Mayor's Update - January 31, 2022

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Mayor's Update - January 31, 2022

Hello, Cranbury Residents!

I hope you are all staying warm and have shoveled out from the nor’easter snow storm this past weekend. It’s time once again to thank our public works personnel for plowing and clearing our roadways so quickly.

Although it is still cold outside, the 325th Anniversary calendar of events is heating up with Boards, Commissions and other Cranbury organizations providing their goals and lining up activities for the year ahead. Keep an eye out for upcoming events such as Library and CHPS activities, Art in the Park Day (April 3), and Annual Stream Cleanup (April 23). As we weather storms and the pandemic, there are still opportunities to remain resilient and build our community – let’s continue to celebrate the connection between our rich past and our present as we build a sustainable future together.

Here are some highlights of town happenings:

Police Officer Retires: The Township Committee honored and thanked retiring police officer, Detective Raymond V. Wetzel, for his twenty-three years of service to the residents of Cranbury. His focus on safety and community helped make Cranbury an even better place to live. We wish him well as he moves on to retirement and his next phase of life.

Update on Brainerd Lake Dredging Project from the Township Engineer: Heavy rainfall events have impacted dredging activity which has extended the duration of the project. The removal of sediment and the restoration of lake waters are expected to conclude by the end of February. For additional up-to date information visit FAQ. By the way, even with all the lake activity, our resident Great Blue Heron has remained!

Update on Cedar Brook and Petty Road Bridge Area: The Township Engineer provided his assessment and recommendations for an area of Petty Road that has historically flooded. With recent rainfall events, the frequency of flooding in this area has increased. A newly-constructed DPW sign, “Bridge Out Road Closed Ahead”, will continue to be placed at either entrance to Petty Road during flood events. Residents can use Nixle to automatically receive road closure and other public safety information from the Cranbury Police. For your safety and the safety of our first responders, please use Petty Road only for local traffic when these signs are up.

January 29th Budget Meeting: The Township Committee agreed to a 2022 budget that keeps Cranbury municipal taxes flat with no increase over the 2021 tax rate. The fiscal outlook of the town remains healthy and, with the prudent use of the surplus to supplement capital and operating budgets, the Township Committee has worked hard to keep the municipal tax rate flat over the past few years.

Pet Licenses Reminders: Dogs and cats must be licensed every year. Even if you miss the January 31st deadline, register with a cat application or dog application to avoid a citation from the Middlesex County Health Officer. At the time of registration, pet owners must show proof of rabies vaccination. Rabies clinics are held twice a year at the Cranbury’s Fire Station. On January 22nd , a total of 44 pets (36 dogs and 8 cats) were vaccinated. The next one will be scheduled for September – pencil it in!

Green Tip of the Month from Middlesex County (Recycling): Remember to put recyclables directly in your bin - no bags please. Plastic bags get tangled in the machinery at recycling centers, making a mess. Bags can damage equipment and even shut down their operations. Help the recycling process run smoothly, get your Middlesex County 2022 recycling schedule, and learn how at Recycle Right!

Call for Volunteers: I want to thank those who currently volunteer for all the work you do to help make Cranbury such a special place! There are a variety of ways to volunteer in Cranbury. It’s a great way to give back to the community and get to know your neighbors. Currently, there are openings on several boards and commissions. You can fill-out an application here. If you’re interested in helping to coordinate/align some special activities this year in honor of Cranbury’s 325th Anniversary, please reach out to Michael Ferrante at mferrante@cranbury-nj.com or me at brogers@cranbury-nj.com.

The days are getting longer, and I look forward to seeing you around town!

Sincerely,

Barbara Rogers, PhD
Mayor, Cranbury Township Committee

https://www.cranburytownship.org/home/news/mayors-update-january-31-2022