SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Message from the Mayor

The Township Committee unanimously approved PILOTS (Payments in Lieu of Taxes) as part of the affordable housing plan in 2020 for the Hartz project at 750 Walnut Avenue and Iron Ore project on South and Chestnut Avenues. Unlike prior PILOT agreements, these are structured so they reduce existing taxpayer’s share of municipal, school and county budgets by $14.6 million. Schools will receive property taxes valued at twice the anticipated cost of new students.

   The Township’s financial expert presented details about the PILOTs at Tuesday’s Township meeting. Please take a few minutes to read the presentation.

Best,

Kathleen Miller Prunty

Mayor

Official Meeting September 27

Mayor’s Remarks

    A formerly overgrown area in Lincoln Park will be turned into the Dr. Deborah Canon Wolfe Reading Garden, in honor of one of Cranford’s most accomplished and illustrious residents who grew up in a house across the street. Dr. Wolfe dedicated her life to education. There are schools, buildings at several colleges and the Cranford High School Library named in her honor. It is fitting this passive reading garden be dedicated to her.

Introduction of Ordinances 5-0 Vote

·        Establish a Conflict of Interest policies in awarding public employment and contracting

·        Amend the Code to prohibit smoking, vaping, aerosoling of tobacco, hemp, cannabis and marijuana in public places (plazas, playground, parks, outdoor pools, sports fields)

Resolutions Approved 5-0 Vote

·        Authorized a contract to Connolly & Hickey for design and planning services related to North Avenue Redevelopment

·        Authorized contract to Baker Bros. Landscaping for public plaza in Lincoln Park to be named the Dr. Deborah Canon Wolfe Reading Garden

·        Authorized contract with Rileighs Outdoor Décor for purchase of downtown holiday decorations

·        Authorized purchase of Caterpillar 440 Backhoe Loader for Public Works

·        Authorized Clerk to advertise for b) Kensington & Edgar Avenues Drainage Improvements and 2) Rehabilitation of the Riverside Dikes

·        Authorized closure of Eastman Street from North Avenue to S. Union for PorchFest on October 8.

Workshop Meeting

·        Discussed proposed new Stop signs at Belmont Avenue and Arbor Street intersection; and, Carolina Street and Fairfield Avenue

·        Discussed Township updated salary ordinance

·        Update on recreational facility at 375 Centennial Avenue: protective wall board will be installed; waiting for delivery of the 2^nd scoreboard 

Upcoming Meetings

Zoning Board Meeting: October 3 at 7:30pm

Township Committee Combined Workshop and Official Meeting: October 11 at 6:30pm

Planning Board Meeting: October 12 at 7:30pm

  Although the remnants of Ian will not directly impact the area, a strong frontal system invigorated by Ian will lift into the northern Mid-Atlantic states tonight and stall to the south of the region through early next week. This setup is increasing the potential for a period of moderate to heavy rainfall and gusty winds this weekend. About 1.75 to 2 inches of rainfall is expected for the Cranford Area beginning Saturday morning and lasting throughout the day. Rain tapers to showers for late Saturday night and the latter part of the weekend. Breezy conditions will begin on Saturday and winds could occasionally gust over 30mph late Saturday night and Sunday. It is important to note that due to the drought conditions in the area, river flooding issues are not anticipated. Widespread wind issues are also not expected for this area.

  Localized flash flooding of poor drainage areas and roadways is possible Saturday during the periods of heaviest rainfall. Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways and pay attention to flood advisory and warning products from the National Weather Service regarding the flash flood threat.

  The Public Works Department has been clearing storm basins in advance of the storm. Though river flooding is not likely, the river gates at Sperry Park will be partially opened today out of an abundance of caution. OEM and DPW will also be monitoring conditions throughout the weekend.

  You can help by clearing off catch basins near your home.

Cranford residents are now able to dispose of Bulk Waste at the Township of Westfield's Conservation Center located at 1300 Lamberts Mill Road across from Tamaques Park. The fee is $60 per carload and the hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. every Thu/Fri and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. every Sat/Sun until Oct 23^rd. Starting on October 24^th through December 18^th, the Center will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. All hours of operation are weather permitting.

Westfield has set up an online registration to make the process easier. Residents can visit https://westfieldnj.gov/conservation, then scroll down and click on Purchase Conservation Center Permits. The application and additional information can be found at the “Cranford Residents – Bulk Waste Disposal Permit” tab.