By Vita Duva
Dr. Michael Young has been a friend to many pets and their owners for a long time. But now it’s time for the veterinarian to hang up his stethoscope.
Mayor Dan Mulligan read a resolution thanking Dr. Young for his many years of service to Cranbury Township upon his retirement during the Township Committee meeting Sept. 12.
“Dr. Young is wished many enjoyable and healthy years of retirement in Virginia,” said Mayor Mulligan.
Dr. Young first moved to New Jersey in 1992, but it wasn’t until 1994 that he moved to Cranbury Township and first opened Prospect Animal Hospital. In 2007, Dr. Young purchased Windsor Animal Hospital and combined the two practices, forming today’s existing Cranbury Animal Hospital.
As years have passed, Dr. Young has attended to many residents’ pets, as well as other pets from surrounding towns.
In the 1990s, Dr. Young was appointed by the Cranbury Board of Health as the township’s veterinarian and was responsible for conducting the rabies clinics.
“If you’ve ever taken an animal down to one of the rabies clinics, Dr. Young was always there, and he was able to handle anything,“ Committee Member, Susan J. Goetz said of Young and his dedication to the work.
Dr. Young also managed human and animal rabies exposure cases and consulted on public health issues involving animals. He also donated syringes when needed and took care of the disposal of any medical waste.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from North Carolina State University.
“Wherever Dr. Young is right now, I hope he is having a cold one for all of us,” Committee Member, James Taylor joked.
In other news:
The Township Committee adopted a resolution supporting the re-designation of a half-mile section of Route 130 to be changed from “Rural Planning Area” to “Suburban Planning Area.” While in discussion, Committee Member David Cook explained to the Township Committee that a re-classification such as this one is important because it allows for more business expansion.
During public comment, Shade Tree Commission Chairwoman Kathy Easton brought to the Township Committee’s attention the posing threat of the Emerald Ash Borer to Cranbury’s trees. The Shade Tree Commission reported that 114 infested trees alone were found at the Four Seasons at Historic Cranbury and recommended that they be removed. Pending further investigation and the collection of necessary documents, the Township Committee plans to look further into solving this ongoing problem.
Township Engineer Bill Tanner discussed with the committee his estimate for the pipeline project for Plainsboro Road. Committee members unanimously agreed that they like the direction of the presented plan, but that they will take the time to gather further data and information in order to move forward before taking any definitive action.
The committee passed an ordinance re-appropriating $130,000 proceeds originally meant for the acquisition of the Water Tower property. Since this obligation is no longer necessary, $30,000 will be put toward Public Works vehicles and equipment, while $100,000 will be put toward sewer emergency costs.
The committee passed a capital ordinance – upon first reading – authorizing the architectural costs for the affordable housing family units on the Ingerman site. Appropriating $100,000 from Cranbury Township’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund to cover the cost, this ordinance will be further considered for a second, and final reading at the Township Committee’s next meeting.
The next Township Committee meeting is slated for Monday, Sept. 26.
