COVID-19 Updates & Information
Monday, May 18, 2020
Dear Residents,

    Today, Governor Phil Murphy authorized additional openings of outdoor facilities and activities that includes private tennis clubs, horseback riding, golf driving ranges, shooting and archery ranges, batting cages, and community gardens effective Friday at 6 am. In addition, golf can be played with foursomes, a change from the previous twosome rule.
   All of these openings are dependent on strict adherence to rules about social distancing, vigilant handwashing, sanitizing equipment in common areas, and wearing a mask.
   NJ is in Stage 1 of reopening businesses and outdoor activities.
Tennis Courts (Public and Private)
    Township public courts are open and private tennis clubs can open to members on Friday morning.
·          Singles play only
·          No spectators on the court; maximum of 10 participants inside the court fencing.
·          Do not share equipment
·          Avoid touching your face after handling a ball, racquet or other equipment
·          Stay on your end of the court; avoid changing ends of courts
·          Leave court immediately after play; no congregating after play
·          For a full list of regulations please click here .

Parks & Playgrounds
   Parks and restrooms are open but you must follow the social distancing rules. We encourage you to wear a mask. Memorial Field is also open and subject to the same rules. Playgrounds and use of playground equipment are strictly prohibited. We ask parents to remind children not to go under or remove the yellow caution tape and not to go on any playground equipment. These are not sanitized and therefore unsafe.
Today’s COVID-19 Case Updates – May 18

       The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is decreasing but Union County still has the fifth highest number of cases in the State. So continue to practice the protocols to slow the spread and get NJ to a place where even more restrictions can be lifted.
                            
  • 433 confirmed cases in Cranford (2 new in community); 87 fatalities (13 in community/74 in LTC)
  • 14,903 confirmed cases in Union County (101 new); 962 fatalities 5 new)
  • 148,039 confirmed cases in NJ (1,735 new); 10,435 fatalities since March 4 (83 new).
Congratulations Green Team on Grant Award

       The Township’s Green Team, a volunteer committee, was awarded a $2,000 grant from Sustainable NJ for its submission focused on improving public information about single use plastics. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, these grants will strengthen our communities and build the groundwork for finding solutions to the sustainability concerns that are reaching a crisis point,” said Randall Solomon, executive director for Sustainable Jersey. To learn more about the Green Team projects and goals go to www.mygreenteam.org.
Cranford Township: Living Green Without Single-Use Plastics
In 2019, the Township passed a single-use plastics ban, however, public awareness of the ban is not yet widespread. The green team will develop a publicity campaign to increase visibility of the ban, promote its benefits, and educate residents on recycling.
Navigate Parenthood, Navigate New Jersey

     There is a wealth of information and resources to aid families, communities and professionals on www.NJ.gov under COVID-19 Services & Assistance or www.njparentlink.nj.gov
More Online Services at NJ Motor Vehicle Commission.

      During the COVID-19 emergency, the State has expanded the services available online. For more information, please click here .

Birchwood Park Affordable Housing: Preliminary Applications Available

     If you, a family member or friend is interested in renting an affordable housing apartment in this new residential development submit a  preliminary application  for Birchwood Park by May 28 to be included in the housing lottery. Birchwood Park has set aside 34 one-, two- and three- bedroom rental apartments to help meet the Township’s “fair share” of the court mandated need for affordable housing in New Jersey. Rental rates listed are approximate and subject to state and federal guidelines. Applicants must qualify on the basis of gross annual income. The information is also available here .
    To submit a preliminary application, please visit this website . People can fill it out and mail it in or they can fill it out on their computer, save it as a specific file on the computer, and then email it as an attachment to  [email protected] .
Click here  for additional information on Birchwood Park Affordable Housing.
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]
Something Special to Brighten Your Day

     Today, health care workers at Cranford’s three nursing homes received gift packages purchased by residents at local businesses and Martin Jewelers and Golden Touch Jewelers donated items to make the packages even nicer. Thanks to the DMC for organizing.