Town targets Eagle rule

Committee to compile list of projects for boy scouts

By: Lacey Korevec
   The Township Committee is considering making a list of projects on township land that Eagle Scout candidates can pick from.
   The projects will require little maintenance from the township, and will help the Boy Scouts in the process of choosing and completing a service project, which is required to receive Eagle Scout rank.
   Cranbury residents and parents of Eagle Scouts and Eagle Scout candidates told the committee Monday that they need suggestions for projects the township would like to see done.
   Committeeman Wayne Wittman, who is involved with the Scouts, said Wednesday that he wants to make sure the Scouts know the town is behind them, and that the town knows the Scouts want to help the community in a way that won’t be a financial burden.
   "The town has been very supportive of the Boy Scouts," Mr. Wittman said.
   He also said the Scouts have done many projects in the past, and that he wants to see that relationship keep moving forward.
   Previous Eagle Scout projects that have been done on township property include the construction of the information kiosk by the West property entrance on Main Street, the addition of life preservers at township waterways, an information sign by the porch outside of Town Hall and the benches at the soccer fields, Township Administrator Tom Witt said Thursday, adding that there are many more as well.
   Mr. Wittman said sometimes those projects have to be maintained, a cost that sometimes is passed to the township.
   Committeeman David Stout said Cranbury is lucky to have so many Eagle Scouts, but that there have to be boundaries for project ideas. He suggested Scouts consider some civic projects that are not based on construction, so that the township does not feel responsible for maintaining them.
   The Township Attorney Trishka Waterbury said the township can maintain infrastructure built on township land as an Eagle Scout project at its own discretion.
   In 2004, the Township Committee established guidelines that require Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Eagle Scout candidates who want to do community service projects to follow a two-step application and approval process for projects on public land.
   Some residents who spoke Monday said the township should help Scouts identify projects that Cranbury could use but would not create a financial burden prior to the application process.
   Township Committee members suggested creating a list of residents who have trouble shoveling driveways, so that Scouts can get them help.
   Committee members said they will continue to think of more project ideas and in the mean time, Scouts should consider attending land use and development board meetings, where talks about township needs may generate ideas.