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Local Eagle Scout proposes restoration of World War II memorial; council offers support
Summary
Jason "JP" O'Neil of Troop 83 presented an Eagle Scout plan to clean and rehabilitate the World War II memorial near the YMCA, proposing pressure-washing, plaque restoration, new benches, plantings and solar lighting; councilors encouraged coordination with DPW and offered volunteer support.
Jason JP O'Neil, a 16-year resident of Somerville and member of Troop 83, told the borough council on March 2 that he plans an Eagle Scout project to restore the town's World War II memorial near the YMCA.
O'Neil described a plan to pressure-wash the memorial stone, remove plaque oxidation, strip and repaint the flagpole, replace the flag and rope-and-pulley hardware, add mulch and perennial plantings, install wooden benches along the memorial approach, and add a solar flagpole light so the flag remains illuminated at night. He said he intends to fund materials through a GoFundMe and will enlist scouts, classmates and vocational-program students to help with construction and installation.
"I would like to plant perennial flowers that last all year along the path and around the flagpole ... and finally, I'd love to install a solar flagpole light to make sure that the flag is shining all night," O'Neil said.
Councilors praised the project and advised coordination with the Department of Public Works for maintenance and long-term care. One councilor described prior volunteer plantings near the monument and warned that DPW maintenance practices had previously removed some vegetation, so the project should include a sustainability plan for upkeep. Council members offered to attend workdays and to sign O'Neil's Eagle Scout workbook; the mayor's office and DPW were offered as points of coordination.
The council did not need formal action to endorse the Eagle Scout project beyond offering volunteer support and providing the requested signature for his workbook.
