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
In the past two weeks since Storm Ida, a great deal of information has been shared by the Township, Union County, State agencies and organizations. It can be overwhelming, especially to those whose lives, homes and businesses were impacted. We will leave this information available on the Township website, social media sites and this newsletter so it remains readily available for the public. In addition, we have set up tables at the Community Center and in the Municipal Building with information about FEMA, services and other assistance available. Please pick up materials and share with someone who may not be able to get to these locations or have computer access.
Cranford, like other towns on or near the Rahway River, is no stranger to flooding or rebuilding. There have been four major floods in less than 25 years. Continued payouts by FEMA instead of action on a flood control project is madness. In fairness, there are people in every town who have spent time advocating for a permanent solution and late last year, the Federal Water Resources Development Act included a provision that directed the US Army Corp of Engineers find a fundable solution. Flood control may be complicated but that should not deter action and commitment now.
I am working with the mayors of Garwood, Kenilworth, Rahway, Union, Springfield, Millburn and Maplewood and we are each united and determined that the topic of flood control remains a priority until a plan is approved, funded and started. Many of us have seen our towns and residents devastated too many times and we will be visible, vocal and aggressive advocates for a permanent flood control solution. At this time, we have requested a meeting with the NJ Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn LaTourette to discuss a consensus plan and sign off by DEP to be the non-federal sponsor of the project.
In Cranford, we will look at what can be done locally and with Union County. I will continue to keep you apprised of our local efforts and work by the Rahway Mayors group.
Kathleen Miller Prunty
Mayor
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Storm Information and Updates |
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Cranford residents and businesses who suffered damages from Storm Ida can apply for assistance from FEMA now that Union County has been included in the Disaster Declaration. Information and guide about FEMA and other assistance are available at the Cranford Community Center and Municipal Building. You can apply online here.
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Storm debris will be picked up from every street in Cranford and in some instances trucks will make multiple passes. The Township hired a contractor to work with our Public Works Department to remove debris to avoid health and safety issues and out of concern for residents having to view their damaged belongings. This is time-consuming so we ask for your patience as the crews work their way through town.
We need your help:
- Do not put hazardous materials or paint cans in the piles. Latex paint should be dried and thrown out in regular trash. Dry it Out then Throw it Out!
- Separate metals from other items.
- Storm damaged items only. Please do not use this collection to get rid of unwanted household items. This debris collection will cost more than $400,000 so please use the Bulky Waste pick up for other items.
- Please sweep in front of your home once debris has been pick up to make sure the area is free from nails, sharp objects, etc. that could be dangerous to pedestrians and pets.
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Building Permits and Inspections |
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Due to the unprecedented flooding caused by Hurricane Ida and the damages experienced by Cranford residents, the Township will expedite permits for storm recovery and waive fees for certain flood related items such as boilers, HVAC, and water heaters.
It is understood that certain work must be done immediately, and therefore a permit may be submitted after the work has started per the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) as “Emergency Work”. However, you must notify the Building Department within 24 hours and permits should be submitted to our office within five (5) business days. Verification of damage will assist the Building Department in determining the validity of the damage and photos should be provided. Please contact the Building Department by telephone (908) 709-7213 or email [email protected]. Permit applications are available here.
Permits for these items are still required and necessary to ensure the safety of our residents. Permits are also required for demolition and removal of flood damaged building materials, such as drywall, kitchen, and bathroom cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and any electrical or mechanical equipment for heating and cooling. Additional information on some of the most common types of permit applications, can be found on the Helpful Handouts page.
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For suspected structural damage or foundation issues that are an immediate hazard, contact the construction official at [email protected] or 908-709-7213. If substantial damage is suspected (damages that exceed 50 percent of the value of the building, land not included) contact the Township Floodplain Administrator, Jacque Dirmann at [email protected].
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Elizabethtown Gas Company |
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Elizabethtown Gas Company has multiple crews and their contractors in town this week to replace meters and relight appliances. |
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Cranford Family Care has been helping local families in need since 1936. Township residents in need of food or assistance as a result of the flooding caused by the storm, can visit CranfordFamilyCare.com or call 908-276-3530.
