Committee Considers Letting More Doctors, Dentists into Cranford Crossing

In an effort to sway more businesses into Cranford Crossing, the Township Committee introduced an amendment that will allow medical and dental offices to reside in the first floor of the building facing South Union Street Tuesday night. The amendment will also shrink down the minimum business floor space size down from 2,500 square feet to 950 square feet.

Granted at the request by the building owner, Morgan Properties, the measure passed 4-1, with proponents citing the need to fill at Cranford Crossing, a redevelopment project featuring more than 20,000 square feet of commercial space and 50 apartment units. 

Mayor Daniel Aschenbach also added that he would like to see more parking spaces filled in the adjacent garage. 

"The garage is empty…there are big blocks of spaces not being utilized," he said.

Commissioner Mark Dugan however voted against the ordinance, saying that he believes Cranford Crossings should continue to offer retail space that can't be found elsewhere in Cranford.

"My understanding was…the agreement was to reflect among other things the provision of spaces that were different than the spaces otherwise unavailable in our town," Dugan said.

Before voting Commissioner Kevin Campbell addressed Dugan's argument.

"I concede all those points but this is a situation where we’re not in a better world. Weve got to go ahead and try to get tenants in this building as much as possible," he said.

Two residents spoke out against the amendment at both the township's Monday and Tuesday night meetings – Barbara and Frank Krause. Both said they believed the amendment would set a "dangerous precedent."

"I know there is great zeal for filling those empty spaces down there…however I believe the whole purpose of Cranford Crossing and the downtown area is to atttact foot traffic,"  said Barbara Krause on Monday. "The dental and medical...will not attract evening and foot traffic to other businesses."

The Township Committee will vote on the amendment at a meeting March 29.