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MAYOR JOHN E. McCORMAC UNVEILS PLANS FOR NEW WOODBRIDGE ANIMAL SHELTER & PET ADOPTION CENTER
Woodbridge Township – Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac today announced that a new, modern and fully-equipped Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center will be situated in a Township-owned building in Sewaren and that the state-of-the-art facility will provide a safe and comfortable haven for the care and housing of abandoned animals. The proposed Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center is designed as a model facility and will meet or exceed State and Health Department regulations.
“The new Woodbridge Township Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center represents a milestone in what can be achieved when government takes its time, solicits community input and watches taxpayer dollars,” Mayor McCormac said. “The animal shelter and pet adoption center will allow for the care and housing of animals abandoned by the public and recovered by Animal Control and will serve as a welcoming, airy and comfortable place to visit and adopt pets. More importantly, the renovation and outfitting of a fully-equipped, all amenities-included facility can be accomplished well within the current budget allocation and far exceeds community concerns for a new facility.”
Mayor McCormac said that an existing Township-owned building located at 189 Woodbridge Avenue in Sewaren will house the new Woodbridge Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center. The 2,500 square foot facility provides a solid foundation and structure for the construction of the animal shelter and will be fully renovated to provide clean, comfortable, and humane conditions for dogs, cats and other animals that require care and housing. The existing building allows for potential future expansion and will be renovated utilizing available energy-saving and environmental-friendly materials and concepts.
According to Mayor McCormac, the construction plans include installation of 17 individual dog kennels with extended indoor/outdoor runs; an over-size cattery with individual cages for each feline; separate, fully-ventilated dog and cat quarantine areas; a private animal receiving area equipped with cleaning facilities; a “prep” room where the incoming animals will be examined prior to housing; a private Veterinary care clinic where animals will be examined and treated; and a laundry for cleaning blankets and kennel wraps. A unique and special feature is the inclusion of a large, public area where families can greet and interact with pets prior to adoption.
Mayor McCormac reminded that the Administration and Township Council consistently and steadfastly pursued all appropriate and available options to site, construct and/or renovate, and open a new animal shelter and pet adoption center by the winter of 2007. In moving to achieve that goal, on April 11, the Municipal Council approved the hiring of Architect Michael Testa under a $23,300 contract to evaluate the suitability of the Sewaren facility for conversion to an animal shelter, to prepare a feasibility report, and to provide preliminary architectural construction blueprints. It is anticipated that bids seeking construction will be advertised in early July with work getting underway by early August. The estimated architect’s cost for renovating and outfitting the Sewaren facility is $437,500 to $450,000 – well below the existing budget allotment of more than $640,000.
“On behalf of the entire Municipal Council, I am extremely pleased that we have been able to put together a facility that is cost effective, considers the needs of all Township taxpayers and financial priorities, while at the same time allows us to achieve the goal that we all share – the humane care and protection of animals,” said Council President Brenda Yori Velasco
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