Downtown Red Bank's 'Broadwalk' Is Close To Reopening

RED BANK, NJ — Residents and visitors have to wait just a little while longer to see the return of the "Broadwalk" outdoor pedestrian space in the downtown dining and shopping district.

The Borough Council Wednesday authorized the closing of Broad Street effective July 18 to allow final paving of the stretch of the street from Front Street to White Street. Construction there has postponed opening the popular outdoor restaurant seating area.

"The paving is scheduled to start on July 18 and we anticipate it taking most of that week," said Interim Business Administrator and Police Chief Darren McConnell.

"In reality the earliest Broadwalk could begin would likely be that following weekend, July 22," he said.

And Red Bank RiverCenter has already been working to prepare the return of Broadwalk, said Executive Director Bob Zuckerman. RiverCenter is a nonprofit organization that develops business and tourism in the borough.

"We've reached out to all the restaurants in the footprint, and they are ready to roll out tables and chairs," he said.

He said there are new programs being considered, and games for young people to enjoy during the day. And RiverCenter is working with the town Recreation Department to develop other programming.

"Red Bank has to compete with the beach towns in the summer," Zuckerman said. "It is vital to have this back."

A rollout of Broadwalk for July 22 may be optimistic, he said; a lot depends on the final paving and the weather. But Zuckerman said the bollard system to cordon off the space is installed and ready to go. The bollards, or low poles, will remain in place and can be lowered automatically using a key when the street is reopened. Zuckerman said the Broadwalk has been authorized through Labor Day.

The borough put out an alert Friday regarding the paving project. Montana Construction will mill and pave Broad Street from Front Street through Harding Road. The schedule for Monday includes milling starting south of the Front Street intersection and working south on Broad Street toward Harding Road.

Certain streets will be local traffic only, including Mechanic Street, White Street, Monmouth Street (east of Maple), Peter's Place, Canal Street and Reckless Place. The road will be milled in sections and will be reopened as they move south to the extent possible, the towns said.

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