Letter From Mayor: Update on Roads and Bulkheads

Mayor Jay Gillian posted an open letter to citizens on Friday that outlines infrastructure improvement projects currently under way.

March 22, 2013

Dear Friends,

Since Wednesday was the first day of spring, I thought it was a great opportunity to share with you some of the details of the city’s 2013 capital plan.

For many years, the city allocated approximately $5 million per year toward capital projects, with between $1 million and $2 million going toward road and drainage improvements. This year, due to sound financial planning and the adoption of responsible operating budgets, we were in position to recommend to City Council a much more aggressive level of investment.

In January, the City Council adopted my administration’s recommended five-year capital plan, which provides for an average of $10 million of improvements, with approximately half that amount devoted to much-needed roads and drainage. Even before Superstorm Sandy hit, our plan was to increase capital spending with the objective of addressing much of our neglected infrastructure.

The city has a comprehensive approach to the capital program that benefits every area of our island. We developed this plan with input from our professionals and the members of our community. The following projects are currently under construction:

Bulkheads at:

• Battersea Road
• Glen Cove (off 10th Street)
• 12th Street
• 16th Street (with new tide check valve.)
• Tonga Harbor (off Tennessee Avenue)
• Marcus Harbor (off Tennessee Avenue)

Paving projects at:

• 7th Street from West Avenue to the Boardwalk
• 8th Street from West Avenue to the Boardwalk
• 11th Street from Central Avenue to the Boardwalk
• Pennlyn Place (entire length)
• West Avenue from 8th Street to 9th Street

A major road and drainage improvement project for Merion Park is in the design phase. Consulting engineers and city staff are working closely with neighborhood residents in the planning of this long-awaited project. The administration’s intention is to have this project out to bid by summer for a fall construction start.

The utility companies are also undertaking a great deal of work between now and summer. I have directed our team to make certain that the repaving of these areas is done in the appropriate manner. Please be aware that currently many of the areas that appear to be in disrepair are only temporary restorations. Weather conditions will soon allow these areas to be properly repaired.

As you can see, the City Council and I are committed to improving the infrastructure of our town. I hope you can be patient with us as we rebuild roads and bulkheads. I look forward to continuing to work with City Council and our residents on future capital plans.

You can review the full five year capital plan on our web site: www.ocnj.us

Warm regards,

Jay A. Gillian
Mayor