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Mental Health and Personal Well Being |
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NJ Mental Health Cares at 1-866-202-HELP (4357) also offers free and confidential help. Additionally, by calling 2-1-1 or accessing www.nj211.org, residents can find a clearinghouse of information and resources organized by the State of New Jersey on the following topics:
- Housing
- Income
- Food
- Childcare
- Health
- Mental Health
- Substance Use
- Legal
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NJEDA will provide grants of up to $5,000 to small businesses and nonprofit organizations with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees that suffered physical damage from the effects of recent tropical storms Henri and Ida. More information about the Henri/Ida Business Assistance Grant Program is available at https://www.njeda.com/henri-ida-relief/.
The NJEDA will be launching an online application for the program at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 17th at https://www.njeda.com/henri-ida-relief/. Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.
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Community Clean Up Day Postponed |
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The Clean Communities Committee’s town wide clean up planned for this weekend has been postponed while residents and DPW continue storm-related cleaning. Like Cranford Clean Communities on FB for updates. |
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9/22: Planning Board at 7:30pm
9/27: Township Committee Workshop at 7pm
9/27: Zoning Board at 7:30pm
9/28: Township Committee Conference at 7:30pm
9/28: Township Committee Official Meeting at 8pm
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Township Committee Meeting Updates |
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- Authorized emergency contract with Messercola Excavating Inc. to assist in debris pick up associated with Storm Ida
- Authorized an emergency contract with Pumping Services Inc. to replace a pump destroyed in Storm Ida
- Authorized an award of contract to Gentilini Motors for a police vehicle to replace vehicle destroyed in Storm Ida
- Authorized a contract with LAN Associates for architectural services associated with the home elevation program. Five homes in the flood zone were previously approved in the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program.
- Authorized contract with Aquatic Services Inc. for winterizing and start up of Township pools.
- Authorized award of contract to Motorola Solutions for purchase of integrated body-worn and in-car video equipment
- Authorized closures for the Downtown Management Corp.
- Lot 1 (N. Union Avenue) for the Downtown “Pink Out” Festival in cooperation with the Cranford Fire Department to mark Breast Cancer Awareness
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Portion of Lot 7 (Miln Street) for 14th Annual Scarecrow Stroll and Pumpkin Patch
- Eastman Street for Howl-o-ween event
- Portion of Lot 7 for Holiday Horse and Carriage Ride event
- Authorized use of Hanson Park by the Chamber of Commerce for networking event on September 30
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Authorized closure of Miln Street (Alden to school property) for St. Michael Church 150th Parish Anniversary Block Party on October 3
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North Avenue E Gateway Redevelopment Public Engagement |
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The public engagement sessions with stakeholder boards, committees and organizations will begin on September 20. The following groups and their members have been invited to participate in sessions with planners from Topology to provide feedback and ideas on developing the site designated for redevelopment.
The groups are: Downtown Management Board, Planning Board, Environmental Commission, Cranford Green Team, Parking Committee, Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Committee, Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Chamber of Commerce, Cranford Woman’s Club, Cranford Newcomers Club, and Cranford Jaycees.
The four open “Drop In” sessions at downtown locations and Centennial Village area will follow. Dates for these and the public Town Hall sessions are being finalized.
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Recreation and Park has released its catalog with Fall and Winter Programs. The catalog can be viewed online and will be landing in mailboxes this week.
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Cranford 150th Celebration |
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Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Cranford on September 25th with the organizations and people that make Cranford the wonderful place that it is!
Over 30 organizations will be at Lot 1 (North Union Ave. and Springfield). From 12-4 at Eastman Plaza the group MPack will be playing and there will also be a face painter.
Thank you to the 150th Anniversary Committee of Cranford for doing such a great job organizing this event! Please feel free to visit their website to learn more about this organization and direct any inquiries about Cranford Day or future 150 events to them: https://www.cranford150.com.
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