Cranford committee introduces ordinance to seek NJDOT review of proposed Eastman Street closure for downtown streetscape

The Township Committee of the Township of Cranford on March 25 introduced Ordinance 2025-05, authorizing study of a closure of Eastman Street for vehicular traffic from Milne Street to South Union Avenue so the New Jersey Department of Transportation can review a streetscape concept funded in part by a $2,700,000 state grant.

The ordinance was introduced on first reading and passed by roll call vote with all five members voting yes. The measure authorizes the committee to pursue a closure review with NJDOT; it does not itself close the street or implement any construction.

The proposal stems from a multi-year downtown concept prepared by Arterial, a consulting firm hired by the Downtown Management Corporation, and includes new public plazas and changes to curb and signal locations. Commissioner Mila Prunty, who has helped lead the DMC process, and Commissioner Brian Andrews described the plan as conceptual and emphasized public input and additional technical work before any permanent change.

"This is only an ordinance to authorize the closure. This does not mean literally we are closing it," Commissioner Brian Andrews said, describing the ordinance as a step to secure NJDOT review. Andrews said NJDOT told the township it would not begin a formal review unless an ordinance authorizing closure was in place, and that early state feedback could prevent the township from spending time and resources on options the state would not approve.

Commissioner Andrews and Commissioner Mila Prunty described traffic modeling done for the concept, saying the study projects improved traffic flow along North Avenue if the Eastman signal is removed and a relocated signal at Milne controls the intersection. The transcript records the committee saying the plan could reduce a short signal-to-signal bottleneck on North Avenue and eliminate some left-turn conflicts that currently cause backups.

Commissioner Gina Black noted the town received $2,700,000 from the state last year for a substantial downtown project and said the streetscape concept is one option for using that funding. Multiple commissioners and staff said the concept also aims to improve pedestrian access, address localized downtown flooding, and use sustainable plantings and materials appropriate for a business district.

Committee members stressed the project remains conceptual. Commissioners said the Arterial-led process will include open-house public information sessions (possibly more than one) and a project website, and that additional coordination with police, fire, engineers and township boards will continue before any final decision.

Action: Ordinance 2025-05 was approved on first reading (roll call: Commissioner Gina Black — yes; Commissioner Brian Andrews — yes; Commissioner Mila Prunty — yes; Deputy Mayor Mary Gallo — yes; Mayor Terrence Curran — yes). The ordinance authorizes the township to proceed with NJDOT review but does not order a physical closure or construction.

Ending: The committee set the ordinance for further consideration at the public hearing and adoption meeting scheduled for April 22, when residents will have an opportunity to offer formal comment and the committee can consider whether to advance the project beyond the review phase.