Mayor Barbara Rogers

Looking Back at 2022, Forward to 2023, and Enjoying the Present!

Greetings! We have passed the shortest days of the year. Although it has been cold and dark outside, remember that winter always offers some clear and bright days. Even the drab days have been brightened by the colorful feathers of winter birds jam-packed at our feeder. Nature is all around us and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

As this will be my last newsletter in my 2022 term as mayor, I’d like to reflect on a few of our town’s accomplishments last year and give you a sneak peak of things to look forward to in 2023.

The year began with Town Hall partly closed to the public, with town meetings still being held on Zoom and very few town-wide in-person events. As we approached summer, we saw the gradual return of town-wide events and in-person meetings. Township work did not stop, though, and 2022 was full of accomplishments both big and small. We completed the dredging of Brainerd Lake, construction of the new Cranbury Public Library, paving of local and county roads, and we held many events to celebrate Cranbury’s 325th anniversary, including the opening of a 45 year old time capsule!

Businesses continue to be attracted to Cranbury. A groundbreaking event was held at The Regency, the new 55-and-over development, and there were ribbon cutting events for several new businesses.

Nine more businesses will soon open in Cranbury Commons. Don’t forget the success of our local businesses depends on our support -- buy local and bring your reusable bags!

Unfinished work will continue in the new year. This includes the installation of an informational kiosk outside Town Hall, construction of a new path in Village Park, roadwork on township roads, implementation of the municipal energy audit and bike plan, and regional studies for truck traffic and flood resiliency. All of this would not be possible without the dedication of our Township staff, professionals, volunteers on boards and commissions, and local non-profit organizations. Please consider being a volunteer. 

Did you know?
A highlight for me this year was receiving the Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification award for Cranbury at the NJ League of Municipalities. Cranbury is one of only 81 towns in New Jersey that have met the rigorous requirements to earn this level of certification, demonstrating a commitment to accelerating the transition to a sustainable New Jersey. We excel in areas such as improving energy efficiency and health and wellness, reducing waste, and protecting our natural resources. It was quite an effort by the Green Team, and our township benefits in many ways from the guidance provided by this program.    

Some final thoughts for 2022
I have felt fortunate to be mayor during Cranbury’s 325th anniversary year. I see the same community spirit, volunteerism and joy people have for Cranbury’s history and open spaces that attracted us to Cranbury so many years ago -- it’s really the people that make this town so special. The work preserving our town’s character and building resilience for its future will take continued effort from all residents. Thank you for re-electing me to another term on the Township Committee. The Cranbury Township Committee’s Reorganizational Meeting is January 3, 2023, 6 pm in the Town Hall, and I’m eager to join fellow TC members Eman El-Badawi, Michael Ferrante, Lisa Knierim, and Matt Scott to continue working for our town.

As we begin the New Year, let’s remember to be patient and kind with each other as we face challenges and good times together. I look forward to continuing to hear from you and represent you on the township committee.

Enjoy the holiday season and I wish you a Happy New Year.

See you around town!

Barbara Rogers, Mayor