Township plans own Web site

Website to get a new design with more functionality in late April or early May.

By: Josh Appelbaum
   The township Web site will be getting a new design, more functionality and a new home when it relaunches in late April or early May.
   The current Web site, www.cranbury.org, is owned and operated by the Cranbury Lions, but the township is seeking to add new features like news, advisories and a special section on the town’s history. Residents also will be able to search the township’s codes.
   The site will change its Web address to www.cranburytownship.org.
   Committeewoman Pari Stave is organizing the project. She said the new Web site will offer features that other surrounding communities are already employing.
   "We have to give people more information than is presently offered in order to bring (the Web site) it to the next level," Ms. Stave said.
   Chairpersons of each township board and township professionals have met with Ms. Stave and City Connection, the company Cranbury has hired to design, launch and maintain the Web site, to discuss the content and features that will be offered to the public.
   "We’ll be able to organize meeting calendars, cross-reference with different areas of the Web site and we’ve been meeting with various boards and committees to meet their specific needs," Ms. Stave said.
   She said Township Attorney Trishka Waterbury will review all the content before the site launches.
   The design, launch and maintenance of the Web site will cost the township $6,315 this year. City Connection operates Web sites for various surrounding municipalities and were responsive to the township’s needs for a new site, according to Ms. Stave.
   A designated township employee will be able to update the Web site daily and post advisories for canceled meetings when needed. Residents may also register to receive updates via e-mail.
   The Web site will have an expanded section detailing Cranbury’s place in history, including a narrative and pictures. Ms. Stave said the township is grateful to the Cranbury Lions for allowing the township to use its Web space.
   "They’ve done a wonderful job and we thank them for spearheading the effort to launch a Web site for Cranbury and for maintaining it all of these years," Ms. Stave said.