UPPER FREEHOLD — The Township Committee has introduced an ordinance that would amend the existing law regarding the excavation of streets.
The proposed changes could have an impact on a plan under consideration by New Jersey Natural Gas executives to construct a high-pressure gas pipeline through a portion of Upper Freehold Township.
The ordinance was introduced on Feb. 5 and is scheduled to have a public hearing at the committee’s Feb. 19 meeting. Residents may comment on the ordinance at that time. Committee members may vote to adopt the ordinance after the public hearing.
Officials said the ordinance has not been amended since 1990.
The amendments were proposed several weeks after residents raised concerns about a gas pipeline being placed in portions of the township. Residents have said the pipeline could have a negative impact on safety in the community.
According to the proposed ordinance, it would be unlawful for any person, partnership, business, corporation and public utility among other entities to deposit materials or disturb any roads in the township for any purpose without first making written application to the township clerk with a written copy to the engineer and a permit for every opening.
An application for a permit requires the location of the work area with a sketch of the project for those that are 200 square feet or less, an estimate as to the cost of the proposed work, and a written outline of the plan, among other requirements, according to the ordinance.
The township engineer will review the application for the road opening permit and make a determination of completeness within 30 days of submission. Upon determination of the application, the engineer will further review details and issue or deny a permit.
According to the proposed ordinance, for road opening permits of 200 square feet or less, the applicant must provide a cash or performance bond to the township to guarantee the opening made will be properly insured. The bond amount is $5 per square foot, and a minimum performance guarantee of $500 is required.
If the ordinance is adopted, a minor road opening up to 200 square feet will require a $250 application fee. Major linear openings will be $250 plus $1 per linear foot for the next 500 feet and so on, until the fee becomes $4 per linear foot for the next 1,500 feet and $5 per linear foot for all additional lengths.
According to the proposed ordinance, no permit will be issued to any applicant for a street surface that was paved or improved less than five years prior to the date the application is made. The exception to this regulation is if an issue regarding the public health or safety of the township or an emergency situation exists.
In addition, no permit will be issued to a project that does not “directly service and/or benefit the residence, businesses or properties immediately adjacent to the proposed improvement.” The road types in which a permit will not be issued include a residential access, residential neighborhood, minor collector, rural street or lane, cul-de-sac, alley, marginal access street, multifamily access cul-de-sac or a multifamily court.