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October 29, 2025
This newsletter is published twice a month by the Township of Cranford to provide residents with important information and updates.
| | | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Saturday | | Monday North Recycling
11/10 | Tuesday North Recycling
11/11 |
| Free Movie "1776"
11/1, 1:30p
Community Center | | Monday South Recycling
11/03, 11/17 | Tuesday South Recycling
11/04, 11/18 |
| Rabies Clinic
for Cats and Dogs
11/01
Community Center | | Zoning
11/3: 7:30 pm |
| Planning Board
11/5, 7:30 pm |
| | Township Committee
11/10
Conference 7pm
Official 8pm | Flu Clinic
11/18
4:30-7:30 pm
Community Center | Orchard Brook Land Use Visioning Meeting
11/12: 6-8 pm
Community Center |
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While many have been busy enjoying the many events Cranford offers during Halloween, the Cranford Shade Tree Commission has been busy planning its fall tree planting program, continuing its effort to enhance the Township’s tree canopy and promoting environmental sustainability. Over the past two years, the Commission has been focused on restoring our tree canopy and over the next two weeks, the Commission will plant 85 new shade trees along streets to expand green coverage throughout Cranford, bringing the number of new trees planted to nearly 250. The diverse selection of native trees not only beautifies neighborhoods but also improves air quality, provides habitat for wildlife, and helps manage stormwater runoff.
Once the leaf pickup is completed, efforts will continue with the DPW tackling the many tree stumps around town, which will make these locations available for the spring 2026 planting.
I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Shade Tree Superintendent Erik Hastrup, the volunteers of the Cranford Shade Tree Commission, and the entire Department of Public Works for their time and efforts aimed at keeping Cranford green.
Residents are encouraged to support the effort by becoming a branch manager and caring for newly planted trees while also learning about the long-term benefits of maintaining a healthy urban forest.
Terrence Curran
Mayor
Cranford, NJ
| | October 21 Township Committee Opening Reports | | |
Mayor Terrence Curran
Please watch the video of Mayor Curran’s entire opening comments.
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• Provided an update on the Outdoor Pools:
--Demand for public pools have changed and this is reflecting in memberships, daily passes, and decreasing budget year over year, while Pools sees increasing prices/expenses.
--Township held a community meeting in February to discuss the pools.
--This year, the Township partnered with the Friends of the Cranford Pools and neighboring communities to market the pools as a means to increase the memberships and bottom line of the pools.
--Swim Pool Advisory Board meeting on Oct. 15: We looked at all the numbers, and for next year, the budget is going to be even less than it was for this year.
--Township Committee will have continued conversations about pools, and by the end of the year, make a decision about the pools for 2026.
• Provided details of 2025/26 income from 750 Walnut Avenue. Township sent its first tax bill after property owner received C/O.
--One-time $425,000 tax payment this year.
--Next year, property taxes will total $1.55 million.
--$291,000 PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) payment this year.
--Next year’s PILOT payment expected at year-end, based on income statements.
• Tree ordinance on agenda amends the current ordinance to make it more amenable to residents.
| | Deputy Mayor Paul A. Gallo - Recreation and Parks | | | |
• Acknowledged the service of employee William Babkowski who is retiring as maintenance supervisor from the Recreation and Parks Dept.
• Thanked the Jaycees for supporting the Halloween parade and costume contest and Pumpkin Chunkin last Sunday afternoon.
• Recreation Basketball player and volunteer signups ends soon.
| | Commissioner Brian Andrews - Public Works & Engineering | | | |
• Walk to School Day on October 9 was a success. Thanked the Police Department for its safety presentation at the schools. crossing guards provided positive feedback.
• Pedestrian Safety Projects at Chester Lang were completed two weeks ago after discussions with residents in the area. Township will monitor the area and have more conversations with residents.
--Repainted the center line down the roadway
--Added a bike lane
--Added a crosswalk at Georgia St.
--Added a Crossing Guard at Walnut Ave.
• Lambert Street by Adams Park and Softball Fields: finalizing concrete work and paving this week. Once complete, the area will have sidewalks, where there were none, connecting the sidewalks leading to Bloomingdale Elementary School and the sidewalks from the residential area on the opposite side of the softball fields and park/playground. Crosswalks added. Lambert St. will have a raised crosswalk as a traffic calming measure from one side of Lambert to the other leading to the park/playground. ADA ramps installed.
• Resolution on agenda to budget repairing road patchwork done by Elizabethtown Gas on Munsee, Cleary and Grant.
• Fall leaf pickups have begun. Reminder to leave a space between curb and leaf pile for stormwater to flow. Schedule is online. (See more below.)
| | Commissioner Kathleen Miller Prunty - Public Safety | | | Commissioner Gina Black - Finance | | | |
• Resolution on agenda to award contract for aquatic services--updated every 2 years to fund the opening and closing of Orange Avenue and Centennial Avenue pools for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 seasons.
• Road paving of Munsee Dr., Grant St. and Cleary Ave. are part of an Elizabethtown Gas project, who funds the paving after completing gas utility work.
• Resolution on agenda for Police Department to engage in a cooperative pricing program for department vehicles. Allows for budgeting flexibility to purchase or lease vehicles through operating budget as opposed to the capital budget.
