NOVEMBER 29, 2022

Message from the Mayor

As we near the end of 2022, I want to thank residents for their patience during a record number of road paving and drainage projects. This year, almost 50 streets were completed, are in progress, or are being designed at a cost of approx. $3.8 million. In 2021, more than 30 streets were completed as we try to catch up on long overdue road repairs. Some projects were mill and pave and others were more complicated drainage improvements that often require relocation of existing underground utility pipes.

   In addition, Elizabethtown Gas Company repaved streets following main replacements. South Avenue, (County road) was repaved by Union County and North Avenue (State road) will be completed in the Spring. The current surface from Lincoln Avenue to Orchard Street is temporary.

  The Engineering Department is currently evaluating and rating roads to develop the 2023 Road Project list and Capital Budget requests. If you want to submit a road for consideration please email [email protected]. This year, the Township also adopted an objective curb policy that is applied to every road improvement project.

  In 2023, the Township Engineering Department will continue the practice of meeting with residents to explain road projects before work begins and keep people informed about progress.

  We know road projects can be disruptive and messy so we greatly appreciate your cooperation and patience while work is underway to make Cranford streets safer and in better condition.

Best,

Kathleen Miller Prunty

Mayor

November 14 Official Township Meeting 

• Recognition of Girl Scout Cadettes who earned the Girl Scout Silver Award: Ashlyn Quigley, Alexandra Werthmann, Angelina Ret, Adrianna, Natalia Schneller, Madeline Litterio, Maya Andersen, Olivia Rosa Torsone, Corinna Gapp, Daniella Goldate, Kiran Schusterman, Adrianna Miller, Taylor Miller, Emily West, Sophia Lledo, Ashley Patt, Grace Lyubarsky, Aashritha Jinaga, Alxi Pryor, Natalie Kastin, Jenna Connell, Elizabeth McMullan, Alivia Boone, Addison Rivera, Lillian Kelly, Gianna Malecki, and Bianca Romero.
• Advancement of Matthew Nazzaro to the rank of Captain within the Cranford Police Department.

Ordinances approved 5-0

• Adopted an ordinance amending the 2021 revised agreement between member municipalities and the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority.
• Adopted an ordinance to designate Belmont Avenue and Carolina Street as stop intersections. Signs will be installed on these streets.
• Introduced an ordinance to establish fees for the 375 Centennial Avenue Recreational Facility.

Resolutions approved 5-0

• Award contract ($76,831) with ServPro for mold remediation in the Municipal Building
• Award contract ($41,000) to Northeast Road Maintenance for roof repairs at Public Works Roundhouse
• Award contract ($30,000) to A & K Equipment for plows for two DPW trucks
• Appointed Rameil King and Travis Freeman as Second Grade Patrol Officers in the Cranford Police Department

November 22 Official Township Meeting 

• Advancement of Spencer Durkin to the rank of Lieutenant in the Cranford Police Department.
• Advancement of Brian Wagner to the rank of Sergeant in the Cranford Police Department.

Ordinances

• Introduced ordinance to establish a financial agreement for redevelopment of 750 Walnut Avenue - 3-2 vote.
• Introduced ordinance to establish a financial agreement for redevelopment of Walnut Avenue and South Avenue - 5-0 vote.

Resolutions approved 5-0

• Authorized contract for purchase of two DPW vehicles from Ciocca Ford ($89,180)
• Authorized purchase of electricity and natural gas supply for public use at municipal facilities
• Authorized closure of portion of Miln Street on December 10, 4 to 8 pm for St. Michael tree lighting
• Authorized closure of upper portion of Parking Lot 1 on December 15 for DMC Jingle Jubilee
• Authorized Clerk to advertise for bids for Fire Department truck
• Adopted an amended Township Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual

Upcoming Meetings

Planning Board: November 30 at 7:30pm 

Zoning Board: December 5 at 7:30pm

Planning Board: December 7 at 7:30pm

Township Committee Workshop: December 12 at 7pm

Zoning Board: December 12 at 7:30pm

Township Committee Official Meeting: December 13 at 7:30pm

Planning Board: December 14 at 7:30pm

PSE&G is conducting utility work in Cranford this week. Work will be conducted on Hollywood Avenue, Walnut Avenue (between Chestnut Street and Lenhome Drive) and Burnside Avenue from Tuesday, Nov. 29 to Friday, Dec. 2. Cranford Police have said to expect some delays while work is being done.

Welcome to new Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Ryan Elliot, who came to Cranford from Edison, where he was employed for 10 years.

Leaf Bags Available at Conservation Center      

The Township has a supply of recyclable bags at the Conservation Center available for residents. The Conservation Center is open Wednesdays: 9:30 am - 3:20 pm and Saturdays and Sundays: 9:30 am - 3:50 pm.

Important Reminders

Residents are asked not blow or dump leaves in the river and to please advise your landscaper of the same. Be a good neighbor and clear leaves from storm drains so rainwater can freely flow into the system

The 2022 Leaf Pickup Schedule can be found here.

  Chief Dan Czeh announced a $31,000 award from the American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant. The funds will be used to purchase approximately six sets of Turn out Gear and continue the cancer prevention initiative.

The Township Committee would like to remind everyone of the importance of shopping local this holiday season!