BY SHERRY CONOHAN
Staff Writer
EATONTOWN — The borough has completed an application to the state Department of Community Affairs for a Smart Growth grant to help fund the second phase of planning for redevelopment in the downtown district, according to Mayor Gerald J. Tarantolo.
Tarantolo said at the Sept. 8 council meeting that the borough is asking for $130,000 for a study to be undertaken as the next step. He said the application is now being reviewed before it’s actually submitted.
The mayor said the borough already has spent $11,000 on a study and has put $50,000 in the budget for redevelopment, since typically the grants require matching funds.
The council approved a resolution authorizing the University of Maryland to prepare a redevelopment plan for the “Village Area” downtown.
In other action, the council passed a resolution authorizing T&M Associates, the borough’s engineering firm, to begin design of the Route 35 and Industrial Way road improvements to ease traffic congestion. Tarantolo said construction could begin in the spring.
Borough Business Administrator Michael L. Trotta reported that Parker Road will be repaved in its entirety in Eatontown. He noted that West Long Branch is applying to the state Department of Transportation for funding to repave the part of Parker Road that lies within West Long Branch.
The council gave final passage to an ordinance raising fees for traffic violations to new higher levels authorized by the state Legislature. Most of the fines will go up by $4.

