LINDSEY SIEGLE Funds were approved by Little Silver for additional restoration work at the borough train station. Renovations are expected to be completed by August.
LITTLE SILVER — The Borough Council approved the expenditure of $10,000 to remove lead paint inside the Little Silver railroad station, which clears the way for completion of the renovations, expected by August.
The council voted unanimously 4-0 at its Feb. 19 meeting to approve a change order authorizing the payment, bringing the total contract up to $641,422.10.
Borough Attorney John O. Bennett III pointed out that no property tax dollars are being used to finance the project. He said it’s being paid for by grants from the federal government, the state government and NJ Transit.
Bennett explained after the meeting that one effort had already been made to remove the lead paint, but the initial work didn’t get it all. So, he said, the borough had to apply to the State Historic Preservation Office again for permission to proceed with a second round of removal, which took a lot of time.
Bennett said that, nonetheless, work has continued on the exterior of the building and the project is about one-third done and one-third paid for.
"Now we can go ahead with the enhanced removal," he said.
Bennett said the expected completion date is Aug. 4.
"I’ll like it better when I see it," Mayor Suzanne S. Castleman said.
Bennett noted the borough owns the station building and parking lot next to it on the east side of the railroad tracks. and is in charge of the project.
In other action, the borough’s newest police officer was sworn in.
Bennett administered the oath of office to Michael Lahey, a borough resident, while Lahey’s wife, Christine, held the Bible his hand rested on.
Councilman Douglas F. Ryder, chairman of the police committee, pinned Lahey’s new badge on his uniform shirt after he was sworn.
After the ceremony, Sea Bright Councilman William J. Keeler said his borough was sorry to lose Lahey, who had been a special officer there.
"But we’re glad you have him," he said.
The addition of Lahey brings the police force up to 15, including the chief.