$1.6M bond
would fund
bevy of items
MIDDLETOWN — Officials feel confident that more township-wide capital improvements are a capital idea. And they introduced a $1.6 million bond to prove it.
The bond ordinance, introduced at the March 18 meeting, is designed to finance long-term improvement projects. It comes on the heels of the approval of a $4,970,725 bond to fund capital improvements in the form of road repairs to more than 50 township roads – the largest program of its kind ever to be undertaken in Middletown.
"As with the road improvement program, this is just another step toward our goal of maintaining an excellent quality of life in Middletown," said Mayor Patrick Parkinson.
Capital improvements are defined as long-term improvement projects, including the repair of infrastructure. While the bond to fund road improvements was passed with no public comment, the other, for "various improvements and purposes," was just introduced. A public hearing is scheduled for April 1.
While the two bond ordinances, totaling more than $6.5 million, will be the foundation of funding for the improvements, various anticipated state grants will offset bond payments.
The $1.6 million in bonding will provide funding for:
• passive and active recreational facility improvements, such as the upgrading of various athletic fields, the miniature golf facility at Tindall Park, and three roller hockey rinks at Kunkel, McMahon and Normandy parks;
• turf and irrigation upgrades to systems at various parks, including Nutswamp, Bodman, McMahon and Normandy parks and the West Front Street soccer fields
• resurfacing of various basketball courts, pathways and roadways
• the installation of fencing backstops and benches in a variety of places
• the creation of the township’s first skateboard park on Pulsch Street;
• the upgrade of Lincroft Village Green on Route 520 and Phalanx Road
• conversion of the former Banfield Moving and Storage building on Church Street to a community arts center;
• Public works department and fire academy enhancements to maximize municipal services;
• expansion of the Emergency Operations Center; and
• the upgrade of planning department’s mapping.