Year in Review: The Biggest Stories

March 31, 2011: Superintendent Presents $54 Million School Budget

The Board of Education held a public hearing for the budget proposal in late March. While last year's budget sparked layoffs, the 2011-2012 proposal, first approved by the Board of Education at a Feb. 28 meeting, adds three additional teachers and two part-time basic skills teachers. It also resurrects three positions lost last year –two part-time academic coaches for teachers in math and literacy and one full-time supervisor. It will also push $671,384 towards resident tax relief.

June 29, 2011:

The Cranford Township Committee voted to adopt the amended municipal budget at its June meeting. The resolution passed with a 3-1 margin.

July 29, 2011: Court Approves Construction of 360 Residential Units on Birchwood Avenue.

A decision was made in late July by Superior Court Judge Lisa Chrystal that will allow a developer to construct 360 residential units at the quiet corner of 215 Birchwood Ave., a street that's prone to flooding. Residents have been fighting the project through letters, petitions and by contacting agencies such as the DEP in the hopes of preventing the developer, the Hekemian Group of Paramus, from moving forward with the project. Officials are instead hoping to turn the property into a retention basin to help alleviate flooding.

Aug. 23, 2011: Virginia Earthquake Felt in New Jersey

The U.S. Geological survey reported that at 1:51 p.m. on Aug. 23, a 5.9 magnitude quake hit Virginia. The epicenter was 44 miles northwest of Richmond, Va. Tremors were felt as far north as Boston, and as far south as North Carolina, according to reports. Many people in Cranford and other parts of New Jersey felt the tremor, but weren't sure what to make of it.

Aug. 28, 2011: Mayor Calls Irene 'Worst Storm in History'

Following the evacuation of the Cranford Police Department due to flooding and a complete loss of power, Mayor Dan Aschenbach called Hurricane Irene the "worst storm in history." Much of Cranford was submerged by flood waters after Irene plowed through the Northeast, flooding towns, toppling trees and power lines and causing widespread damage to homes, cars and property. As their homes flooded, many residents were forced to evacuate to the that was set up at the Cranford Community Center. A

Aug. 31, 2011: Flooding Results In Delayed School Opening for Cranford

As Hurricane Irene barreled through Cranford, the storm not only flooded homes and businesses, but local schools as well. The remnants of the storm forced school officials to delay the beginning of the school year by two days. In a letter to Cranford parents today, Superintendent of Schools Gayle Carrick explained the damage to the facilities and announced that the first day of school for students would be Sept. 12.

Sept. 11, 2011: Ten Years Later, Cranford Remembers 9/11

Ten years after Cranford learned that six of its residents had lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the families of the victims joined members of the community to reflect on the tragedy and "outpouring of love and generosity" that has been present throughout the past decade."

Oct. 31, 2011: Late October Snow Wreaks Havoc

Streets and county parks were closed and downed power lines as fallen trees and power lines blocked roads throughout the township two days after an unusual October snowstorm blanketed the region. The heavy, wet snow weighed down power and cable lines, causing widespread power outages. Residents spent days clearing away the debris, which resulted in school closings, a delay in annual leaf pickup and a federal disaster declaration for Union County.

Dec. 3, 2011: Cranford Makes Football History

The Cougars captured their first NJSIAA title with 27-0 victory over Parsippany Hills. Junior quarterback Reggie Green rushed for 124 yards and scored twice including a 41-yard TD run which set the tone for the day in Cranford’s 27-0 triumph over Parsippany Hills in a North 2, Group III state tournament championship contest on the Kean University turf. The shutout dropped Parsippany Hills to 8-4 and denied the Morris County school a chance to win its first state title.

Dec. 14, 2001: Committe Settles Parking Garage Lawsuit

After declaring he would vote no, Mayor Daniel Achenbach voted in favor of an ordinance allocating $650,000 to settle with Cranford Building Associates for the Cranford Crossing parking garage. The ordinance, in its final reading, needed four votes to pass, so Achenbach begrudgingly changed his vote to pass the ordinance to “make the process easier for the next committee,” he said.