Business facing shutdown order gets parking approval in Cranford - MSN

The Cranford Planning Board approved an overflow parking arrangement for the Cranford Performance Institute on Bryant Avenue. The facility may now use the Calvary Tabernacle Church parking lot on Myrtle Street for occasional larger events — tournaments and community gatherings — under conditions set by the board.

CPI operates a sports training facility with 11 on-site parking spaces and one EV space. Township ordinance requires 71 spaces for the facility's use classification. The parking shortfall had created a compliance issue. Union County Life has covered development and planning decisions across the region, and Cranford's approval reflects a common challenge: reconciling existing facilities with parking code requirements.

The board's central concern was pedestrian safety. The walking route between the church lot and CPI includes sections of Bryant Avenue without sidewalks. Planning Board Chair Juan Carlos Nordelo outlined the board's focus.

"The board's main concern here is what happens when you have groups walking along Bryant Avenue," Nordelo said. "That's what we're trying to account for."

The township's Department of Traffic and Safety reviewed the proposal. Nordelo confirmed the outcome: "It was circulated to the Department of Traffic and Safety, and they indicated there were no negative impacts apparent from their review."

Elizabeth Dolan, a traffic engineer representing CPI, assessed the route as workable. "The route functions safely based on traffic patterns in the area and the limited, event-based nature of the parking plan," Dolan said. "Pedestrian movement like this already happens along similar streets, and I don't see it as a safety issue."

CPI committed to managing scheduling to avoid later evening travel when possible. The overflow arrangement is not intended for day-to-day parking.

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FAQ

What parking arrangement did Cranford approve for the Cranford Performance Institute?
The Planning Board approved the use of Calvary Tabernacle Church's parking lot on Myrtle Street as overflow parking for CPI's occasional larger events, including tournaments and community gatherings. Day-to-day use is not permitted.

Why did the Cranford Performance Institute need a parking variance?
CPI's Bryant Avenue facility has 11 on-site parking spaces and one EV space. Township ordinance requires 71 spaces. The parking shortfall prompted the need for an overflow arrangement.

What safety concerns did the Planning Board raise?
The board was concerned about pedestrian safety on Bryant Avenue, where sections of the walking route between the church lot and CPI lack sidewalks. The township's Department of Traffic and Safety reviewed the proposal and found no negative impacts.

Can CPI use the church lot for daily operations?
No. The approval is limited to occasional larger events. CPI has committed to managing scheduling to avoid later evening travel when possible.

Who reviewed the parking plan before approval?
The township's Department of Traffic and Safety reviewed the proposal and indicated there were no negative impacts. A traffic engineer representing CPI also assessed the route as safe for the limited, event-based use intended.