$1.3M for Road Improvements Gets Final Twp. Committee Approval

The planned $550,000 reconstruction of Mountain Road is the largest proposed project in a $1.33-million ordinance for various road and walkway improvements which last week was given final approval by the Township Committee.

The township's cost for the project, expected to be carried out later in 2011, has received the promise of partial reimbursement through a planned  from the state Department of Transportation, announced in February.

The $1.33-million capital improvements ordinance was approved without any changes through a 4-0 vote by the Township Committee. The committee approved the appropriation last Tuesday, the same night the committee approved setting aside at Harry Dunham Park, a reduction from the initial $180,000 proposed for that project. 

The municipality will not borrow funds for any of those projects, but will appropriate the money spent from an existing capital improvements fund, said Township Administrator Bruce McArthur.

Township officials will seek bids early in the season for the anticipated road and walkway improvements.

Along with Mountain Road, the larger ordinance permits the spending of up to $780,000 on the reconstruction or pavement overlay of various roads, plus parking areas, drainage repairs and sidewalk repairs throughout the township.

The possible road projects in the proposed ordinance, to be prioritized based on condition, include Dayton Street, Allen Street, Hillside Terrace, Owens Court and Emily Road, according to the ordinance.