Cranford Residents Asked To Sign Petition To Make Streets Safer

Nearly 100 residents have signed a petition urging the Township Committee to adopt a policy that would create a "Complete Streets" policy in the municipality.

The petition is the brainchild of Cranford resident Rebecca Hoeffler, who wants officials to adopt a plan that will keep children and adults safe on township roadways.

"Supporting a Complete Streets Policy will ensure Cranford Residents and their children are granted safe pathways throughout the town of Cranford," Hoeffler said.

A Complete Streets policy, she explained, would create bike lanes, safe sidewalks and lighter flow of automobile traffic. Hoeffler insists that available funding through Sustainable Jersey - a certification program for  municipalities in New Jersey that want to go green, save money, and take steps to sustain their quality of life over the long term - can "revolutionize" Cranford’s safety, health and transportation concerns while not burdening the budget.

"We can also use this chance to implement permeable surfaces through this program which can help the town to mitigate the damaging effects of flooding.
Here is the link to the petition and attached is the flyer," Hoeffler said.

Hoeffler said she has managed to get local organizations such as the Cranford Environmental Commission and the Chamber of Commerce to join her efforts, by sending out the link to the petition in their regular email blasts to members. In addition, the local cable access channel, TV35, will be featuring it on the Bulletin Board.

The online petition, which can be found by clicking here, or typing the following address into your browser: http://www.change.org/petitions/cranford-residents-support-a-complete-streets-policy.

According to the online petition, "completing Cranford's Streets will involve community effort in order to support the necessary changes to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. Creating safe pathways to our schools will allow students to enjoy riding their bikes or walking to school in a safe environment."

In addition, the petition states that "alleviating the traffic congestion in the morning and afternoon by making sure the roads are safe for more than one mode of transportation will increase the quality of life for our town's residents."

Hoeffler also indicates in the petition that a Complete Streets policy would also help achieve better health and more focus in the classroom, and would stimulate the economy and create more unity within the township.

"Studies show that students who exercise in the morning tend to be more focused once they are in the classroom," the petition states. "Designated pathways leading to our downtown and various points of interest will stimulate economic activity as well as community unity. The chance to implement permeable surfaces to our town can be done through this program and will help mitigate the damaging effects of flooding.

Township Engineer Richard Marsden and Commissioner Andis Kalnins could not immediately be reached for comments regarding the feasibility of such a plan.