Township Web site ready for surfing

Committee to unveil new Web site on Monday’s meeting.

By: Josh Appelbaum
   Cranbury will get its own stretch of road on the information superhighway when the township launches its own Web site at Monday’s Township Committee meeting.
   Committeewoman Pari Stave has been working with the chairpersons of each township board, professionals and City Connection, the company Cranbury has hired to design, launch and maintain the Web site. The design, launch and maintenance of the Web site will cost the township $6,315 this year.
   She said Cranbury resident John Ritter has also been instrumental in organizing the information presented on the Web site.
   "He’s brought a lot of creative thinking to this project," Ms. Stave said.
   The township currently has a Web presence, owned by the Cranbury Lions, at www.cranbury.org, but the new township-owned site, to be located at www.cranburytownship.org, will be more functional and have more resources for residents and the public at large.
   Ms. Stave said the site would have a listing of all township board meetings, schedules, maps, a section on Cranbury’s history and links to clubs and organizations in town.
   The Web site will also allow users to access public information, like meeting minutes and agendas, search the township code and download forms for permits and licenses, according to Ms. Stave.
   The site will also have useful links for residents on how to interact with township boards and committees.
   "For example, if someone wants to put an addition on their home, they’ll be able to search and find out which departments they have to get in touch with," Ms. Stave said.
   Drivers who have the unfortunate experience of getting a parking ticket in Cranbury will also be able to pay the fine online.
   Residents will be able to sign up for e-mail alerts for various advisory notes.
   "People will get an e-mail if there is a meeting cancellation, or a more significant event like a pending snowstorm or another emergency," Ms. Stave said.
   For those looking to move to Cranbury, the site will include information on municipal government, taxes and recreational opportunities, in a section called Around Cranbury. The new residents’ booklet will also be available online.
   Another integral component of the site is its section devoted to Cranbury history, with pictures taken by Associated Press photographer Jim Gerberich and a narrative history.
   The Web site will feature a bulletin board to be used by township organizations, clubs and religious institutions.
   Ms. Stave said the design of the site is simple and understated.
   "It takes its cues from the Cranbury tradition of using block letters on white signs," Ms. Stave said. "So we’re using black type on a white background."
   The Web site has room to grow, and Ms. Stave said she hopes to include maps of walking trails, parks, stream corridors, easements and playing fields in the future.
   City Connection operates Web sites for various surrounding municipalities and was 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.
   The Web site launch will take place at Monday’s Township Committee meeting, which starts at 7 p.m., with a live demonstration led by a representative from City Connection.