Township Adopts Special Improvement District Expansion

An ordinance that folds several properties into Cranford's Special Improvement District was officially adopted with a 3-2 split vote by the committee yesterday.

Created in 1985 to improve the foot traffic downtown, the Special Improvement District includes the Cranford Downtown Management Corporation (DMC) which is charged with administering, promoting and improving the area.

The adopted ordinance will push around 24 commercial properties into the SID, along South Avenue, Lincoln Avenue and North Avenue. Assessed at a total of $9.9 million, the properties altogether will now pay a $.20 per $100 of assessed value to the District, according to Smith. 

Commissioner Daniel Aschenbach, who voted for the ordinance, explained that he believes the DMC will take a lead role in helping to revitalize and repair the properties. The area includes several run-down buildings with broken sidewalks, he said.

"Earlier this year I wrote an article about the need to upgrade North and South Avenues, Cranford's most heavily traveled roads," he explained. "Businesses there will benefit by the capital improvements to add new trees; bus stop bench; sidewalks and if applicable take part in the DMC services such as DMC recruitment and marketing." 

However the ordinance met with criticism from audience members during the meeting, arguing that SID may not not worth the expense, as its primary function, creating an attractive downtown, is done already; what is needed is investment from property owners. Also criticized was the SID restrictions on the amount of office space, as it may hinder development and foot traffic downtown.

While placing his vote, Commissioner David Robinson agreed with the dissenting opinions that surfaced in the public hearing. "I am against it for this reason," he said.