Officials see a busy year.
By: Shanay Cadette
WEST WINDSOR As West Windsor enters a new year, a vast array of improvement projects or preparatory studies may finally get under way, some of which having been planned for years with the money to pay for them already in the bank.
First up is the Grovers Mill Pond dam the township expects to repair with $450,000 that was appropriated 11 years ago, Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh said. Work on the dam which was classified as a dangerous structure by the state several years ago should begin soon.
The township also hopes to start work on the cleanup of Grovers Mill Pond. Federal approval is still needed before the cleanup begins, but $500,000 from the Army Corps of Engineers has been set aside for the project so far.
Funds have also been appropriated for the feasibility study for a proposed bus rapid transit system in the region. Some $914,000 in state funds has been set aside for the study that’s currently under way, but it won’t be completed for about 18 months. It could also take years before a proposed transit system could be in place, but "at least I’m happy to see that now we started," Mayor Hsueh said.
Council President Kristin Appelget added the township must be willing to reach out to development consultants to find the best solutions for traffic and parking concerns at the Princeton Junction train station, as well. There are many West Windsor residents who’ve been on the waiting list for parking near the station for five or more years.
The township needs to know "are we under-utilizing space? Is there a better use?" Ms. Appelget said. "I think we just need to have some political will to get it done."
Pedestrians and bicyclists also have new projects to look forward to seeing started in the new year.
A $100,000 grant from the Department of Transportation will help the township construct a bike path to Plainsboro once officials reach an agreement with Public Service Electric & Gas Co. over the use of a portion of its property. Mayor Hsueh said the path will wind through Mercer County Park, West Windsor Community Park and on a bridge to be constructed over Bear Brook. The township already received a $200,000 federal grant for the bridge.
Township officials also expect to see the Department of Transportation’s designs for the Alexander Road bridge in 2004. Mayor Hsueh said he’s not sure what the bridge will look like, but it won’t be as narrow as the current one and will leave room for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Other issues that have been on the back burner for several months or years will inch along toward resolution in 2004.
Mayor Hsueh said the township hopes to iron out transportation concerns before any firm decisions are made about the 653-acre Wyeth property bordered by Route 1 and Quakerbridge and Clarksville roads. Formal plans are still up in the air for the massive property, although a mixed-use development idea has been proposed by the Rouse Co., a leading development firm.
"Residents are very concerned about traffic implications," the mayor said.
"Personally, I’d like to know what they’d like to do in that area," Ms. Appelget said. "Of course, that depends on the economy."
Officials are also looking forward to the long-awaited release of the environmental review of alternatives for the former Millstone Bypass. The Department of Transportation is expected to detail the environmental impact, along with roadway alignment recommendations for the Penns Neck area of Route 1 at the end of January. All eyes are on that report, especially since it’s not clear whether the money needed to build the project will be available. The project will have a major influence on traffic flow in West Windsor.
"It will be nice to finally have a resolution whatever way we’re moving," with the proposed alignment, Ms. Appelget said. "It has tremendous long-term impact."
At the township level, officials hope to attract more business ratables, preserve open space, improve roadways and build more recreational facilities.
Mayor Hsueh said a new recreation area will be built with $350,000 in township funds at Duck Pond Park.
Officials also want to explore ways to save money.
Mayor Hsueh said he is looking into the possibility of starting a Green Energy program in the township to conserve energy throughout municipal buildings.
Ms. Appelget added officials will have to make tough decisions about the running of the township, specifically the escalating costs associated with services provided to the community, such as year-round leaf and brush collection.
The township has to consider "does the cost outweigh the benefit," Ms. Appelget said.