Free Parking Downtown This Saturday

Shoppers who plan to head downtown tomorrow to visit the local shops and restaurants will be able to park for free in the parking garage and two municipal lots, thanks to a Cranford resident.

Sharon Steele, a resident of the township and a sales associate at Coldwell Bank in Westfield, will sponsor a day of free parking in downtown this Saturday, according to Kathleen Miller Prunty, the director of the

"Ms. Steele’s gesture was in support of small, local businesses. In the past, Sharon recorded interviews with several business owners and posted them on youtube," Prunty said.

The Township Committee approved the idea and shoppers will get free parking on June 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Lot 1 on North Union Avenue, Lot 7 on Miln Street and in the parking garage. Street parking is not included to ensure regular turnover of those spaces.

Steele, a blogger who focuses on small businesses, said she believes in shopping locally and supporting the economy in her community.

"We have to get out there and support our local businesses," Steele said. "I believe in this town very much. Cranford is my home."

In addition to her blog, Steele also manages a Facebook Page titled "365 things to do in the Cranford/Westfield area of NJ." The page lists local events in the neighboring communities and has become increasingly popular.