Aschenbach: The Pumps Worked!

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

To the Editor:

The headlines and comments have been that Cranford escaped the worst impacts of last week's storm. I differ significantly from that statement in that we did not escape it, we planned for the worst and implemented two phases of a flood protection plan that worked to protect most homes from disaster. While many basements flooded and other parts of the township still have drainage issues (Casino Brook and Orchard for example), the work on the Northeast Quadrant flood protection did what it was supposed to have done.

The express sewer and pumping station which prior Township Committees worked hard to get right provided significant protection against what has been termed the 4th worst storm or a 50 year storm. I am very pleased to have been a part of that effort along with many long-standing citizen representives of the Flood Advisory Committee. The engineering firm of Hatch Mott and Rick Marsden, Township Engineer did their jobs and designed the details of a plan that while at times controversial, got done. Of course Cranford taxpayers did step up and fund the capital improvements as a community does to provide public safety.

The job is not done. The other side of the river still has serious drainage issues.  Phase 2 B remains incomplete. Budgets are tightened due to the sluggish economy. But we know that we have developed a plan that can provide an optimal level of protection. The township needs to remain focused so the plan doesn't just stay on a shelf. The merits of the projects have been shown and a renewed effort to make a bipartisan presention before county, state and federal officials about our completion plan seems appropriate.

Sincerely,

Dan Aschenbach
Township Committee Member
908-276-8521