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Cranford gets money for town centre improvements – Union News Daily

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CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford has been awarded $2.7 million from the New Jersey state budget for fiscal year 2025 for downtown revitalization and pedestrian projects.

The money will be used to allocate financial resources to improve accessibility, enhance safety, refine functionality and increase the vibrancy of the public space in the center. Businesses in the center will also receive measures to limit flooding, according to a press release from the municipality.

Over the past year, the Cranford Downtown Management Corporation board of directors has sought input from stakeholders and worked with a planning firm to identify priority improvements for the downtown area.

The project identified opportunities to unify and expand the public realm in the heart of Cranford town centre, benefiting local businesses and residents of all ages, whilst improving connectivity and the pedestrian experience, with a focus on accessibility and safety.
The last major infrastructure improvement for the city centre was approved almost forty years ago.

“At the onset of COVID, Cranford took a number of temporary measures to increase the public outdoor spaces in the city center,” said Cranford Mayor Brian Andrews. “This state funding will allow us to create additional permanent gathering spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy, boost our local small businesses, and improve pedestrian safety. Thank you to New Jersey Senate President Nick Scutari, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, and Governor Phil Murphy for their support of our city center.”

“The last major investment in our downtown was nearly 40 years ago,” said Cranford Township Commissioner and DMC Liaison Kathleen Miller Prunty. “This planned streetscape improvement project is an exciting and important reinvestment in our downtown to ensure Cranford remains competitive and a desirable destination for shoppers and businesses.”

“DMC staff and the board have long recognized the need for improved public gathering spaces in downtown Cranford — spaces that facilitate community gatherings, support local businesses, improve pedestrian safety, and increase accessibility for all,” said Kristen Mider, DMC board chair. “The ever-growing popularity of our downtown as a destination — for dining, shopping, attending the many special events hosted by the DMC office — makes this a logical next step. We are grateful that the state understands the importance of supporting New Jersey’s small central economies while improving safety and accessibility for all.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our community,” said Caren Demyen, President of Cranford DMC. “Cranford has long recognized the importance of downtown. In 1985, we were the first community in New Jersey to create a Special Improvement District. I am grateful for this support as we continue to serve our business owners, property owners and residents.”

With this funding secured, Cranford will launch a broader public outreach campaign to solicit opinions and feedback from additional residents, businesses and property owners in the downtown area and a range of city boards and commissions, including the Complete Streets Committee, Shade Tree Commission, Environmental Commission and Green Team. Cranford has already conducted a traffic study to identify potential improvements and will discuss the findings with the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Photos by Joe Ungaro