The North Jersey Transit Planning Authority (NJTPA) has awarded Middletown $1 million through its 2018 NJ Safe Routes to School Grant to create a safer walking environment for River Plaza Elementary School students.
The school is located at 155 Hubbard Avenue.
In partnership with the Middletown Township Public Schools Board of Education, officials applied to the Safe Routes to School Program in 2018 to obtain funds for pedestrian safety improvements along Hubbard Avenue, according to township officials.
Hubbard Avenue is a pedestrian and motorist thoroughfare to River Plaza Elementary School.
“The Township Committee and I are excited that Middletown was one of 11 towns across New Jersey to receive funding from the NJTPA,” Mayor Tony Perry said in a statement.
Prior to joining the committee, Perry worked in conjunction with Freeholder Director Tom Arnone when he was a River Plaza resident to help improve the walkability for children and parents to the school, according to township officials.
“This has been a 3-year endeavor that many of us have dedicated our efforts to, so it’s a real win for our community,” Perry said.
Some of the improvements may include sidewalk enhancements and a new barrier fence between the sidewalk and Hubbard Avenue designed to better protect pedestrians, according to township officials.
River Plaza Elementary School educates 285 pupils. Of these students, 174 live within two miles of the school campus.
“The River Plaza Elementary School community, the District and the Township have all worked very hard to put this application together and it is greatly appreciated,” said Dr. Bill George, Superintendent of Schools.
“River Plaza is an avid walking/biking community and this project will bring much-needed safety enhancements to the area,” he said.