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May 23, 2025
This newsletter is published twice a month by the Township of Cranford to provide residents with important information and updates.
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Memorial Day Parade & Service
Monday, May 26, 2025
Parade will assemble at 8:30 a.m. at the Community Center; marching will begin at 9 a.m.
- Parade marches north on Walnut Ave. west on Eastman St. to Central Ave. to Memorial Park.
- Services will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park.
- In the event of inclement weather, the services will be held at the Community Center.
Gold Star Flag Carriers Needed: Fill out the Signup Genius here.
| | Monday North Recycling Rescheduled to Friday, May 30 to Observe Memorial Day | | |
Municipal Offices Summer Hours Begin May 30.
Fridays the municipal offices will close at 1:30 p.m.
| | Cranford Pools Open Memorial Day Weekend May 24-26. Open weekends until schools close for summer, then open every day. | | Cranford Public Library is Closed Saturday, May 24-Monday, May 26. | |  | |
Community Center is Closed
Saturday, May 24-Monday, May 26.
| | | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Friday | Sunday | | May 26
Memorial Day Parade and Service 9 am
Municipal Offices Closed | May 27
Mayor's Town Hall Mtg 6 pm
Tuesday North Recycling |
| Tuesday North Recycling
May 30 | June 1
CVG Velocity 5K Race | | Monday South Recycling
June 2 | Tuesday South Recycling
June 3 |
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| June 1
Touch-A-Truck
by Cranford Community Connection
10am-12pm | | Zoning
June 2
7:30 pm | Township Committee
June 3 Workshop 7pm Official 8pm | Planning Board
June 4
7:30 pm | Cranford West Registration Opens June 6 at 9 am |
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Public safety is a major responsibility of government. First responders, Police, Fire and EMS, all provide us with services that are integral in maintaining order, responding to emergencies, and helping us in a time of need.
National Police Week, National Firefighters Day or National EMS Week, which are all observed in May, serve as a time to reflect on the integrity, compassion, transparency, commitment to public service, and courage shown by the men and women who work to ensure the safety and well-being of our town, while all too often putting themselves in harm’s way. The breadth of these professions is vast and all too often the hard work goes unnoticed. Yet, it is vital to the foundation of our society. It takes a special kind of person to run toward danger, to resolve conflict, to help people in a time of need, and to do so with a high level of professionalism.
This week, we recognized multiple members of the Cranford Police Department for outstanding acts of service in the line of duty. We also hired two new firefighters, including the first female firefighter in Cranford’s history, and expanded the size of the fire department for the first time in history. At the next meeting, we will recognize the Cranford First Aid Squad and EMT’s from the Cranford Fire Department.
I encourage you to tune in to Cranford TV 35 to watch the Police Awards Ceremony and the Township Committee meeting approving the resolutions to hire the new firefighters. I also urge you to attend the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony this Monday to honor the sacrifices of veterans who gave their lives in service to our Nation.
Terrence Curran
Mayor
Cranford, NJ
| | May 20 Township Committee Meeting Highlights | | TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE OPENING REPORTS | | |
Mayor Curran
• Pools opening this weekend. (More info and hours are further below.)
--3,742 members versus 2,419 members from last year, which is a 1,300 increase.
--Income is up over last year.
• Cranford Canopy Project is underway. Looking to plant 250 trees.
• Discussed changes in Federal programs and how it can affect Cranford. Will hold a Mayor's Town Hall Meeting with Congressional Rep McIver next Tuesday, May 27 at 6 pm at Community Center to further discuss these changes.
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Deputy Mayor Gallo
• Memorial Day Parade starts at 9 a.m. concluding at Memorial Park with a service. Over 30 groups marching.
• Playground Camp--Four parks to choose from this summer, and offering a weekly option as well as full summer.
• Canoe Club is opening daily through September starting this weekend.
• Cranford West registration opens June 6.
• Touch A Truck is Sunday, June 1, 10a-12p in Parking Lot 2 Union College. (see flyer below.)
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Commissioner Miller Prunty
Video
• Police Department Awards—encouraged folks to watch the ceremony on TV35.
• Thanked families of police and fire departments for supporting officers.
• Cranford First Aid Squad is accepting applications for cadets through June 9. Call (908) 272-7717
• Downtown Cranford Streetscape:
--Purpose of public sessions and upcoming public survey is to receive public feedback and explain and answer questions about the streetscape. Once feedback is received, planner Arterial will then finalize its plan.
--Purpose of this streetscape project is to enhance pedestrian safety, particularly the elderly, by way of
shortening the length crosswalks, improve traffic flow in the downtown, reduce flooding in the downtown, and use materials in the streetscape that is more durable and easier to maintain.
