Waiting until fall can add $1.3 million in funding
to project
By charles w. kim
Staff Writer
SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Building sound walls on Route 522 section II may have to wait until the fall if the township wants some $1.35 million in aid.
"You need to wait until the fall before you can start," Township Engineer Jay Cornell of CME Associates, the Parlin section of Sayreville, told the Township Council Tuesday night.
Cornell told the council that two separate funding sources have money earmarked for the construction of sound walls on the section of Route 522 between Kingston Lane and Georges Road.
Cornell said that there is $750,000 available for the project in addition to $600,000 promised by the state Department of Transportation, and $250,000, which was secured by U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-12).
Cornell said that these funds would be added to the Middlesex County promise of up to $2.5 million to complete the estimated $6 million project.
"We’re talking $1.3 million to help us fund the sound walls. We need to go out after every single dollar. The seven-month delay is worth $1.3 million," Deputy Mayor Frank Gambatese said.
The township bonded for $12.5 million this year to finish that section of the roadway.
The first two lanes of that section were built by Sharbell Developers, Hamilton, as part of their agreement with the Planning Board to build Summerfield Estates on Georges Road.
The final two lanes were recently completed by Trap Rock Industries, Franklin Township.
Residents along the section of road asked for the sound walls while the section was first being built years ago.
Those residents cited safety and noise concerns because of how close the road comes to houses on section II.
"We agreed to put in those walls in conjunction with the construction. The road is open, and the walls are not there yet. The money is important, but there are promises," Councilman Ted Van Hessen said.
Township Manager Matt Watkins said, that if the township were to proceed immediately with the construction of the walls, those funds would be lost.
"We have to wait until fall to be eligible for the funds," Watkins said.
Councilwoman Carol Barrett said that the residents should be notified of the reason that the town may wait to build the walls.
"It is a lot of money. We want the residents to understand why we may delay," Barrett said.
Mayor Debra Johnson said that she appreciated the funding possibility but agreed promises made to residents living near the road were also important.
"I understand getting $1.3 million. But every year we seek money for this project. We made a commitment. We need public input," Johnson said.
Johnson said that there will be a special public meeting 7 p.m. Feb. 26 for residents to come and discuss the issue with the council.
"We need to meet the residents face to face," Barrett said.