By: Casha Caponegro
Main Street residents and businesses are encouraged to show their patriotism for the dedication of the Todd Beamer Post Office.
Residents and members of the Cranbury Business Association said they want see patriotic displays of red, white and blue along Main Street to welcome the many government officials and dignitaries who will be in Cranbury for the occasion.
"It should be patriotic, everybody having their flags out and everything," said Rocco D’Armiento, owner of Cranbury Paint and Hardware.
The Cranbury postal facility on North Main Street will be dedicated the Todd Beamer Post Office in a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. May 4.
Mr. D’Armiento said on Tuesday that he has a limited supply of flags and banners at his store for purchase, which he expects will go quickly over the next week.
Township officials said they expect a large turnout for the event, which commemorates the heroic sacrifice of Cranbury resident Todd M. Beamer, who died on United Airlines Flight 93 in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.
Mr. Beamer was one of several passengers who may have fought the hijackers, causing it to crash outside of Pittsburgh, before reaching its intended target.
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, whose district includes Cranbury, introduced legislation last fall that called for the Cranbury post office to be designated the Todd Beamer Post Office. The legislation was passed by Congress and signed by President George Bush in January.
The designation is expected to be attended by numerous dignitaries and guest speakers. In addition, township officials said they expect to receive national media attention from the event.
Township Administrator Fred Carr sent out a letter to all Main Street residents last week to inform them that there will be no vehicular traffic on Main Street from 6 a.m. until noon on the dedication day. In addition, there will be no parking in the area between Bunker Hill Road and Scott Avenue, Wesley Place and portions of Park Place and Westminster Place.
"We are asking residents and businesses within the areas of the PNC Bank and Bunker Hill Road on North Main Street to move their cars Friday evening, May 3rd to locations outside of the area," said Mr. Carr in his letter.
Mr. Carr also stated in his letter that there will be no parking by the post office unless authorized by the Cranbury Police Department and parking in the School/Town Hall lot will be by permit only. Out of town visitors will be able to park at Village Park.
"The police will strictly control parking and circulation in and around the post office in order to prevent traffic problems and ensure the safety of our residents and enjoyment of this event," said Mr. Carr in his letter.
Anyone with questions about traffic and parking for the dedication should contact Mr. Carr at (609) 395-0900, ext. 224.
