”
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Apply for State energy assistance: Visit nj211.org.
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Need help, not sure where to start or want to share information with others? Visit: PSE&G HelpNow or call PSE&G Customer Care: 800-357-2262.
FROM ELIZABETHTOWN GAS:
On October 1, 2021, Utility Assistance programs were expanded for a two-year period to better assist those impacted by the continuing pandemic. Income guidelines for assistance programs have been increased to allow more households to be eligible. For example, a family of 4 can make up to $106,000 and be eligible to receive assistance. In some cases, entire past due balances may be erased. Information on all available programs can be found on their website here.
FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
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American Water Company Notices about Possible Lead Pipes |
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AWC is sending certified letters to homeowners who may have lead pipes that will be replaced by the Company. The notice can be viewed here, as well as FAQ.
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New Location for Motor Vehicle Office |
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The office for vehicle registration and license renewal has moved to 271 Route 22 E (next to Olive Garden). For more info please click here. |
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