Repairs Needed After Early August Heavy Rain Storm

If you've driven by the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum on Chatham Road, you may have spotted the yellow caution tape.

The tape is blocking off an area that was eroded away during a heavy rain storm on Aug. 1, according to Township Administrator Tim Gordon. It eroded away the side of the brook that runs along the road and damaged the retaining wall. The area needs to be restabilized, he said, or there could be more damage.

The Township Committee recently approved a resolution allowing an emergency appropriation for the project. The resolution allows the township officials to award a contract for the repair and replace the retaining wall and fix the area without advertising for bids.

Also, a second emergency resolution allows for the repair of curb and storm sewers along Western Drive, Highland Road and Hobart Avenue. The Aug. 1 storm also damaged the road cobblestone gutter and curb. The emergency resolution also allows for officials to award a contract without advertising for bids.

Gordon did not have a timeline on when the work could be complete or the final costs for the projects.