CRANFORD — The Township of Cranford is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael La Place as the Director of Business & Economic Development. La Place brings experience in community planning, master planning, sustainability and historic preservation, as well as formerly serving as director of DowntownWestfield.
“We are so fortunate to have Michael on the team. He has extensive experience in downtown management in communities similar to Cranford and understands the challenges of retail in an ever-changing business environment. We were impressed by his grasp of the challenges but also his ability to see opportunities for improvement, like the upcoming streetscape improvement project,” said Mayor Kathleen Miller Prunty, who also serves as the liaison to the Downtown Management Corporation.
“The streetscape project that’s being developed right now in Cranford is really exciting, so I’m looking forward to helping help shape it, and see it through to implementation,” said La Place. Tapping into his creativity and background in urban design, he envisions a streetscape that is “safer and more welcoming for pedestrians and all users, not just vehicles. You have to accommodate everyone, but do it in a safe and in an attractive way,” he added.
Cranford’s award-winning Downtown was awarded $5.2 million in state grants and funding to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, enhance accessibility and functionality of public spaces, mitigate flooding in some areas and increase the vibrancy of Downtown.
La Place planned downtown projects in Montclair and Princeton where expanded pedestrian walkways, passive spaces, and outdoor seating transformed public areas. “Those projects are related to what Cranford is looking to do–to create more useful and attractive outdoor spaces to help businesses, but also to make the experience of being downtown more pleasant,” said La Place, former planning director of Princeton and assistant planner of Montclair.
In the 1985, Cranford established the first Special Improvement District (SID) in the New Jersey. At that time, Downtown Cranford underwent a streetscape project, adding Victorian lighting, paver sidewalks, benches and plantings throughout the entire SID, as well as create Eastman Plaza with the iconic clock at the intersection of North and North Union Avenues. “Cranford was the pioneer in doing streetscape improvements and funding them through the Special Improvement District, and I see this as a continuation of that tradition here,” he added.
As Cranford continues to grow as a regional destination to shop, dine, live and work, La Place aims to build on this momentum while preserving the distinctive local charm that defines the Township.
Downtown Cranford will continue offering its popular events that strengthen community connections and support SID businesses. Caren Demyen, former Director of Downtown Cranford, will remain in the office as Events Coordinator, alongside Michelle Stavrou, Social Media Coordinator. Upcoming events include Summer Sounds, Kids Day Out, School’s Out for Summer, Storytime, and gearing up for Cranford’s biggest season of the year, Halloween.
Michael La Place is a licensedAICP –American Institute of Certified Planners and PP – Professional Planner, State of New Jersey, and holds a certificate in the County Administrators Program, Rutgers University. He holds many awards in planning, historic preservation and smart growth.
