SEA BRIGHT — With a total of more than $16 million in grant funding received to date since superstorm Sandy, this stormravaged borough is moving forward.
“The per capita in grant funding in print is eye-popping — $16,235.81,” Mayor Dina Long said. “I would say we have done pretty well.”
Long’s comments drew a round of applause from residents at a town hall meeting on March 31. They came to hear about conceptual design plans for the new borough facilities that include a beachfront community center and municipal complex.
The post-Sandy grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) totals about $16.2 million, including $8 million in funding for repair of the seawall.
In addition, $1.34 million has been provided by the state Economic Development Authority for the streetscape project; $250,000 has been allocated in planning grants; and $2,000 has been given to the Sea Bright Farmers Market by Sustainable New Jersey.
The mayor discussed some of the post- Sandy projects that are underway.
One project is an upgraded streetscape for the downtown business district running from Center Street to the Rumson bridge, funded with $1.34 million in Community Development Block Grants through the Economic Development Authority. Long said the state is close to providing the full amount of the grant to the borough. A contract is awarded, and construction will start in October with an expected completion date of spring 2016.
The elements of the streetscape project include new sidewalks with paver borders, streetlights, landscaping, bike racks and signage for wayfinding.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) project on Ocean Avenue will resurface and restripe the roadway as well as provide 4-foot-wide bike lanes in both directions from Sandy Hook to Monmouth Beach.
In addition, there will be front-out, angled parking on the west side of Ocean Avenue in the same area as the streetscape. New signage for both the bike lanes and parking will be included.
Long said the design is complete, but the schedule is dependent upon completion of work on a new water main.
The expected completion date for the streetscape is spring 2016.
Some residents expressed concerns about safety issues related to the two bike lanes, citing accidents involving bicyclists.
Resident Barbara Reich said once the bike lanes are implemented, a speed limit restriction should be placed on bicyclists.
Councilman Charles Rooney III said he understands the safety concerns that have been raised.
“This is a beach town where people ride bikes during the summer,” he said, suggesting that parking should only be on the business side of the street.
The boroughwide landscaping plan encompasses planting areas throughout Sea Bright.
Borough engineering firm T&M Associates has developed a preliminary plan that was approved by the council. The plan required DOT approval for any planting along Route 36. Additional funding would be required to implement the full plan, Long said.
New lights with banner arms have been ordered for the municipal parking lot that will be installed this month.
Hazard mitigation funding is in place to replace and raise the six bulkheads at Beach Way, Beach Street, Center Street, River Street, South Street and Osbourne Place, and a new stormwater pump station will be installed at Osbourne Place. A contractor has been selected, and a contract is being drafted, Long said.
The state has completed the purchase of the Anchorage apartment complex, and demolition is complete. The lot will be enclosed with a split-rail fence and seeded with grass in the short term. A conceptual plan was developed pro bono for a waterfront park.
“Some donated funding is identified, and discussions on how to implement the plan in a timely manner are ongoing,” Long said, adding that state approval of final plans is required.
For more information, visit seabrightnj.org.