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Allendale Eagle Scout proposes painting yellow Maltese crosses by municipal hydrants
Summary
Resident and Northern Highlands senior Joshua Veil proposed an Eagle Scout project to paint a yellow Maltese cross two feet from the curb beside municipal fire hydrants (excluding county/state hydrants) to improve hydrant visibility; he proposed fundraising, material donations and volunteer labor.
Joshua Veil, an Allendale resident and senior at Northern Highlands, asked the borough on Dec. 5 for permission to carry out an Eagle Scout project to paint a bright yellow Maltese cross two feet from the curb adjacent to each municipal fire hydrant.
"Firefighters can have a difficult time seeing fire hydrants at times due to weather or other things in the way of sight," Veil said, explaining that a painted Maltese cross would help first responders locate hydrants during emergencies, even after snow removal. He requested the borough’s permission to proceed and said he would seek donations of materials from local businesses such as Home Depot and run fundraisers; troop volunteers and parents would provide manpower.
Council members and fire department representatives present responded positively to the proposal during the meeting. The mayor and the council thanked Veil for choosing a project that benefits public safety; Fire Chief Greg (present at the meeting) also commended the idea.
Veil said the work would exclude hydrants owned by county or state agencies and that he envisions the project continuing with subsequent scout groups repainting the marks as needed. The council did not take a formal vote on the proposal during the meeting; members expressed general support and asked staff to confirm any necessary permits or municipal approvals.
The proposal will move forward subject to the borough’s administrative review of permissions and any required materials or right‑of‑way approvals.
