News from the Township of Cranford
Monday, June 15, 2020
Welcome Back!

     It was great to see people back downtown, on Centennial Avenue and Raritan Road, shopping in stores and enjoying outdoor dining. Look for more stores and restaurants to reopen this week, with hair and nail salons, barbers, massage and tattoo businesses opening next Monday, June 22. We will continue to share business reopening news and photos
    Please support these businesses by following the safety measures like social distancing and wearing a mask. Check with individual businesses for hours of operation. For a list of downtown businesses please visit the Downtown Cranford website .
Township and Businesses Working Together for Shopping, Dining & Entertainment Opportunities
         
    In a special meeting this morning, the Township Committee passed two Resolutions to support business recovery by allowing a portion of a municipal parking lot to be used by businesses and establishing a Code Review Committee to fast track applications for expanded outdoor dining. Reopening is an important step in the recovery for our small businesses but the safety measures mean the number of customers is still limited. The Township Committee’s actions today will expand the space to do business.
    Today, approval was given to permit restaurants and other businesses to use the lower portion of Parking Lot 7 (area behind rear entrance of Breadsmith to Martin Jewelers) for outdoor dining, classes, and other business activities. The Township previously approved closing a portion of Alden Street (from N. Union Avenue to midblock) for the same uses. Both areas will be closed temporarily to vehicles on Thursdays starting at 3 pm to 9 pm on Sundays.
    The new Code Review Committee will fast track applications for construction of temporary seating/dining areas on private commercial property. The Committee will also evaluate using public spaces like roads, parking spaces, and parking lots, so businesses can expand. The Township Committee will continue meeting with business owners about opportunities and ways to attract more customers and create a lively environment for shopping and dining.
Summer Fun in Cranford: A Night at the Movies
  Mayor Patrick Giblin and Township Administrator Jamie Cryan worked with Township professionals from Police, Fire, and Recreation to assist the Cranford Movie Theater in finalizing plans for a very special entertainment experience at the Orange Avenue Pool parking lot. This summer, the Cranford Movie Theater will open a temporary Drive-In Movie Theater beginning Thursday with a showing of Grease. Though this weekend's showings are sold out, continue to check the movie theater's website for upcoming showings. For a full list of movies, times, and ticket information please go to www.driveine.cranfordtheater.com.
New Round of Business Openings Coming on June 22nd
The Cranford Library Staff is Working on Reopening
     Library Director Michael Maziekien and staff will soon be back at the Library accepting and processing the 10,000 books and items that were checked out by Library patrons before the pandemic. Following this step, contactless pickup will be available.
    For a full description of the reopening process please read the latest newsletter from the Cranford Library .
Sign Up for the Cranford Pool Season
  The Orange Avenue Pool will open on Monday, June 22 and registration for membership is now open for Cranford residents: Pool Registration.

    Please take a few minutes to read this letter from Director Steve Robertazzi that explains the Township decision to open only one pool this summer and some of the changes you can expect. Our goal is to keep you safe while you enjoy Cranford’s pool this summer.
COVID-19 Case Update since Friday, June 12    

  • CRANFORD: 481 confirmed cases (0 NEW); 94 fatalities (1 NEW): (13 in community/81 in LTC)
  • UNION COUNTY: 6,308 confirmed cases; 1,128 fatalities
  • NJ: 167,103confirmed cases; 12,676 fatalities 
We Are Here to Answer Your Questions.

     We know you have questions during these uncertain times and while we may not always have the answers immediately, we will do our best to get the information you need. The Township Commissioners work closely every day with State and County representatives, our public safety, emergency management and professional staff on best practices for providing municipal services efficiently and safely, developing innovative and effective ways to restart businesses and recreation activities. This work and planning have been ongoing since the onset of the COVID-19 emergency. We are planning so that Cranford is prepared to meet the current and future challenges.

  Thank you for your tremendous cooperation, patience and support.

Mayor Patrick Giblin                                      [email protected]
Deputy Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty [email protected]
Commissioner Tom Hannen                         [email protected]
Commissioner Jean Maisonneuve             [email protected]
Commissioner Mary O’Connor                   [email protected]
Administrator Jamie Cryan                          [email protected]