FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Municipal officials in Freehold Township are appropriating $15.1 million for capital improvements in the community.
On May 25, Township Committee members adopted a bond ordinance that will authorize the issuance of $13.7 million in bonds or notes to finance a portion of the costs.
Financing for the capital improvements will also be provided by an anticipated $400,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT), an anticipated $290,000 grant from the DOT and an anticipated $25,000 grant from the Monmouth County Historic Commission.
The remaining costs of the planned capital improvements will be covered by a down payment of $686,000.
According to the bond ordinance, $9.46 million will provide for road improvements, including the reconstruction of Three Brooks Road, the second phase of improvements to Iron Bridge Road, improvements to Center Street and landfill closure at Burke Road.
And, $2.58 million will provide for the acquisition of a vacant parcel at 55 Jackson Mills Road. The tract will become the site of affordable housing, according to the bond ordinance.
Also, $2.44 million will fund recreation improvements, including the acquisition of playground equipment at Opatut Park, bathroom renovations at Jackson Mills Park, improvements to irrigation systems, improvements to hockey rinks, improvements to the walkway at Opatut Park, the resurfacing of tennis courts, the replacement of bleachers and picnic tables, improvements to buildings and structures, and ballfield and dugout renovations at various parks.
According to the bond ordinance, $530,000 will provide for the purchase of equipment, including computers, telephone system upgrades, body cameras, a license plate reader, mobile data terminals, a tractor, an aerator and a brush cutter.
Municipal officials said $42,000 will provide for traffic light upgrades and $36,000 will provide for improvements to the historic Georgia Road schoolhouse.
Committee members also adopted a bond ordinance appropriating $6 million for water and sewer improvements. The improvements will be financed entirely in bonds or notes.
According to the bond ordinance, $5.92 million will provide for improvements to the municipal water system and $138,000 will provide for improvements to the municipal sewer system.