Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti today announced $161.25 million in Fiscal Year 2024 Municipal Aid grants.
543 cities and towns across the state receiving funds to advance road, bridge, safety, and quality-of-life improvements, demonstrating the Department of Transportation’s Commitment to Communities.
Despite submitting letters of support from Beth Medrash Govoha, Fire District Administrator Yehuda Beer and Chief Jonathan Yahr, Senator Robert Singer, Ocean County Engineer John Ernst, and Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Chairman Justin Flancbaum, Lakewood Township was not awarded most of the State Aid grants they sought.
Earlier this year, Colliers Engineering on behalf of the Township, submitted applications for grants to install a bike path on a 2.95 mile path around Lake Carasaljo, as well as to upgrade the pedestrian sidewalks and crossings in the downtown area, as well as to repave 4th Street from Park Ave South to School Garden Street, Ridge 4th Street from Ridge Ave East to 4th Street, Clover Street from School Garden Street to Ocean Avenue, Rosebank Street, Park Avenue, Leonard Street, and to repave 6th Street from Lexington Avenue to Marys Lane, East 7th Street from Princeton Ave to Park Avenue, and East 9th Street from Park Ave to E. End Ave.
Colliers wrote to the state:
The population has continued to increase exponentially over recent years and the scale of concern goes far beyond the data available in the reports provided. Due to natural population growth, migration, economic development opportunities, affordable housing, and cultural, educational, or religious factors, Lakewood is the most populous township in Ocean County and the 5th largest in the State, at almost 140,000 as per the 2020 US Census. In addition to the sheer vehicle and pedestrian volume surge on the roadways, this growth has led to many new homes, apartments, and subdivisions being constructed which has necessitated the frequent need for utility upgrade and relocations, degrading the condition of the road surface.
A well-designed and secure roadway system will not only facilitate convenient access to these public facilities but also contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life for residents and visitors alike. By prioritizing the development and maintenance of safe roadways, we can foster a harmonious and flourishing environment that supports the diverse needs of this thriving community.
The Township submitted letters of support from Beth Medrash Govoha, Fire District Administrator Yehuda Beer and Chief Jonathan Yahr, Senator Robert Singer, Ocean County Engineer John Ernst, and Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Chairman Justin Flancbaum specifically for the grants for 4th Street from Park Ave South to School Garden Street, Ridge 4th Street from Ridge Ave East to 4th Street, Clover Street from School Garden Street to Ocean Avenue, Rosebank Street, Park Avenue, Leonard Street.
The Township did not submit any letters of support for grants to repave 6th Street from Lexington Avenue to Marys Lane, East 7th Street from Princeton Ave to Park Avenue, and East 9th Street from Park Ave to E. End Ave.
Today, DOT announced their grant awards - $550,000 to Lakewood to repave 6th Street from Lexington Avenue to Marys Lane, East 7th Street from Princeton Ave to Park Avenue, and East 9th Street from Park Ave to E. End Ave.
The total cost of this project is $1,151,527.50.
DOT denied all of the other grants that the Township sought. BMG's support did not help get those grants.
Project applications were evaluated and rated on their merits by NJDOT staff and reviewed by an independent panel of New Jersey municipal engineers, DOT stated in a press release.
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2 comments:
To be fair, why should the state send money for road improvements due to our government’s rubber stamping pretty much every building application put before it which has caused the degradation of our roads? It’s the typical Lakewood attitude of build now and figure out how to support it later.
The state is expected to pay for repairs caused by overbuilding??
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