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August 25, 2025
This newsletter is published twice a month by the Township of Cranford to provide residents with important information and updates.
| | | Monday* | Tuesday | Wednesday | | *Monday North Recycling
Friday, Sept. 5
Labor Day Holiday Rescheduled - Monday North Side - Friday, September 5
Sept. 15 | Tuesday North Recycling
Sept. 2
Sept. 16 |
| | Monday South Recycling
Aug. 25
Sept. 8
Sept. 22 | Tuesday South Recycling
Aug. 26
Sept. 9
Sept. 23 |
| | Zoning
Sept. 8, 7:30 pm
Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m. |
| Planning Board
Sept. 3, 7:30 pm
Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. | | Township Committee
Sept. 15
Workshop 7 p.m. | Township Committee
Sept 2
Workshop 7pm
Official 8pm
Sept 16
Conference 7pm
Official 7:30pm |
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Last month, the Township of Cranford met twice with the New Jersey Army Corps of Engineers. The first meeting was held via Zoom and coordinated by Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. The second was an in-person meeting with representatives from both the Army Corps and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).
During the Zoom meeting, the Army Corps presented five alternatives as part of their flood risk management evaluation:
1. No action.
2. Upstream detention.
3. A combination plan involving channelization, localized storage, and targeted levees and floodwalls.
4. A non-structural plan.
5. The Lenape Park detention basin and channel modifications.
Unfortunately, the Army Corps concluded that none of these options were considered cost-effective.
Following the severe mid-July storms, I walked with representatives from the Army Corps and NJDEP in locations where Cranford experiences flash flooding, particularly Johnson Avenue, Burnside Avenue, Elise Street, and West Holly Street along the Orchard Brook Culvert.
While I wish I had time to visit every affected neighborhood, we used our time to emphasize the urgency of both large-scale flood protection while also focusing on localized flash flooding, which has worsened with climate change. We know that the storms are more powerful, more frequent, and our aging infrastructure is just not able to handle it.
The Army Corps is expected to submit its final report by September 30, 2025. We will continue to advocate strongly for solutions that address the very real flooding challenges Cranford faces.
Cranford remains committed to pursuing effective flood control measures throughout our community.
Terrence Curran
Mayor
Cranford, NJ
| | August 19 Township Committee Meeting Highlights | | TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OPENING REPORTS | | |
Mayor Terrence Curran
Please watch the video of Mayor Curran’s entire opening comments.
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• Remembered Mary Ellen O’Neill, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer and asked for a moment of silence. Ms. O'Neill was a founder of Bosom Buddies, an active member of Daughters of Ireland, and volunteered for Relay for Life and Cranford Wrestling.
• Commitment to transparency is upheld through televised budget meeting, budget posted online, meeting agendas posted online, open public meetings held, information about major developments are posted online, OPRA requests are fulfilled, Mayor has held a monthly live Q&A on TV 35, held Town Halls and met with residents about concerns. Commended municipal staff for their diligent work.
• Pools Update: Pool memberships have remained largely flat, up $60k over last year, despite marketing effort. Increase not enough to offset rising operating costs. Township received $750k in grant money from the state for pool infrastructure improvements. These funds would not be enough on its own to support three pools (two outdoor pools and one indoor pool).
| | | Deputy Mayor Paul A. Gallo - Recreation and Parks | | | |
• A/C installation at Recreation Center at 375 Centennial Avenue is completed, but further testing required before use.
• Cranford Community Connection announced two events upcoming. Pooch Plunge is at Centennial Avenue Pool on September 13. See details and link below to register.
• Porchfest-Save the Date—Saturday, October 11, at 2 p.m. Residents' porches are selected from submissions from the public and host about three or four local bands playing on their porches in the afternoon. There are many different genres of music, with locations throughout town for the public to enjoy. Follow Cranford Community Connection on social media to stay updated.
• Registration is open for Recreation & Parks Department Fall programs, pickleball, track, volleyball, and more -- visit cranfordrecreation.org.
• Township planner to review the responses from the Open Space and Recreation Survey and will provide a report and recommendations on how to best enjoy our public spaces in the future.
| | Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty - Public Safety | | | Commissioner Brian Andrews - Public Works & Engineering | | | |
• Kanishka Passage, the tunnel that provides passage to and from a residential area to Hillside Avenue School: Kanishka Paul's family requested to make the passageway fully accessible. Township voting on funds to change out steps for a gradual incline and decline as exiting the Passage to allow full accessibility.
• Sidewalks and roadwork at Adams Avenue softball fields: work has been ongoing and Township to meet with contractor this week to discuss the timeline to complete the work. Voiced his frustration with the contractor’s delay.
• Recognized the Department of Public Works initiative to clear out catch basins before every storm.
