Streetscape Work Slated to Start Days after Street Fair

Work to refurbish the next two streets along the Boulevard may begin as early as two days after the May 20 street fair.

Borough Engineer Ken Job said Tuesday that a tentative date of May 22 is set for work to begin for phases three and fourth of this ongoing Boulevard Streetscape project which will install new sidewalks, pavers and lighting to both sides of the  Boulevard from Jefferson to Franklin to Hamilton.

The area will be made to look like the part of the Boulevard from Washington up to Jefferson, stages one and two, which was done summer 2010. Back in March until just after the annual street fair event which takes place along the Boulevard.

The first steps in the work will involve the removal of the existing trees that currently line the area. New sidewalks and pavers will then be put in and final work will include the planting of trees and new light fixtures which PSE&G will complete, according to Job.

He told the mayor and council Tuesday a second pre-construction meeting has been set with the contractor to which public service is also invited to so all parties can review specs one more time before beginning the work.   

Funding for the four phases of this project have come via grants from the state Department of Transportation.  The borough recently learned it has which will cover the construction costs of phase five – the area of the Boulevard from Hamilton to Walter. The borough adds on funding towards the engineering and additional costs.

Job said the borough should be able to apply for another grant for phase six, which will be the Boulevard block from Walter to Division Avenue.