Cranford adopts three ordinances on vacant-property registration, single-use plastics and C1 zone uses

The Cranford Township Committee voted unanimously to adopt three ordinances during Monday’s meeting.

Ordinance 2025-15 creates a vacant property registration program with escalating registration fees intended to encourage productive use of privately owned, long-term vacant properties. The public hearing drew a brief exchange with a resident who suggested temporary public use of a vacant parcel; commissioners noted private-ownership limits and moved toward adoption. A legal notice of adoption will be published in the Westfield Leader on Aug. 28.

Ordinance 2025-16 adds provisions limiting automatic distribution of single-use plastic items by restaurants and takeout vendors, allowing utensils or similar items only upon request or via a self-serve counter. Mayor Curran explained the measure seeks to reduce plastic pollution while preserving the ability for customers to request items.

Ordinance 2025-17 amends land-development rules for the C1 zone (Commerce Park) to add modern permitted and conditional uses — including storage and uses supporting the film industry — to broaden potential commercial uses of the business park. Officials said it does not rezone the area but expands permitted uses.

Each ordinance was opened for public comment, the hearings were closed, and motions for adoption passed by roll call with all commissioners recorded as voting yes. The committee also published legal ad dates for each adoption.