• Residents in areas in and around Burnside and Johnson Avenues have voiced concerns about flooding in the area, and the Township committee is committed to working on solutions in flood prevention projects.
• Voiced frustration with the NJ Army Corps of Engineers negative response to move forward with a flood control option in Cranford. Found their decision to not move forward or present a viable solution unacceptable. Urged committee to push for a call to action with our federal representatives.
| | Commissioner Gina Black - Finance | | | |
• Capital budget purchases on agenda include road projects and bucket truck for DPW.
• Going out to bid to solicit proposals for design services at Memorial Park.
• A new investment platform for employees will be modernized and implemented by November.
• Health insurance for township employees –Finance Department is gathering information on other options to current plan due to rising healthcare costs.
• Bills List—this month’s bills list is higher than most because it includes the Board of Education payment for the referendum.
• NJ Army Corps of Engineers held meeting with Township via Zoom. Noted how Army Corps rejected the most viable option for flood control--modification of Orange Reservoir. Urged committee to continue to push Army Corp to move ahead with a flood control solution.
| | Administrator and CFO Lavona Patterson | | |
• Resolution for Orchard Brook Culvert--explained that Union County is paying over $3 million in expenditures to construct the widened culvert to help with flooding in the area.
• Explained voluntary home buy out program (West Holly Street) in coordination with NJDEP Blue Acres was a result of the Township looking for a viable solution for homeowners after NRCS was unable to fulfill buyouts of flood-prone homes at market value. For first time in history Blue Acres joined forces with state and federal to provide homeowners with market values of their homes.
Township meets with engineering professionals weekly to look at areas throughout to the town to see where Township can provide assistance to those who have flooding concerns.
• Welcomed new police officers and fire call officers.
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ORDINANCES
ADOPTION:
- 2025-15: Amend Chapter 255 of the code to create Article XI of Chapter 255 to create a vacant property registration program.
- 2025-16: Amend Chapter 232 of the code to add Article V, relating to single-use plastics. (Plastic utensils with take out food--would require business owners to ask customers for these utensils rather than just supplying them.)
- 2025-17: Amend the code, Chapter 255 Land Development, pertaining to permitted and conditional uses in the C-1 Zone. (Film industry, storage spaces, adult daycare, data center, indoor farming, indoor recreation, instructional use, maker space, production studio, technical training, pet care.)
RESOLUTIONS:
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Police Department New Hires: Jean Carlos Montero as a 3rd Grade Patrol Officer within the Cranford Police Department, effective August 20, 2025; and Jack T. Korzeneski as a 1st Grade Patrol Officer within the Cranford Police Department, effective September 3, 2025
- Capital purchases for a DPW bucket truck and six Speed Alert Radar Message signs for the CPD.
- Cranford baseball and Softball League improvements to the turf field. Also renewing lease agreement through 2029.
- Pedestrian improvements at Chester Lang Place and Kanishka Passage.
- 2025 Road Program.
Click here for the link to the full list of resolutions
| | MAYORAL PROCLAMATION: Ukrainian Independence Day – August 24, 2025 | | Cranford Crosswalk Safety Public Service Announcement
Watch this video to learn tips to safely cross roads in town with Cranford Police Department, Complete Streets Advisory Board and the Commissioner of Public Safety. | | |
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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Parks, Playgrounds & Public Spaces Clean Up Day Saturday, Sept. 20, 9am to 12pm
Cranford's Green & Clean Team has partnered with the Parks & Recreation Board for a Community Clean Up Day at our Parks, Playgrounds and Public Spaces. Email us by September 19 at pio@cranfordnj.org with your full name and your preferred park, playground or public space to clean up. Garbage bags are provided. Please bring your own gloves. Any amount of time you can help is greatly appreciated.
Email Us to Volunteer
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School Parking and Student Drop Off and Pickup Message from Superintendent Rubin
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Following the approval of the recent referendum, several of our school sites will undergo construction throughout the 2025–2026 school year. While we are excited about the long-term benefits these improvements will bring to our facilities, we recognize the short-term challenges they may pose, particularly in terms of parking and traffic flow around our schools.
To help address these issues, we are working closely with the Cranford Police Department to ensure safe and efficient drop-off, pick-up, and staff parking procedures. Based on our ongoing conversations with these safety professionals, the following site-specific proposals have been developed.
We will continue to monitor traffic patterns throughout the year and make adjustments as needed. Should anyone require assistance, we ask that they contact the principal of the respective school directly.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we work together to improve our school facilities for the future.
