Dozens of residents urged the Cranford Township Committee on Monday to delay any decision to close one of the town’s outdoor pools, arguing the facilities can be saved through operational changes, marketing and clearer accounting. Committee members said they will review complete year-end financials and discuss options publicly before taking action.

The public outcry focused on a possible closure of Centennial Avenue Pool. The issue drew multiple speakers during the public-comment period, including Rashida Ortega, a founding member of Friends of Cranford Pools, who presented a community plan aimed at eliminating the pool utility’s deficit.

Ortega said the plan focuses on diversifying revenue and improving marketing. "These pools are not liabilities. They're community assets that bring families together and can thrive with the right leadership and the right strategy," she told the committee. Ortega asked officials to "delay any closure decisions, conduct a full operational audit, and publish projections for all the scenarios" under consideration.

Several other residents backed Ortega’s call. Rob Meyer, who questioned earlier statements about declining membership, told the committee he expects pool revenues to rise and asked officials to investigate the town’s arrangements with the Westfield YMCA. "If those projections are accurate, we will be able to cover the budget expenditures of the pool's operations and have a profit for only the second time since 2015," Meyer said, citing revenue and expense figures he had reviewed with town staff.

Theresa Meyer, who said the mayor had announced support for closing Centennial, urged more transparency and realistic cost estimates for required work at Orange Avenue Pool. "The $750,000 donation will barely put a dent in the future expenditures needed at Orange," she said, adding that major bathroom and entry upgrades could cost far more.

Mayor Terrence Curran said the committee has discussed the pools for years and is not rushing to a vote. "If somebody can show me numbers that will change my mind, I'm willing to do that," Curran said, noting he remains open to evidence that would alter his view.

Committee members and staff repeatedly told the public that additional financial details are forthcoming. Commissioner Andrews and Commissioner Nina Black said they had not yet seen final year-end accounts and pledged transparency. Business Administrator Lavona Patterson confirmed that some pool-related revenue — including YMCA program receipts and other season-end figures — is typically recorded later in the year and will be included in the complete accounting.

Officials also described the $750,000 state grant the township received and said they would discuss how those funds could be applied to pool improvements or other pool-related obligations; residents repeatedly urged the committee to publish how the grant might be used. Mayor Curran and other officials said no spending decisions on that grant had been finalized and that the committee would provide more detail in forthcoming presentations.

The committee took no formal action on pool operations at Monday’s meeting. During the session, the committee approved routine business, introduced two ordinances on first reading and adopted a consent block of resolutions, but discussion of pool options will continue with additional data and a public review before any closure vote.

Residents who addressed the committee cited specific operational proposals — twilight memberships, group sales, expanded swim lessons, snack-stand revenue sharing and sponsorship sales — and urged a short delay while the township completes a full audit and publishes projections for all scenarios. Committee members thanked volunteers for the work to date and said they would share the detailed financial information as soon as it is compiled.

The committee also acknowledged the emotional component of the debate; speakers repeatedly framed pools as community assets important to families and seniors. Officials asked residents to continue submitting proposals and data while the committee prepares its review.