Cranford

In 1985 Cranford became the first community in New Jersey to create a Special Improvement District (SID). The Office of Downtown Business & Economic Development is responsible for fostering economic revitalization and investments, business development and marketing for the Special Improvement District (SID), an area comprised of 224 properties and more than 300 businesses. These include stores, restaurants, personal services, professional offices and almost 1,000 apartments/ condo units in the SID and immediate surrounding area.

The Office was responsible for advancing major investments in the SID, including Cranford Crossing, Riverfront at Cranford Station, Walgreen’s, Spencer Savings and Chase Bank as well as several smaller scale retail and residential projects. Other accomplishments include streamlining the permit approval process, zoning revisions; beautification and public space improvements; and a successful communications and marketing program that has attracted businesses, investors and visitors resulting in over 95% occupancy rate of commercial spaces.

The downtown property owners pay an annual special assessment, in addition to their general property taxes, for things like streetscape improvements and maintenance, to supplement what the Township provides, marketing, communications, landscaping and strategic planning.

“MISSION STATEMENT
“The purpose of the District Management Corporation is to make it possible for business and property owners to achieve their financial goals and to enhance the community financially and aesthetically.”

The Township of Cranford known as a family oriented community,  is conveniently located in North Central New Jersey with bus and rail service to New York City, a thriving downtown area with many small shops and eateries. Its real estate landscape includes many charming older homes of yesteryear. The township is also experiencing redevelopment to include new housing units available to lease.

There are eight schools thru-out the township. Four Elementary Schools, Brookside, Bloomingdale, Walnut and Livingston.  Two Middle schools, The Orange Avenue and Hillside Avenue. The Cranford High School and St Michaels pre-kindergarten.

There are many recreational areas located thru-out the Township, to include 11 parks. To name a few would be Unami Park, fishing at Mohawk Park, and Sherman Park, A larger County Park, Nomahegan Park borders the Township and offers many activities, and walking paths.

The township has the unique presence of the Canoe Club where one can rent a canoe and enjoy a relaxing day on calm waters.

The downtown area has access to both Rail and bus services thru-out the county and New York City. Access to major highways are nearby for travel North or South to vacation Shore points

Locally the township has two community pools, one the Orange Avenue Pool and the other Cranford Pool and fitness Center near Memorial Park