Cranford committee approves first reading to expand permitted uses in C1 business park zone

The Cranford Township Committee on July 8 introduced and approved on first reading Ordinance 2025-17 to amend the Township Code (Land Development chapter) to expand permitted and conditional uses in the C1 business park zone.

The ordinance change, described by committee members, adds a range of commercial and industrial-compatible uses to the zone with the stated purpose of increasing revenue and reducing vacancy in the business park. Examples noted by officials include data centers, daycare and adult day-care centers, film production workshops, self-storage, maker spaces and indoor farming. The committee said the updates were intended to diversify potential tenants and boost property ratables.

A legal advertisement with the full ordinance will appear in the Westfield Leader on Thursday, July 17; the public hearing and consideration for adoption will occur Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Committee members said the posted ordinance corrects a typographical error that had been updated before introduction and that the full text will be on the township website.

Committee discussion framed the amendment as a revenue-focused effort: Commissioner Black said the goal is to make the business park "a viable business park" and to attract higher-quality commercial ratables. The committee also noted the change responds to regional trends — including film production activity — and will allow the township to consider a broader set of tenants.

The ordinance passed first reading by roll call. Additional technical edits and public comment will be taken at the Aug. 19 public hearing; the law requires publication of the legal ad before that hearing.