Ordinance on Adams Avenue Field Parking Restrictions Delayed

The Cranford Police Department has suggested that parking be restricted on one side of both Wade Avenue and Lambert Street near Adams Avenue field.

During Monday’s workshop meeting, the committee tabled the introduction of the ordinance since Public Safety Commissioner, Kevin Campbell, was not present.

Commissioner Campbell presented to the committee at a previous workshop meeting that Lt. Davenport of Cranford PD provided recommendations on parking near Adams Avenue field.

Davenport suggested restricting parking on the Southerly side of Wade Avenue from Richard to Lambert streets, as well as install “no parking between” signs on the easterly side of Lambert Street at the intersection of Wade Avenue. He also suggested to direct patrons of Adams Avenue Complex to use the Bloomingdale Avenue School parking lot.

His main concern was that only one car could get through because of the parking situation.

“He called for these changes in order to make sure that there could be better situation with through traffic,” Campbell said.

CBSL board member, Keith Hoffman, said the group was very appreciative of Lt. Davenport’s report and they are happy that it will help the parking situation at the complex.

Mayor Tom Hannen added that a Cranford High School senior is working to draw up the plans as part of her senior project, which will also feature additional potential solutions.

Campbell added at the previous workshop meeting that over the years there has been increased traffic there and the police department believes it is not a safe practice to leave it the way it is. 

The use of the Adams Avenue complex by the CBSL was questioned by resident and former mayor, Mark Smith, in a letter to the committee and again at workshop meetings. Smith had suggested that the township reexamine the CBSL’s lease that says the organization will pay $1 per year for the use of the fields.

Smith had said in his letter to the committee that the use of Adams Avenue field is disturbing the neighborhood, creating parking problems, noise issues and more.

At a council meeting on Oct. 8, several representatives from non-profit organizations in the township came out in support of the use of the Adams Avenue complex by the Cranford Baseball and Softball League.