An excerpt from the Local Source, 1/18/18

Frank Capece, “Unaccountability”

Last week, the planning board meeting in Cranford brought out a packed house of angry residents. A “draft”
proposal for the redevelopment of the eastern gateway into the center of town saw defenders of the Riverside
Inn tavern, also known by patrons as the “The Dive,” other merchants affected and some pretty angry citizens.

The key problem, accidental or otherwise, was the lack of notice to the affected businesses about the review of
the proposal. The changes could have a big impact on the targeted businesses. Mayor Thomas Hannen Jr., in
some classic damage control, said, “I take responsibility” for an error saying The Dive was never really part of
the plan.

It was almost reminiscent of the quote of Richard Nixon, who used to say he “took responsibility.” What the
ramifications are to Hannen for his mea culpa remains to be seen.

The concern over a potential condemnation as opposed to a draft study consideration got contentious at some
points. The most focused part of the evening was when the non-bid appointment of the project to Harbor
Consultants was revealed. A $1,000 political contribution to township commissioner and planning board
member Ann Dooley’s campaign in 2016 brought forth a stunned audience, with Dooley claiming to have no
recollection of receipt of the money. It’s still rare enough that a contribution of that magnitude in a small town
should not have skipped Dooley’s memory.

The fact is that both the company and the company’s majority owner, Victor Vinegra, are very large
contributors to campaigns in the county.

He partakes in the legal process known as “pay to play.”

Ms. Dooley, an attorney, actually signed the state Election Board report acknowledging the contribution.

Harbor Consultants, ever civic minded, even contributes to school board candidates. The evening ended with
most residents not satisfied that the draft plan would move forward without a whole lot more work. The
“confession” by Hannen, the memory lapse by Dooley and the failure to notify affected residents left all with a
sour taste. Sadly, the worst part is that a much-needed effort to develop the approach to the center of town may
be hindered.

Then there was the text message of fellow Cranford Township Commissioner Patrick Giblin. Giblin argued that
“The Dive” was never supposed to be in the draft plan. In a trip to the land of the bizarre, Giblin went on to
proclaim, “I am unapologetically the biggest Dive customer on the township committee – I know it’s a Cranford
institution.

So much for proper planning and accountability.