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
May is designated as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. This month was chosen to commemorate two important anniversaries: the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant in the U.S. on May 7, 1843, and the completion, on May 10, 1869, of the first transcontinental railroad, which could not have been built without the labor of thousands of Chinese workers.
As we approach Memorial Day when we honor the sacrifice of members of the armed forces, let us also remember those of Asian and Pacific Island descent who lost their lives and more than 300,000 veterans.
The inaugural Asian Gold Ribbon Day is Thursday, May 20, 2021. The Asian Gold Ribbon campaign compels individuals, organizations and communities to demonstrate solidarity against anti-Asian racism and recognize its profound psychological impact. It calls for people to support healing, amplify Asian voices and educate to raise awareness.
Let me send a clear message: racism, hatred and discrimination have no place in Cranford. Thank you to those dedicating themselves to action that advances diversity, equity and inclusion in our community. On Sunday, May 16, the Cranford Unity Project will hold a Storytime and craft event in Sherman Park celebrating Asian – Pacific American Heritage Month.
Cranford is a stronger, better community when we embrace diversity and ensure that we are welcoming and inclusive for all.
Kathleen Miller Prunty
Mayor
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News from Township Committee Meetings |
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Workshop Meeting 5.10.21
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Mayor reported on the community meeting to discuss Hartz Site at 750 Walnut Avenue. It was an opportunity to share background that led the Township to designate this “An Area in Need of Redevelopment” and present preliminary concepts from Hartz. It was also an opportunity for residents to ask questions and voice concerns about traffic, pedestrian safety, and building heights. Hartz has done a traffic study but as was stated at the meeting, the Township will hire its own independent traffic planning expert to evaluate the area and residents will have an opportunity to provide input. This presentation is posted on the Township website, www.cranfordnj.org and the meeting can be viewed on TV35 and TV35 Facebook page. In an effort to make it easier for residents to find information about proposed development projects, we’ve added a Redevelopment tab to the website and a designated email: [email protected].
- Commissioners heard from Steve Jandoli, member of the Township’s Environmental Commission, about upcoming work to repair the dam at the Lenape Park. This work is being done by Union County at the direction of the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection and involves removing trees and vegetation growing on the dam embankment. The Mayor followed up with Union County officials and learned the removal of vegetation will be done only on the downstream side of the dam, not both sides as was previously thought.
- The Environmental Commission also expressed concern about timing and disrupting nests and asked the Township to request a delay. The County reported the permit from DEP requires disruption to bird nests be considered and Mott McDonald Engineering is working with contractor to address this issue. It is likely this will result in delay of tree removal. The Mayor also followed up with Kenilworth Mayor Linda Karlovitch since most of the project area is in Kenilworth and shared The Environmental Commission concerns and the updates from Union County.
- Commissioners discussed the Township’s efforts to get approval from the State to close a portion of Eastman Street for businesses to use for dining, classes and events. There is no resolution at this time but, the township will continue to press the Dept. of Transportation to allow closure of Eastman Street, citing the State’s own COVID relief measures meant to assist businesses. If the State does not give approval, the Township will proceed with the ordinance introduced that will turn Eastman Street into a pedestrian plaza effective at the end of this month. We are committed to supporting our businesses and will continue to use the levers of government to find creative solutions to support them.
- Township Engineer Jacqueline Dirmann gave an update on road projects (see below)
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Lt. Matt Lubin, Coordinator of Emergency Management, updated on the underground utility spill on Manor and Casino Avenues caused by a contactor damaging a PSE&G line. The line has been repaired and an extended clean-up operation involving the Casino Brook will continue for several weeks as crews remove all contaminated soil to minimize the environmental impact. Click here for more information: Update on the Underground Utility Incident at Manor and Casino.
- A modified Memorial Day parade and ceremony will be held to honor service members, particularly Cranford residents, who lost their lives serving our country. Details will be announced.
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Discussion ensued about the fireworks display with safety concerns, including ability to maintain distancing. Mayor said that each of us appreciates the fireworks but like other events, the Township is making decisions today with uncertainty about what the coming weeks and months will bring. Deputy Mayor Andrews will follow up with Public Safety officials and report back to Township Committee (this discussion took place before new CDC guidelines).
Official Meeting 5.11.21
For example, an assessed property at $182,057.00 tax increase would be $38.23 this year.
- Adopted an Ordinance to amend the Township Code to permit bakeries, delicatessens, coffee shops and florists in the Neighborhood Commercial Districts such as Centennial Avenue.
- Authorized the appointment of per diem Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Daniel Carmino to fill a vacancy. Also, authorized salary increases for per diem EMTs.
Engineering
Update on certain road projects
- Burnside Avenue and Edgar Avenue Drainage Project: design proposals next step once 2021 Capital funds allocated.
- Brookside Place: concrete curbs, driveway aprons and handicap ramps to be completed this week; milling and paving begin this week with anticipated completion end of next week.
- Elm Street Drainage Project: Town expects to award contract at May 25 meeting. Elizabethtown Gas work continues and expected to be completed mid-June. Township contractor expected to mobilize by July.
- James Street: low pressure gas company main will be abandoned this week and work completed within two weeks. Contractor will mobilize in June for road work.
- Makatom, Indian Spring, Orchard and Morningside: contracts will be awarded at May 25 Township meeting and contractor expected to mobilize mid-June. Work calls for connecting sump pumps into the pipe being installed to improve drainage; there will be a slight change in the road pitch to improve flow and address ponding.
- Retford Avenue: paving completed and contractor will complete outstanding work in next two weeks.
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5/24: Township Committee - Workshop at 7:00pm
5/25: Township Committee - Conference Meeting at 7:30pm, Official Meeting at 8:00pm
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Vaccine Information for 12+ |
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Infrastructure Grant from Union County |
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Cranford was a recipient of $90,000 from Union County Infrastructure Grant to support our road improvement projects.
Pictured: Commissioner Jason Gareis, County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty, and Administrator Jamie Cryan.
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Electric Car Charger Project |
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Have an electric car or plug-in hybrid? There's a Level 2 charger on the second floor of the downtown parking garage. Thanks to Cranford's Green Team for championing the electric car charger project. Here's Green Team member Ben Cohen charging his vehicle.
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As of Wednesday, May 19, percentage-based indoor and outdoor capacity limits will be lifted. This means that the Cranford Pool can open at full capacity, though distancing remains in effect. Sign up for the Cranford Pool now and don't miss out on enjoying the pool this summer!
Cranford Pool Registration
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Union County is currently looking for poll workers. Please see below for information and how you can apply.
- $200/day
- Hours on Election day at 5:15 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as possible)
- Mandatory Online Training
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If interested, email [email protected]
- Must be a registered voter
- Must be a Union County Resident
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