Cranford leaders, residents spar over pool future as state grant eases but may not cover long-term costs

Mayor Terrence Curran told the township committee that Cranford received $750,000 from the state for pool infrastructure but said the amount “will not be enough on its own” to maintain all three facilities and warned he could not support operating three pools without a “drastic and sustained improvement” in community finances and membership.

Residents and local volunteers pushed back. Rita Labritto criticized the condition of Orange Avenue Pool and said marketing and maintenance shortfalls contributed to membership declines. Commissioners and volunteers highlighted the newly formed Friends of the Cranford Pools volunteer group and the programming they’ve provided.

Commissioner Black and others praised volunteer work and events, while noting there are options to explore. Commissioner Black said “we still have a lot of discussion left” and that compromises could be found. Curran said he favored concentrating resources to make one outdoor pool “world class” while keeping the indoor pool for teams and exercise.

The meeting produced no final policy decision; commissioners asked staff and volunteers to continue discussions and promised more detailed budget figures later in the year. Several commissioners thanked volunteers and signaled willingness to consider phased improvements paired with community fundraising.

What’s next: committee members expect follow-up budget analyses and continued talks with the Friends of the Cranford Pools volunteer group before any formal decision about reducing the number of pools.