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Commissioner Andrews
Video
• In response to the federal government eluding to reduce or eliminate FEMAs role in disaster response, Cranford made a formal submission to FEMA expressing its important role in helping the Cranford community with flooding and suggestions for improvements.
• Recognizing lack of support from Fed govt in flooding relief, Cranford Flood Committee and engineers are investigating local, meaningful projects, like improvements to the Canterbury Basin, which retains water during storms.
• 750 Walnut has been advised to clear out retention basins and begin a mosquito treatment plan.
• Sanitary Sewer line has collapsed in the area of Adams Softball Fields. Township working to get it funded, fixed and then have street paved.
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Commissioner Black
Video
• Fire Inspection Fees: An ordinance was adopted implementing an increase in fire inspection fees to support growth and operational needs. This ordinance was last reviewed 15 years ago in 2011.
• Capital Improvements: A bond ordinance was adopted, authorizing $5.7 million in capital improvements. Notably, the majority of this funding ($3.6M) is expected to be offset by grants, which the Township is actively pursuing to help drive projects forward. It was noted that the Township’s overall debt service is decreasing, resulting in meaningful savings to the bottom line.
• Community Recognition: Gina expressed her appreciation for the Police Department, congratulating officers on recent awards as well as the department's achievement of accreditation. She also extended congratulations to the Fire Department on the addition of new hires.
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Administrator and CFO Patterson
Video
• Congratulated two new firefighters Paul Richardson and Chapin Taggart to the Fire Department.
"These additions mark an important step in strengthening our team and our community public service. It is also notable that one of our new hires will be the department's first female firefighter. This is an historic and inspiring milestone for our community."
• Welcomed Kayla Rajcevic to fire department as EMT full time.
• Recognized important milestones with the Police Department.
--Achieved its sixth accreditation. The Cranford Police Department "reflects a high standard of professionalism and accountability in service to our community."
• Acknowledged National Police Week to honor those who serve and protect.
• Celebrated annual Police Awards to recognize those who go above and beyond their duties. Awards highlight acts of courage, compassion and professionalism.
• Noted the outstanding leadership of police department and fire department. "You both are outstanding and we appreciate all that you do."
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ORDINANCES
Adoption & Public Hearing:
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Ordinance No. 2025-10: bond ordinance to authorize the making of various public improvements and the acquisition of new additional or replacement equipment and machinery, new information technology equipment, new communication and signal systems equipment and a new automotive vehicle, including original apparatus and equipment, to appropriate the sum of $5,690,000 to pay the cost thereof, to appropriate various grants, to make a down payment, to authorize the issuance of bonds to finance such appropriation and to provide for the issuance of bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance of bonds. See ordinance for a full list.
- Ordinance No. 2025-07: an ordinance amending Article I, Section 223-10 of Chapter 223, of the revised ordinances of the Township of Cranford, to amend certain fees for fire inspections.
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Fire Inspections fees have not been amended since 2011. See ordinance for fees,
- Ordinance No. 2025-11: an ordinance to amend Appendix A to Chapter 397 of the Code of the Township of Cranford to re-establish the approved list of replacement tree species and planting standards for the Township of Cranford.
RESOLUTIONS:
- Supporting the 2025 Click It or Ticket safety belt mobilization program.
- Authorizing the submission of a strategic plan for the Cranford Municipal Alliance (Cranford Prevention and Wellness Alliance) grant for the fiscal year 2026.
- Authorizing the appointment of Polo Rosalen as a Probationary Laborer/Driver within the Public Works Department, effective May 27, 2025.
- Authorizing the adoption of summer working hours for Teamsters Local 469 employees during the Summer 2025 season, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Accepting, with regrets, the resignation of Chapin Taggart as a Communications Officer within the Cranford Police Department effective May 31, 2025.
- Authorizing the appointment of Chapin Taggart as a Probationary Firefighter within the Cranford Fire Department effective June 1, 2025.
- Accepting, with regrets, the resignation of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Paul Richardson, effective May 31, 2025.
- Authorizing the appointment of Paul Richardson as a Probationary Firefighter within the Cranford Fire Department effective June 1, 2025.
- Authorizing the appointment of Kayla Rajcevic as a full-time Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) within the Cranford Fire Department effective June 15, 2025.
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MAYORAL ANNOUNCEMENTS / PROCLAMATIONS
• Memorial Day – Buddy Poppy Days - Watch the Video
• Police Department Accreditation and National Police Week: May 11-May 17, 2025. Video
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Mayor's Town Hall Meeting with Guest Congresswoman McIver
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - 6 p.m.
Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Avenue
Mayor Terrence Curran is holding a Town Hall Meeting with Congresswoman LaMonica McIver to help residents navigate the changes in federal programs. Please come out to learn more.
