Road upgrades top list of 2003
By: Sharlee Joy DiMenichi
Mayorelect Frank Gambatese said road construction and upgrades top the list of things to do in 2003.
Mr. Gambatese said he expects completion of the final section of Route 522, between Route 130 and Ridge Road near Route 535, and the sound walls on other portions of the road in the coming months.
He also said the Township Council will review the township’s water and sewer rates and focus on preserving open space parcels.
Mr. Gambatese will officially take the gavel as mayor Saturday, when the Township Council holds its reorganization meeting. Mr. Gambatese replaces Debra Johnson, who was the township’s first directly elected mayor.
Ms. Johnson, who chose not to run for re-election, said she supports Mr. Gambatese as mayor.
"I’m looking forward to it. Frank is a good friend and I think he’s going to be a good mayor," Ms. Johnson said.
The mayor’s position was created in 1997 when voters approved a change to the council-manager form of government.
The reorganization meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the South Brunswick Senior Center.
In addition, Chris Killmurray will be sworn in for a four-year term on the council, replacing Mr. Gambatese, and the council will make appointments to township boards and commissions and appoint its professional staff.
Mr. Gambatese said he expects the last sound walls on Route 522 to be built in 2003. Mr. Gambatese said the project will cost $6 million project and will be funded in part with state money that has been delayed by the resignation of DOT Commissioner Jamie Fox, whom Gov. James McGreevey chose to become his chief of staff. Deputy DOT Commissioner Jack Lettiere replaced Mr. Fox.
Due to the transition, the DOT has not yet released the funding the township expects Trenton to contribute to the project, Mr. Gambatese said.
"We’re just waiting. In fact, what’s holding it up is we’re waiting to get the $1.7 million from the state," Mr. Gambatese said. Mr. Gambatese said the township also expects to receive $2 million from the county for the project.
Mr. Gambatese said construction of the last section of Route 522, between Route 130 and Route 535, should be finished in 2003. The township has acquired almost all the easements needed for the project.
"In some cases other land needs to be gotten," Mr. Gambatese said.
Mr. Gambatese said a builder has not been chosen and that the township will review bids in the coming year.
Mr. Gambatese said he expects construction on the jug handles at the intersection of Route 522 and Route 1 to begin in spring 2003.
This year the council will have to decide whether to increase water and sewer rates, Mr. Gambatese said.
Mr. Gambatese said he plans to appoint a citizens review board to evaluate the township auditor’s recommendation to increase water and sewer rates. The board would consist of three members, one Democrat, one Republican and one Independent, with accounting expertise, Mr. Gambatese said.
Township Auditor David Milkosky of Ernst and Young said at a Dec. 5 meeting that the increase might be necessary. The water and sewer utility could no longer count on having its water and sewer operating budget subsidized by the surplus created in part by growing connection and permit fees collected before the sewer infrastructure was built.
The suggestions of the review board would not be binding but would be seriously considered, Mr. Gambatese said. He said the auditors would have to appear before council to justify their conclusions if the review board does not endorse their recommendation to increase the rate.
Mr. Gambatese said he would like the township to remain committed to purchasing open space and to developing parks. He said he expects Beechwoods Park along Route 1 and the sports complex at Broadway and Rowland roads to be completed next year.
Mr. Gambatese said the council will have to maintain a delicate balance between services and taxes. Tax revenues have decreased because of slowing development, and the sluggish economy has led to a decrease in the amount the township earns from its investments, Mr. Gambatese said.
"One of the things that we certainly want to do is to keep the taxes as stable as they have been," Mr. Gambatese said.
Mr. Gambatese said council members must review capital projects to see if they are necessary and avoid borrowing for the entire cost of projects at once. "We may have to phase things in," he said.

