Politics & Government
Committee Considers Cutting Fees for Signs, Awnings Downtown
Two proposals on the agenda at the Township meeting Monday may serve as an incentive for business owners to open shop downtown.
The Township Committee is considering rolling back some expenses as an incentive for businesses to open shop in downtown Cranford.
Proposals introduced at a meeting Monday include eliminating fees for new signs and awnings between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, as well as issuing one six-month employee parking permit for each new business opening during that time.
"Both are part of a project to keep the downtown competitive and to bring new business in," Mayor Mark Smith said.
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Also during Monday's meeting, officials revealed that the Downtown District Management Corporation (DMC) is considering a name change. Advocates claim that the current name is misleading, with many residents assuming the organization manages business downtown. In fact, the DMC is a part of the local municipal government. The organization markets local businesses and helps navigate business owners through local bureaucratic processes.
No new name was settled on at the workshop, but committee members may accept a proposal in the coming weeks.
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The Township Committee is holding its official meeting tonight, 8 p.m. in the municipal building at 8 Springfield Avenue.
