Moorestown|News|
Owner Wants 'Highest and Best Use' for Historic Home
The 270-year-old Thomas Cowperthwaite House in Moorestown has been in Robert Whitcraft's family for nearly a century, but its days as a residence are over, he says.

Rob has been a reporter for roughly six years. In 2003, he graduated from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa., with a bachelor's degree in communication with a focus in media writing. After college, he began working at The Danville News, a small daily newspaper in Central Pennsylvania. Later, he moved up to their larger sister paper, The Daily Item. Most recently, Rob worked as the political reporter at the Gloucester County Times. He just moved to New Jersey last fall and is still getting used to the quirks of the Garden State: full-service gas stations and being able to buy beer and wine in the same store. He's new to Moorestown and is eager to make Patch's presence here even stronger.
Our Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for them to inject their beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that their beliefs are on the record will cause them to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?
I suppose the easiest way to answer this question is I tend to be socially liberal and fiscally centrist. My view on politics - from watching it, reading it and covering it - is there seems to be a level of detachment between the people who govern and the governed. Not as much at the local level, but at the state and certainly the federal levels. That's why you see so many polls reflecting the populace's growing lack of faith in their representatives.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself?
I was raised Roman Catholic, went to church every Sunday and attended Catholic school for seven years. But I now find that, while I appreciate the role organized religion plays in many people's lives, it's not for me. That's not to say I'm not religious. I believe in … something. But I see merit in every faith.
Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
The liquor referendum. Everyone's talking about it and the debate seems to revolve around two ideas cast in opposition: The town's "character" vs. dollars and cents. What wins out?
Teacher contracts. It's only a couple weeks till school starts and still no resolution. When will it come? And what will the long-term implications of the new contract be?
The new municipal building/library/police department.
The 270-year-old Thomas Cowperthwaite House in Moorestown has been in Robert Whitcraft's family for nearly a century, but its days as a residence are over, he says.

Mount Laurel Police are among more than 150 law enforcement agencies statewide receiving grants as part of the "Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over" campaign.
Gloucester Township Police are among more than 150 law enforcement agencies statewide receiving grants as part of the "Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over" campaign.
Cherry Hill Police are among more than 150 law enforcement agencies statewide receiving grants as part of the national "Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over" campaign.
Cinnaminson Police are among more than 150 law enforcement agencies statewide receiving grants as part of the national "Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over" campaign.
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network claims groundwater near the Solvay Specialty Polymers facility contains harsh industrial chemicals.
In a controversial decision, Christie declined to renominate Supreme Court Justice Helen Hoens, citing resistance from legislative Democrats.
In a controversial decision, Christie declined to renominate Supreme Court Justice Helen Hoens, citing resistance from legislative Democrats.
In a controversial decision, Christie declined to renominate Supreme Court Justice Helen Hoens, citing resistance from legislative Democrats.
In a controversial decision, Christie declined to renominate Supreme Court Justice Helen Hoens, citing resistance from legislative Democrats.
In a controversial decision, Christie declined to renominate Supreme Court Justice Helen Hoens, citing resistance from legislative Democrats.
In a controversial decision, Christie declined to renominate Supreme Court Justice Helen Hoens, citing resistance from legislative Democrats.
Christie declined to renominate Supreme Court Justice Helen Hoens, citing resistance from legislative Democrats.
The Thomas Cowperthwaite House, on the corner of South Lenola Road and Kings Highway, is one of Moorestown's oldest homes.
The elevator at the M. Allan Vogelson Regional Library in Voorhees will be shut down for about three weeks while it's being replaced.
Joan Ann McConnell, of Cinnaminson, was a dedicated educator. Funeral services were held Monday.
Six candidates will vie for a chance to claim late Sen. Frank Lautenberg's seat this fall.
Six candidates will vie for a chance to claim late Sen. Frank Lautenberg's seat this fall. Find out where to vote here.
Six candidates will vie for a chance to claim late Sen. Frank Lautenberg's seat this fall.
Six candidates will vie for a chance to claim late Sen. Frank Lautenberg's seat this fall.