By Deb Dawson, Special Writer
SOUTH BRUNSWICK — The Township Council will refinance some of its 2007 bonds that will save the township about $286,000 over the life of the bonds, according to Mayor Frank Gambatese.
At its meeting on Tuesday night, the council adopted a resolution providing for the issuance of refunding bonds to refinance some of the township’s general improvement, water-sewer-utility and open space bonds dated March 1, 2007.
Also at the meeting, the council discussed the difficulty for traffic going north/south on Georges Road to make a left turn going east or west on Ridge Road.
Public Affairs Coordinator Ron Schmalz said a police study showed that at the worst traffic periods it takes two signal changes to make the turn. He said the problem is due to a lack of queuing space. The traffic light is a state Department of Transportation signal and certain warrants have to be met to make any changes. He said the police study the township did does not show sufficient need.
Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray suggested the study be redone when school reopens and added that the entire infrastructure of the intersection should be considered, taking into account incoming and expanding businesses. He said businesses might want to partner with the township to try to help the intersection accommodate left turns more easily.
Councilman Charles Carley said utilities may eventually be a problem there and should possibly be run underground.
The council also discussed an ordinance to purchase an acre of open space. This will be on the agenda for the Aug. 25 meeting. The lot is located at 4084 Route 1 on the northbound side of the road just north of Whispering Woods Boulevard. The cost is $300,000. The mayor said the township has had the option to purchase the property for seven years.
A request to pave three private roads — Deans Pond West, Homestead Lane and Vineyard Lane — was also discussed . The council decided to get a list of all of the private roads in the township before deciding on any precedent-setting action.
Jacque Ruvel, director of the Aging in Place Partnership (AIPP), appeared before the council to make several requests. Among them, she wanted the township to “make the needed liability coverage for our wheelchair-accessible van available by including it as a lease option in the current liability policy the township provides” another agency. She said the van is not operational because of the expense.
The mayor said, “We don’t want to become liable for a private endeavor.”
She also asked to install an AIPP lock box with the agency’s van keys just inside the police station door to allow more options for 24/7 access. The council was amenable.
She will be working with Mr. Schmalz to place senior transit information on the township website including, all transportation options available through the county, township and AIPP.
Ms. Ruvel requested a letter of support for South Brunswick to become a member of the World Health Organization Network of Age-Friendly Livable Communities. She provided the council with material to read explaining why this would be beneficial and requested the letter by Oct. 23.
