Appropriation is effort to respond to residents’ concerns.
By: David Campbell
The Princeton Township Committee unanimously introduced a bond ordinance Monday night appropriating $240,000 for roadway improvements related to a new sewer line to be installed on Princeton-Kingston Road between Poe Road and Carnegie Drive.
The appropriation represents an effort by township officials to respond to neighborhood concerns over the cost of the sewer work, which around 17 residences will be required to finance through special assessments.
Last month, the committee introduced an ordinance appropriating $453,600 for the sewer project, down from an earlier appropriation of $705,600.
According to Township Engineer Robert Kiser, the original high cost of the 1,300-foot extension was due to the roadwork that would be needed to tear up a thick concrete base to the road and then refill and repave to satisfy state Department of Transportation standards.
With the ordinance introduced Monday night, the roadwork will be paid instead through a general assessment financed by the township.
Committeeman Bernard Miller noted that, although he voted for introduction, he "remained skeptical" in light of the concerns of residents regarding the financial burden they would face.
Under the new plan, about 17 homes on Princeton-Kingston Road will bear the remaining cost for the sewer project at approximately $26,353 per household, plus the SOC’s $5,000 hookup fee if they opt to connect to the line.
In addition, the township will permit residents to pay the amount over 20 years instead of the customary 10, at the township’s 2-percent interest rate.
A public hearing for the sewer and roadwork ordinances is scheduled for May 19.

