Planning Board Grants Parking Waivers

Cranford's Planning Board unanimously approved two parking waivers Wednesday night for properties housing businesses in the downtown area.

The first applicant, Spiros Goros, owner of the property on 536 South Avenue East, was seeking approval to permit the addition of second story while maintaining the current number of parking spaces.

According to Goros and his attorney, Albert Stender, the additions would not affect the number of parking spaces needed at the property.

Both also reminded the board there is on-street parking available on South Avenue East.

Goros said the second story addition was to provide office space and storage for the embroidery company Uniform Creations, which makes uniforms for schools in the district.

He maintained that employees use a maximum of four spaces and the Cranford Dance Studio, also located on the property, uses at most 10 spaces.

Karen Capone, vice-chairperson of the planning board, lauded Goros and his representatives for their presentation.

"I think it will be an improvement to the site and the parking flow," Capone said.

The second waiver application was made by representatives of the ownership of 114 Miln Street Associates.

Attorney Gary Goodman said the property which leases space for offices and retail was under agreement with a podiatrist, requiring ownership to apply for a waiver due to requirements of physician use under the land use ordinance.

The waiver was approved unanimously pending the ownership's agreement to meet with the Cranford Police Department regarding the installation of handicap parking spots.

Planning Board Secretary Kevin Illing and member Kurt Petschow noticed the property currently provides no handicapped parking, which is required by the American Disabilities Act.

Prior to the public meeting, in the workshop session, the planning board scheduled its annual reorganization meeting for January 6.

At the meeting, the planning board will appoint the positions of chair, vice-chair, secretary and scribe while deciding whether to reappoint members whose terms are up.

The board will also determine objectives and goals for the upcoming year during the meeting.