Next Steps and Future Plans for Boulevard Improvements Discussed

As the borough prepares for the next two parts of the Boulevard which will be refurbished with new pavers, curb cuts and lighting as part of the ongoing Boulevard Streetscape project, officials still need PSE&G to complete some electrical lighting work for phases one and two.

Mayor Rose Heck asked Borough Engineer Ken Jobs last week what is taking the utility so long. Jobs stated the severe winter months have had PSE&G focused on damaged equipment repair. He reported that he has contacted them again in regards to when they can expect to see the work done.

PSE&G needs to submit layouts for the lighting design for phase three as well, Jobs said. Jobs said his engineers have completed the field work for phase four.

The Boulevard Streetscape plan, which is funded predominantly by state Department of Transportation grants, began about two years ago with the refurbishing of the Boulevard with new brick pavers, curbs and lighting designed to complement the municipal complex. Phases one and two included both sides of the Boulevard from Washington to Kipp and Kipp to Jefferson.

Presently the borough is preparing to go to bid for the refurbishing of the Boulevard from Jefferson to Franklin to Hamilton–phases three and four.  Officials approved an ordinance last week appropriating the funds received from the state for the latest phase of the project.  

As for future phases of the project, Jobs told officials they plan to continue south on the Boulevard improving all streets up to the circle at Passaic Avenue and also plan to include some of the streets headed north on the Boulevard.

For each street in the project the borough has received $150,000 from the state towards each phase which costs about $200,000. The borough puts up the remaining $50,000 towards each phase.

Monies towards phase three were previously received in 2010 and as recommended by Jobs, combining the two phases and going out for bid for the work to both streets will help get the borough a better price and bring them ahead of schedule with the project, as it is hoped to be completed by the end of this year.