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Primary Election
For voting information including where to vote and important election dates visit: unioncountyvotes.com, the Township of Cranford Clerk’s web page, or call the Township Clerk Patty Donahue at (908) 709-7210.
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Culbreath Park Honors Longtime Cranford Family
Watch the video filmed by Cranford TV 35
Last weekend, the Township held a special ceremony with the Culbreath family to announce the renaming of Buchanan Park to Culbreath Park. The park was renamed to honor John and Mamie Culbreath who were instrumental In establishing the neighborhood on Buchanan & McClellan Streets.
| | DEPARTMENT / BOARD HAPPENINGS | | |
Cranford Fire Department Increases Staffing, Hires First Female Firefighter and Replaces Full-Time EMT
CRANFORD – During the Township Committee Meeting on May 20, 2025, the Committee approved the appointments of two new Firefighters including the first female Firefighter in the history of the Department. The Committee also approved the appointment of a full-time Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Chapin Taggart and Paul Richardson have been hired as Probationary Firefighters and Kayla Rajcevic was hired as a full-time EMT. Ms. Taggart will serve as the first female Firefighter in the history of the Cranford Fire Department.
Read more...
| | CRANFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT | | |
Join Our Team
The Cranford Police Department is now accepting applications for PTC Certified Police Officers. Read more...
| | RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT | | |
Cranford West
Registration Begins Friday, June 6
- Open Weekends: July 4 – September 28, 2025
- Fee: $50 per night
- Note: You must be a Cranford resident at least 21 years of age.
In scenic Hope, NJ, a small tract of land located on banks of Silver Lake is fondly referred to as Cranford West. Need to get away from the hustle and bustle of Cranford? Why not go to this quiet oasis in Northwestern NJ? Take the family or go alone. This is the perfect place to pitch a tent, relax and rejuvenate.
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Summer Playgrounds: Arts & Crafts, Sports, Tournaments, Games...
-Grades-Completed Kindergarten to age 13
-Dates: June 23 – August 8, 2025
-Times: Monday-Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday and Friday: 9 a.m. to noon
-Sites: Lincoln Park, Mohawk Park, Orange Avenue School, and Adams Park.
-Fee: $150 per child for 7 weeks or $75 weekly option is available.
Registration on Community Pass
| | - Reminder: Final Installment for Membership Payment is Now Due. Pay on Community Pass or In Person at 401 Centennial Avenue.
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Hours of Operation
Opening Weekend: Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26, 2025.
May 24 – June 15: Open Weekends (Sat/Sun)
June 20 - Daily Summer Hours Begin
Season Ends: Labor Day, September 1
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Centennial Avenue Pool
Memorial Day Weekend: May 24 - 26: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Hours from May 31 – June 15, 2025:
- Open Weekends (Sat/Sun) from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Hours from June 20 - August 31, 2025
- Saturday and Sunday: open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday-Friday: open from 3 p.m. to 8 pm.
Labor Day Hours: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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Membership Registration & ID Cards
Those who want to register in person, get ID cards or buy guest passes need to come to Centennial Avenue Pool during office hours or special office hours on Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See here for hours.
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Orange Avenue Pool
Memorial Day Weekend May 24 - 26: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hours from May 31 – June 15, 2025:
- Open Weekends (Sat/Sun) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hours from June 20 - August 31, 2025
- Saturday and Sunday: open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Monday-Friday: open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Baby Pool & Splash Pad is open at 10 a.m. *Baby pool users, please note: the fields, playground, pickleball/tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts are also open for use starting at 10 a.m.
Labor Day Hours: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
| | PRIDE MONTH EVENTS IN EARLY JUNE | | | | Interested in Volunteering? Email DMC@cranfordnj.org | | |
PRIDE Yoga 1-Hour Flow
At Lot #1 (on the corner of North Union and Springfield). This class is donation based, with 100% of proceeds going to The Trevor Project. Register with Hot Yoga Revolution.
| | 250 RevolutionNJ Committee | | |
Display Your Pride With A
250 RevolutionNJ Magnet
Limited-edition magnets were created to fundraise for local events celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. To purchase a magnet, please contact Loretta Smith at lorettasmith@comcast.net.
Looking for Volunteers
Next meeting is June 5, at 7 p.m. at the Community Center. If you are interested and can help please come.
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Centennial Village Group Velocity 5K Race June 1
Watch the video produced by Cranford TV 35 to learn more about the Centennial Village Group committee and the upcoming 5K Race held June 1. You can register online to participate in this scenic race around Centennial Village.
| | 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-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Summer Hours Begin May 30--Friday hours 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
(908) 709-7200 ~ www.cranfordnj.org
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