Population on the rise (Officials dispute census)

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Officials dispute census

Local officials say that construction of new houses, increased traffic and school enrollment growth are telltale signs that the township's population has increased, but they don't believe the growth rate is as drastic as the U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

Numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau on June 21 estimate that in 2005, Cranbury's population was 3,947 — a 22 percent increase since 2000, making Cranbury the fastest growing municipality in Middlesex County.

The last census conducted in 2000 showed that Cranbury's population was 3,231.

Robert Bernstein of the U.S. Census Bureau said the estimates — which are developed annually and used to allocate government funding — are based on the number of residential building permits issued, any loss of housing, and the average number of people per household calculated from the in 2000 Census, which in Cranbury was 2.92.

But because the majority of houses built in Cranbury during the last five years are senior housing units — which are designed for couples or singles 55 and older — township officials said they believe the Census Bureau's estimate is too high.

Since 2000, township construction official Greg Farrington issued 215 construction permits for residential houses. Of those, 138 were for senior houses at the Four Season Development on Old Trenton Road.

Township Administrator Tom Witt said the township has experienced a significant amount of growth in the past five years, but that the population is likely closer to 3,400 or 3,500.

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