Freehold, county eye swap of two streets

BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer

FREEHOLD — Municipal officials and a Monmouth County representative are working on a plan to exchange jurisdiction of two streets in Freehold Borough.

Monmouth County Engineer Joseph M. Ettore appeared before the Borough Council on Feb. 17 to discuss plans for a street swap that could have benefits for Freehold Borough. He said the exchange would clear up certain issues regarding street ownership.

The areas Ettore discussed were on Throckmorton Street from Haley Street to Route 9, and from the intersection of East Main and Center streets (Elks Point) to Jackson Street. East Main Street is also known as Monmouth County Route 537.

Ettore said Monmouth County has jurisdiction on Throckmorton Street between Haley Street and Route 9. Freehold Borough’s jurisdiction of Throckmorton Street begins at Haley Street and continues into town.

“Freehold Borough plows up to Haley Street and Monmouth County plows from Route 9 to Haley Street. There is a duplication of effort from the borough and the county,” the engineer said.

The stretch of Throckmorton Street between Route 9 and Haley Street is 2,700 linear feet.

In the other instance, Freehold Borough maintains Route 537 up to Elks Point. The section of East Main Street from Elks Point to Jackson Street is 2,600 linear feet.

“We want to clear up what’s confusing,” Ettore said.

Under the plan discussed by Ettore, Freehold Borough would assume responsibility for Throckmorton Street from Haley Street to Route 9, and the county would assume responsibility for East Main Street from Elks Point to Jackson Street.

In addition, the county would investigate the feasibility of installing a traffic light at the intersection of East Main Street (Route 537) and Jackson Street. The project could be included in the county’s 2010 capital improvement plan.

Mayor Michael Wilson thanked Ettore for what he called “a very comprehensive presentation.”

Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina said a traffic light at Route 537 and Jackson Street is something borough officials have wanted for years but had not been able to obtain because of property-ownership issues. Having the county own the area would make the traffic light possible, he said.