Let There Be Light: Hopatchung Road Gets New Streetlights

Let there be light ... on Hopatchung Avenue.

Last week, Covino & Sons Construction installed 26 streetlights along one of Hopatcong's busiest streets, just about completing a federally-funded "streetscaping" project, which also brought new sidewalks and curbs.

Next week, the borough plans to turn on the lights, Superintendent Ron Jobeless said.

"This is going to look beautiful when it's all lit up," Jobeless said, staring out at the street from the . "It's going to have this downtown center feel.

Each fixture cost about $2,500, Mayor Sylvia Petillo said. The $337,121 project, which began in late September, was funded through the American Recovery and Investment Act, costing the borough nothing.

Petillo said it took months to choose the design for the poles. She said she went to "every single town in Sussex and Morris [counties]" during the process. "I wanted something that would properly reflect our town," she said.

The aluminum poles have a 6-inch diameter without tapering at the top, providing a sturdy look, Jobeless said. "You want to give the look that if you were to drive into it, you'd be towing back the car and not the pole," he said. "They're heavy duty."

The poles also have flag holders and outlets for holiday decorations.

"We wanted something heavy—a pole that was really impressive," Petillo said.

Months ago, Petillo said renovating Hopatchung Avenue was the first phase of the borough's long-term plan to revitalize Hopatcong's most attractive areas. Jobeless said Monday the borough hopes to apply for additional grants to place streetlights on River Styx Road.

Jobeless said the borough could consider removing the lights currently hanging over Hopatchung Avenue as a cost-saving move.

"I hope the residents enjoy [the lights]," Petillo said. "It wasn't a large grant, but it was a start."