Milltown to receive funds toward park renovations

Staff Writer

By nicole c. vaccaro

MILLTOWN — Since taking office in November, Councilman Gerard Cappella has considered renovating Millpond Park a personal goal.

"I take my responsibilities as council liaison to the borough’s park committee very seriously," he said. "And I firmly believe that [Millpond Park] has the potential to be the heart and soul of this town."

Last spring, Cappella contacted Middlesex County Freeholder Director David Crabiel to inquire about grants toward park renovations.

Just this week, Crabiel informed Cappella that the borough would be receiving $50,000 from the freeholders to be used toward engineering costs.

These costs can include conceptual drawings, grant and subgrant applications, etc.

In addition to the $50,000 grant, Cappella was informed that the borough would also receive an additional $500,000 via the Middlesex County Park Improve-ment Fund.

"This was incredible news to receive," said Cappella. "This project has been my baby from the start, and I’m so excited to see it so close to becoming a reality."

Cappella contacted Greg Valenti of CME Associates, Parlin, who was able to come up with architectural renderings for park renovations.

Estimated costs for the project total $1.7 million, almost half of which would be funded by way of these two grants.

During the Oct. 10 Borough Council agenda meeting, Cappella presented these drawings to the governing body and moved that it formulate an interlocal agreement to pursue the project.

"We already have approval for $550,000 in grants and we haven’t even begun searching for others yet," said Cappella. "I am confident we will be successful enough in doing so that the municipality’s portion of the bill would be minimal."

Other grants the borough may be eligible for include those similar to the Green Acres grant.

If all goes according to plan, Cappella would like to see the project started as close to the first of the year as possible.

So far, planned renovations include the building of a dock, a handicap accessible promenade, installation of fountains in the pond, jogging trails, and dredging of the dam along the first aid building side.

"This is a working concept, but the end result will be a beautiful place for entire families to spend the day," said Cappella. "The Lawrence Brook as a whole should not go to waste any longer. It should be used for activities such as fishing and non-motorized boating."

The council is expected to vote on the agreement at Monday’s meeting.

Drawings of the proposed renovations are available for viewing in the borough clerk’s office.