OCTOBER 27, 2023

UPCOMING MEETINGS



• November 1 at 7:30PM: Planning Board Meeting
• November 6 at 7:30PM: Zoning Board Meeting
• November 13 at 7PM: Combined Workshop and Official Township Committee Meeting

COMMISSIONER REPORTS

Finance – Deputy Mayor Curran

• Reported on meeting with residents in neighborhood of 750 Walnut Avenue. Trees were removed from the berm to make way for driveway relocation or because they were dead. More than 300 evergreen and trees will be planted in their place. Please see Landscape Plans 10-5-22.
• Announced that Cranford had achieved the highest score on the State Best Practices evaluation. Municipalities are evaluated based on ethics, transparency, financial administration, budgeting, personnel, capital projects, cyber security, shared services, recycling, environment, and Special Improvement District.

Engineering & Public Works – Comm. Miller Prunty

• Explained the Complete Streets Policy purpose is to ensure that roads and road improvement projects are designed for safe use and mobility for people of all ages and abilities. Read more below.
• Reminded residents not to put leaves in the street prior to your schedule pick up week; bagged leaves should be left on your property until pick up or brought to Conservation Center Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday. Leaves, branches and debris should never be dumped in the river. This will cause logjams and contribute to flooding.
• Dedication of the Dr. Deborah Cannon Wolfe Reading Garden in Lincoln Park was postponed because of rain but will be rescheduled.

Public Safety – Comm. Gallo

• Cranford Police Dept is conducting an officer recruitment. Applications will be accepted until December 31. For more information: https://www.cranfordnj.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif436/f/pages/cranford_police_application_2023_2024_fillable.pdf
• Announced the Cranford Police Officers will participate in “Stop the Bleed” program. The interactive course will train officers in the three methods to control bleeding. This life-saving training will be run by Deputy Mayor Dr. Terrence Curran.

Parks & Recreation – Comm. Black

• The annual Halloween House Decorating Contest is underway with more than 20 homes on display. See below for the list of competing houses.
• The annual Halloween Costume Contest, Parade and Pumpkin Chunkin will get underway Sunday at 1 pm at the Community Center. The Parade to downtown will begin at 2 pm followed by the Pumpkin Chunkin. Register for the costume contest here. Thank you to Jaycees for partnering with the Recreation Dept.
• Registration is still open for Rec basketball. Anyone interested in coaching should call the Recreation Office 908-709-7283.

Township Meetings

Official Meeting October 24, 2023

Resolutions 5-0 Vote

• Authorized solicitation of qualifications for architectural services for the addition at the Cranford Library.
• Adopted a Complete Streets policy to provide safe and accessible travel for people of all ages and abilities, pedestrians and bicyclists, and those with disabilities.
• Authorized closure of Miln Street between North Avenue and Alden Street for a Veteran’s Day Ceremony Saturday, Nov. 11.
• Authorized downtown street closures for various Halloween events Sunday, Oct. 29.
• Supporting Revolution NJ, a state initiative pertaining to the 250^th Anniversary of the founding of the United States and NJ pivotal role in the American Revolution.
• Supporting use of State and Federal funds to support the NJ Emergency Medical Service Task Force.
• Authorized advancements of Rui Coutinho and Jack Emanuele to Equipment Operators in Public Works.

Workshop Meeting October 23, 2023

• Discussed presentation and proposal from the Cranford Baseball & Softball League to install an infield turf at the Adams Avenue girls softball fields. CBSL will return with additional information and details about the drainage design.
• Mayor Andrews, Deputy Mayor Curran and Administrator Patterson reported discussions with Hartz Corp representatives and contractor regarding construction at 750 Walnut Avenue. Contrary to social media posts, contamination and toxins have not been found on the site. The Union/Somerset County Soil Conservation Agency inspectors will visit the site as part of the permit process to monitor soil erosion. In addition, Hartz agreed to:
• All contractors and workers will park on Hartz site
• Water truck will wet down debris and dust; street sweeper will clean Walnut Avenue
• Continue to provide construction schedule with description of work that the Township will share with neighborhood residents.

Complete Streets Policy for Cranford

  Cranford has joined many NJ communities in adopting a Complete Streets Policy with goals and guidance for planning safe streets for people of all ages and abilities whether they are traveling as a pedestrian, bicyclist or driver. The Complete Streets Policy, with input from the Planning Board, Downtown Management, Pedestrian & Bike Safety Committee, Police Dept., Engineer, Township Planner, supports the goals of Cranford’s Master Plan.

 Complete Streets policies are intended to strengthen walkable connections to schools, retail, recreation, reduce traffic congestion and include green stormwater infrastructure. improvements. The Policy and checklist address a wide range of elements including sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, accessible pedestrian signals, curb extensions and streetscape designs.

  Learn more about Complete Streets

• About NJ Complete Streets - The New Jersey Bicycle and Pedestrian Resource Center (njbikeped.org)

The General Election is November 7th.

• Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.;
• Call the Clerk’s Office with any voting and election questions at 908-709-7210 or access www.unioncountyvotes.com.

Please take a moment to review the leaf pickup schedule for this fall. You can find handouts of the schedule at the Cranford Library and the Municipal Building, and it's also available on our website here.

Free Rabies Clinic

Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Orange Ave. Pool

1025 Orange Ave.

Last Name A – M: 9:00am – 10:00am

Last Name N – Z: 10:00am – 11:00am

All Pets must on a leash or in carriers and accompanied by an adult.

Cranford Health Dept. 908-709-7299

Cranford Fire has updated fire safety fact sheets online for both Fall seasonal and Halloween safety. Click on the links below to view the safety sheets.

Fall Seasonal Fire Safety

Halloween Safety