Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Improvement District (SID)?
A Special Improvement District (SID) is a defined area where a public/private partnership between property owners and a municipality is established to promote economic revitalization, investment, and improvements for those who use or do business in the SID. The stakeholders are the property and business owners, as well as residents within the SID. A SID provides stakeholders a voice in the economic revitalization of the business district and services above and beyond the regular municipal services. Cranford’s SID is generally referred to as the downtown.
general area (approx. 83 acres)
There are 220 properties
More than 300 retail, personal service and professional businesses
95 professional offices
What is the Office of Downtown Business & Economic Development? (formerly Downtown Management Office)
This Township office promotes investment, economic growth, improvements and business development as well as advocates for existing and prospective business owners. This is a Municipal department, not a membership organization.
How is this office different from the Chamber of Commerce?
The Office of Downtown Business & Economic Development is part of the Township government and represents all properties, businesses and residents within the SID regardless of size, location or use and is the official advocate for property and business owners.
The Cranford Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization that sponsors networking activities for its members and events for the general public like the annual street fairs. You can reach them at 908-272-6114.
Who funds the office and SID projects?
The downtown property owners pay an annual special assessment, in addition to their general property taxes, for things like streetscape improvements and maintenance to supplement what the Township provides, marketing and communications, landscaping and strategic planning.
Who is in charge of downtown maintenance?
The Department of Public Works is responsible for general maintenance like street cleaning, snow removal, tree trimming, leaf pick up, minor sidewalk and lighting repairs; the Building Dept. is responsible for property maintenance; and the Health Dept. oversees restaurant health inspections and trash collection. The SID maintenance funds are used for beautification projects and maintenance that supplement municipal services.
Who manages downtown parking?
The Traffic Division of the Police Department manages parking downtown and the Centennial Avenue business area. Parking and permit information is available on the Police Department page.
Who is responsible for renting downtown stores and managing buildings?
The buildings downtown are all privately owned and managed. The Office keeps a list of available space and offers assistance to both property owners and potential tenants seeking to open a business often matching a tenant and landlord. Available space is always listed on the Downtown Cranford website and included in the business packets.
Is there an Advisory Board?
There is an 11 member Advisory Board all appointed by the Township Committee: 3 downtown property owners, 3 downtown business owners, 4 Cranford residents and 1 Township Commissioner. They each serve 3 year terms and have equal voting power.
