Funding For 8th Street Park Project Moves Ahead In Hazlet

HAZLET, N.J.— Another step forward in the renovation of 8th Street Park will take place with an upcoming public hearing on a $1.5 million bond ordinance for the project.

The Hazlet Township Committee introduced the ordinance at its June 21 meeting, appropriating the money for plans that include walking paths, a pavilion, benches, landscaping, security, parking and lighting for the park in the West Keansburg section, according to a news release from the township.

The public hearing is scheduled for the July 12 Township Committee meeting at 8 p.m. If approved, the township can move forward with its financing plan to bring enhancements and renovations to the park.

The bond ordinance calls for $1.5 million, instead of the 2021 projected cost of $1.2 million, to cover possible inflation, the news release said.

The committee authorized the issuance of $1 million in bonds or notes for the financing part of the appropriation, the news release said.

The amount includes the sum of $250,000 expected to be received as a Monmouth County Open Space Grant and $250,000 as the down payment required by NJ Local Bond Law to be provided by the Open Space fund.

To finance the cost of the improvements not covered by application of the down payment, negotiable bonds of the township would be authorized to be issued in the principal amount of $1 million.

Plans to improve 8th Street Park, located at 8th Street and Brown Avenue, were initiated in 2021, the township website notes.

In a June 2021 letter to residents, Christopher McManus, Hazlet recreation director, outlined the need for the improvements and cited input from residents:

"The Township recognizes that this park is outdated and underutilized in a section of town that does not have other recreational spaces for residents.

"The entire park is located within a 100-year flood zone. Maintaining this area as open space is beneficial for floodwater storage as well as reducing risks to life and property during flood events in this section of town.

"The vision for this proposed project has been shaped by input from the community and will include ADA-compliant playground equipment, basketball courts, shaded picnic tables, a pavilion for activities such as group classes and music performances, an open field for sports and events and walking/jogging track along the periphery of the park.

"Safety improvements will be included such as updated lighting, a security system and a reconfigured safer parking area," the letter said.