HIGHTSTOWN: Funds still sought for walking bridge

By David Kilby, Special Writer
   HIGHTSTOWN — The Greenway Pedestrian Bridge Committee has come a long way since 9-year-old Taylor Bell suggested a new walking bridge over the Peddie Lake spillway almost four years ago, but the cost for the project still is keeping it from being completed.
   Darek Hahn, chairman of the committee, gave a presentation on the most recent developments in the bridge project at the Hightstown Borough Council meeting Monday.
   The committee is giving careful attention to the aesthetics of the design due to the historic significance of the bridge, which is located at the very spot where John and Mary Hight founded Hightstown in the early 1700s.
   The pedestrian bridge and dam also represent the original spot of the Gross Brothers Feed Mill, which used to be the first building travelers saw when arriving in Hightstown from the east until the mill burnt down in 1920.
   The new bridge will tell the history of Hightstown in donated medallions made by local artists, Mr. Hahn shared in his presentation.
   ”The bridge and (Memorial) Park have been the center of community activity for at least 100 years,” Mr. Hahn said. “We owe it to our kids and ourselves to continue to encourage community involvement, improve our town and tell our history.”
   The committee originally estimated the project to cost $75,000, but now estimates the cost to be $225,000 and is asking Hightstown Borough Council to pay the remaining $150,000 required for the bridge.
   ”I can see some of your faces, and I understand,” Mr. Hahn said. “That’s what we thought. We realize it’s a big number.”
   If the borough provided the money through taxpayer dollars, he estimated the cost for each household in Hightstown to be $8 to $10 over the next 10 years.
   Mr. Hahn said the committee has received $19,000 in donations for the bridge project. The committee also has organized several fundraiser events over the past three years to help fund the project, but fundraisers only raise about $3,000 to $4,000 each, Mr. Hahn said, and, at that rate, it would take three to four years to get the money needed.
   ”I loathe spending taxpayers’ money,” Councilman Robert Thibault said. “It’s not my money. But this is a project that clearly benefits the town.”
   He recommended bonding the project and possibly finding state or federal funding.
   ”I’m not sure how comfortable I am with the bonding of $150,000,” Councilwoman Lynne Woods said.
   Councilwoman Gail Doran agreed, saying the council should revisit the issue the beginning of next year.
   Mr. Hahn said he’s willing to work with anyone in finding extra funds for the project.
   Gene Sarafin, of South Street, said there’s no point asking for grants from the state since there are too many shore communities that need grant money due to Sandy.