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Township Clerk Patricia Donahue
Some Helpful General Election Dates:
- Early voting begins: Saturday, October 25 and ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Union College in Cranford at 1033 Springfield Avenue, Nomahegan Building, Room N4, Near Guard Booth; Parking in Lot 1.
- Early Voting Hours: Saturday, October 25 through Saturday, November 1: 10 am to 8pm. Sunday, October 26 and Sunday, November 2: 10am to 6pm.
- Last day for apply for mail-in ballot: Tuesday, October 28. 2025.
- Last Day to apply in-person for mail-in ballot: Monday, November 3, 2025, before 3 p.m. in the County Clerk Offices in Elizabeth and Westfield.
- General Election Day. Tuesday, November 4: Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Visit the Elections page for more information.
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ORDINANCES
Adoption
2025-18: Amend the code, Chapter 397, regarding NJDEP-mandated regulation of tree removal and amending Chapter 255, article IV, regarding tree replacement standards.
2025-19: Amending Article III, of Chapter 158 "revised ordinances of the Township of Cranford, New Jersey (1988)," by amending Chapter 158 and including certain play vehicles, definitions, regulations, violations and penalties. (Sets definitions, regulations, and violations and penalties for e-bikes, e-scooters and play vehicles.)
Introduction
2025-23: Amend the Code, Chapter 93 Police Department, Section 10 Number of Personnel.
2025-24: Amending and supplementing Chapter 410 Vehicles and Traffic of the Code authorizing the police to enforce Title 39 of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle code at 570 South Ave East.
RESOLUTIONS: Click here for the link to the full list of resolutions
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SPECIAL NOTICE
Union County is repaving Walnut Avenue from Valley Road to South Avenue the week of October 27-31. Walnut Avenue will be closed overnight from approximately 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day. Please follow detours posted and leave extra travel time. Police officers are on scene to assist.
This is part of the County's 2025 Road Repaving Program. In Cranford, Union County is planning to also repave:
- South Ave. from Centennial Ave. to Roselle Line
- Springfield Ave from North Ave. to Kenilworth Blvd.
- Centennial Ave from North Ave. to South Ave. E.
- Check the Township social media and TV 35 for updates. When the schedules are received from the County, the Township will post on official channels.
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Call for Volunteers
There are a number of Township of Cranford boards, committees and commissions seeking resident volunteers for 2026. Commissioners Black and Miller Prunty have put together an easy to use form to submit your application to serve as a volunteer. You can choose up to three selections. Please submit your completed form online by Saturday, November 15, 2025.
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NEW TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE for E-BIKES and E-SCOOTERS
Sets definitions, regulations, and violations and penalties for e-bikes, e-scooters and play vehicles.
| | OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT | | | |
In anticipation of a weather system entering our area within the next 24 hours, the Township of Cranford’s Office of Emergency Management is asking residents to ensure that storm drains near their homes remain free of debris or leaves. Please remember to only put leaf piles into the roadway in accordance with the DPW’s leaf pick-up schedule to avoid unnecessary pooling of water. For details on the leaf pick-up schedule, visit Fall 2025 Leaf Collection Program.
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LEAF PICKUP
2025 SCHEDULE ONLINE NOW
Pickup #1 Is Ongoing Now
Pickup #2 Begins Nov 3-7 (Zones 1&4) & Nov. 10-14 (Zones 2&3)
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Reminder:
1) Rake leaves to the gutter line leaving a gap between the curb and road on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before your scheduled pickup. Once your street is picked up, DO NOT rake anymore leaves into the street.
2) It is the homeowner’s responsibility to have their landscaper comply with the schedule and guidelines to avoid getting a warning or a fine.
3) All sections of town will have at least three leaf pickups. A final pickup of all sections will begin on approximately December 15 and continue until December 19, weather permitting.
4) DPW cannot pick up leaves with twigs, branches, grass or debris in leaf piles. These materials pose hazards to employees and can cause damage to leaf collection equipment.
5) If you choose to bag your leaves, use only biodegradable bags.
Drop off of leaves at the Conservation Center is Free to residents. Hours are Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Do You Live On A County Road?
The Township does not pickup leaves on County roads. If you live on a County road, leaf pickup schedules can be found at: www.ucnj.org or by calling: 908-789-3660. According to the county website, their schedule is as follows, but check the website or call the County for updates:
- Springfield Ave / Park Dr: Nov. 14th
- South Ave: Nov. 17th
- Raritan Rd: Nov. 19th
- Walnut Ave: Nov. 19th
- Centennial Ave: Nov. 20th
- Springfield Ave: Nov. 21st
- Blvd / County Park Dr: Nov. 26th
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Free Rabies Clinic
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Cranford Community Center
220 Walnut Ave.
Last Name A-M 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Last Name N-Z 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Dogs on a Non-Retractable Leash
- Cats in Soft Carriers
- Pets must be accompanied by an adult
Pre-Registration Required
Call the Cranford Health Dept. at 908-709-7299
| | Cranford 250 RevolutionNJ Committee | | | |
1776 Screening on Nov. 1
As part of Cranford’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, the Cranford 250 RevolutionNJ Committee, the Cranford Public Library, and the Cranford Community Center are pleased to present a free screening of the movie “1776” at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, at the Cranford Community Center.
| | | CRANFORD PREVENTION & WELLNESS | | Stay Connected with the Township of Cranford | | | | |
