Aschenbach: Task Force Needed to Keep Cranford From Looking Abandoned

Editor's note: This piece was written by Daniel Aschenbach, Commissioner of Public Affairs. It has not been edited. If you'd like to submit a letter to the editor, email whitney@patch.com.

I would like the township to create an economic development task force staffed by citizens and professionals to guide the township through major redevelopment decisions it needs to make. 

In our downtown several vacant buildings have fallen into serious disrepair and the current local government approach is not working.  The MDTV building's roof collapsed; the Swan Cleaners building is in shambles and the old fitness center is near its 10th anniversary as a vacant building in the township's center.  The train station remains in unmaintained and in need of repairs with no NJ Transit response.

I was pleased to see the township gain consensus on a redevelopment zone and task force in 2006 to work on an investor's plan only to see that proposal rescinded.  Since then the failure to establish any plan let alone take action has allowed the downtown center to begin to look abandoned. Using planning and zoning boards to consider redevelopment is inappropriate because each of these buildings will impact the other if fully developed.

Local government has to participate to set the foundation for successful development including ensuring adequate parking; lighting; traffic safety and building codes are met.

As the recession lingers Cranford needs to get positioned with a plan for these buildings to be ready for new investment.  We should be out there seeking such investment. While I believe that private investment is key, the township has to be a proactive and positive partner to put a workable plan in place.