Sincerely,
Scott Rubin
Bloomingdale Avenue School (BAS)
● Drop-off and Pick-up: Haskins Ave and Albany Ave
● Kindergarten: Drop-off/pick-up in the half-circle driveway with staff assistance
● Staff Parking (with BAS-issued decals): • 12 spots on BAS property • 10 spots in the graveled area along Bloomingdale Ave • Remaining parking along Bloomingdale Ave in front of the school (excluding the area between the half-circle driveway)
Brookside Place School (BPS)
● Drop-off and Pick-up: Brookside Place and Spruce Street
● Staff Parking (with BPS-issued decals): • Willow Street • Beech Street • Brown Terrace
Walnut Avenue School (WAS)
● Drop-off and Pick-up: Walnut Ave and Denman Rd, with grade-specific locations
● Staff Parking (with WAS-issued decals): • 60 spaces in the Denman Road lot, designated as “Staff Only
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The Shade Tree Commission
Is “Greening” Cranford
If you’ve noticed some new greenery gracing our streets, that’s the Cranford Shade Tree Commission (STC) at work! In 2024, the STC planned and oversaw the planting of 109 trees. Another 40 trees were planted this past spring, and current plans call for 85 more this fall, for a total of 125 in 2025.
This year, the STC has received nearly 200 requests from residents for a tree to be planted in front of their home. It’s great to be popular! Unfortunately, the STC currently has more demand than capacity, but rest assured that the STC will be working its way through the resident request list in upcoming seasons.
New trees need some TLC in the first couple of years after they’re planted, especially during the dog days of summer. STC Commissioner Erik Hastrup has been making the rounds each week and filling up the “gator” bags that provide slow-release irrigation, but with almost 150 new trees spread throughout Cranford, it’s a big job. So the Shade Tree Commission wants to give a big shout-out to all the residents who have been refilling these water bags for their local trees, pulling weeds in the planting area, and making sure the surrounding mulch is not piled high around the tree trunk. This care is evident in the survival rate of the trees planted since spring 2024: all but one are thriving!
If you have questions about the STC’s tree planting program, the Shade Tree Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month in the Township building. Your participation and input can help keep Cranford green and healthy for generations to come!
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Labor Day Hours: noon to 6 p.m. Final Day for the Pool Season.
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Pooch Plunge -- Saturday, September 13
Cranford Community Connection is teaming up with Cranford Recreation & Parks to let Centennial Pool go to the DOGS!
- Both resident and non-resident pups are welcome!
- Register in advance to secure your spot or sign up on-site.
- Don’t forget: all dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations and ready to play nicely with others!
- Resident fee: $5 | Non-resident fee: $10.
- Small (20lbs and under) 9:30am-10:15am
- Medium (20lbs- 50lbs) 10:30am-11:15am
- Large (50lbs & Over) 11:30am-12:15pm
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Got questions? Reach out to our Canine Coordinator at alikdevine@gmail.com
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Register Here
| | CRANFORD COMMUNITY CONNECTION | | | | |
Porchfest 2025 is October 11 (Rain date is October 17)
All types of porches, lawns and homes are welcome! Fill out the form linked below.
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GRANT FUNDING FOR STORM-RELATED REPAIRS
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is launching the Storm-Related Emergency Home Repair Grant Program to assist senior homeowners affected by the severe storms that hit the region on July 3 and July 14. Click here for more information.
Downtown Cranford Senior Citizen Movie Series at the Community Center A/V room
Click for Schedule and Reservation Link. Next up is "When Harry Met Sally" on August 26.
CRANFORD POLICE PRESENTATION ON SCAMS AND FRAUD
On September 4, at 1 p.m., members of the Thursday Senior Club will be joined by a detective from the CPD who will discuss scams, fraud and how to prevent being a victim. TV-35 will record this presentation and air it on FIOS and Comcast cable on September 8, at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for all to view. See the TV-35 full cable schedule here. The presentation will also be available on demand on the TV-35 YouTube Channel.
Free Friday Senior Movies at the Community Center
"September 5th" and "The Friend" are September's features.
SCHEDULE
| | | | Tickets are now available for the 2025 Downtown Cranford Pumpkin Spice Tour! Join us on Saturday, September 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. for a Pay as You Go Pumpkin Spice Tour. In addition to pumpkin specials from participating stores there will also be live music, pumpkin bounce house, mechanical pumpkin, and more! Purchase your tickets on Eventbrite. | | |
Blood Drive at the Cranford Community Center on 9/2
American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive on Sept. 2, 2025, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Cranford Community Center in the Community Room.
Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: CCCNJ to schedule an appointment.
If you are an eligible type O, B - or A - donor, consider making a Power Red donation.
Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component.
Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting
RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history
questions on the day of your appointment.
| | Stay Connected with the Township of Cranford | |
Follow Township of Cranford on Social Media
Visit Township of Cranford Website
Sign Up for Nixle Alerts from the CPD
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8 Springfield Avenue Township of Cranford, NJ 07016
Municipal Building Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Summer Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(908) 709-7200 ~ www.cranfordnj.org
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