Bridge Street ownership is given to Stockton

But first, the borough has to find out how much of the street is owned by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.

By: Linda Seida
   STOCKTON — The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission is giving ownership of Bridge Street to the borough.
   But just how much of Bridge Street is actually the commission’s to give? That’s the question borough officials are trying to answer.
   To find out, Stockton needs to perform a title search of the street, Borough Attorney John Bennett said Monday.
   Mr. Bennett will investigate the cost. If the estimate exceeds $2,500, he will first notify borough Clerk Michele Hovan before authorizing a title search.
   Council President Michael Hagerty said he is concerned about the legal fees associated with the title search.
   The borough’s budget is "at its limit," he said.
   Mr. Bennett said a buyer usually confirms the title prior to an acquisition.
   "I don’t think we’re talking a huge expense," he said.
   Councilman Andrew Giannattasio said the information should be obtained now to save the borough confusion years into the future. Ownership conveys liability and responsibility, including maintenance.
   "We’re assuming we’re getting from Main Street to the bridge," Mr. Bennett said.
   But in fact, neither the town nor the commission knows where the commission’s ownership ends, he said.
   "Whatever they have, we now have," Mr. Bennett said. "We can only take what they can give us. I would assume the entrance to the bridge, but does it go all the way back to Main Street? I don’t know."
   Mr. Giannattasio said the situation may be even more complicated because not only is the commission involved, but other entities may be as well. The towpath of the Delaware and Raritan Canal is bisected by Bridge Street.
   Bridge Street was a state road, but did the entire length pass into the commission’s hands when the commission was formed in 1933? That’s the type of question a title search can answer, according to Mr. Bennett.
   "We have no documentation," he said.
   The transfer of ownership is a condition that must be met before an improvement project for Bridge Street can move forward with some of the $2 million awarded to the town last year by the commission.
   The project includes infrastructure improvements and resurfacing.
   "They’re not going to start this project until the road is transferred," Mr. Hagerty said.