Manasquan Recreation obtained a grant for $64,575.00 to improve the existing basketball courts at Curtis Park, Indian Hill Park , and Mallard Park . A bid was awarded to L & L Paving in the amount of $63,200.00. This project involves new backboards, a court surface overlay, and two tone color painting of the surface.
Currently all the surfacing of the courts is complete, with the painting being completed at Mallard Park and Indian Hill Park . Curtis Park painting should be completed after the holiday.
Bike Path Improvement
The Borough obtained a grant for $20,000.00 from the Department of Transportation for improvements to the bike path and roadways to the beach. The project will involve the resurfacing of the bike path from Main Street to the Wall Township boarder. In addition, the Borough will replace current storm water inlet grates to bike safety grates, along major roadways to the Manasquan Beach from the end of the bike path.
This project should be completed in the fall of 2004.
Playground Equipment
Mayor and Council approved a bond ordinance to replace some of the outdated equipment in our parks. Councilman Jacobson has been working with Tom Bauer (resident and local landscape architect) to develop a layout for the new equipment. The design has recently been completed and we should be purchasing the equipment under state bid shortly. It is our goal to install this equipment as soon as possible.
In addition to this work, Mayor and Council has authorized me to submit a grant application to the State for further upgrades of our equipment.
Stockton Park Project
Mayor and Council have been working with Manasquan Recreation, Manasquan - Brielle Little League and Manasquan In-line Hockey on improvements at Stockton Park . The goal is to improve the current layout of the fields, in-line rink, and location of the skate board park.
Funding for this project is a combination of Manasquan Borough funds ($180,000.00) Borough of Brielle ($60,000.00), and funds from our remaining partners in this project.
In addition, we are submitting a grant application to the State for the installation of new tennis courts at this park.
The design for the project is complete and ready to bid. We are awaiting clearance from CAFRA in order to proceed.
Inlet Comfort Station - Gazebo
The Beach Committee has been working with an architect to design and build a new comfort station at the inlet. The current comfort station is in need of repair and ADA improvements. We are awaiting CAFRA approval for the project, which we anticipate will be started in the fall of 2004.
Repair work has begun on the inlet gazebo. The flooring, rails and supports have been replaced with new material that is maintenance free. I am currently working with local contractors to finish the interior roof area. I hope to have this work done by the end of September.
South Street Paving
Monmouth County has advised me that South Street , from Main Street to the Brielle boarder, will be paved in early October of 2004. In addition ADA work will be done at intersection where handicap corners have not been installed. Letters have been sent to the property owners on this street advising them of the project and requesting that they make any changes to underground utilities now as the county may not allow a street opening once the paving is complete.
Other then the ADA work, this project does not involve curbs and sidewalks.
Coast Guard Station Project
The Borough has received grant funds for $35,000.00 from the Community Development program towards the ADA work to be completed at the Ocean Ave Coast Guard Station. Other work will be done to the interior to improve the usability of the building as well as repairs to the exterior of the structure.
Over the winter we have obtained approval from the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) for the proposed improvements.
It is anticipated that the ADA work, interior and exterior work should begin this summer and be completed for building use the spring / summer of 2005.
In addition to the work being done to the main building, the Borough has been working with the Coast Guard in Washington to improve the appearance and security of the tower site, which they retained ownership to when the property was transferred to the Borough several years ago. We plan on having a concept approved for installation of a new fence in the fall of 2005.
Perrine Blvd Water Line
The Water Department has had many problems with the water line along Perrine Blvd. The current water line, although useable, has had several water main breaks and sections of pipe have been replaced in order to make repairs.
The Public Works Committee, along with the Water & Sewer Department supervisor has developed a plan to phase in repairs over the next 9 to 12 years. By phasing in the repairs we can minimize the impact of the cost of the repairs on the water and sewer rate.
Acquisition of Sea Watch Beach
Councilman Schmeling has been heading up the committee to purchase the Sea Watch property and refreshment stand. The current owner and the Borough have signed a memorandum of understanding. A formal contract is being prepared. The purchase price is six million dollars.
We are working with the Green Acres office in Trenton to obtain grants towards this acquisition. Manasquan is a Planning Incentive Community and have an open space acquisition tax. Thus we are optimistic that we should be eligible for 50% of the accessed value of the property.
In addition, I have spoken to other non profit groups to gain their financial assistance in obtaining this property. Council has also instructed me to apply under the Monmouth County Open Space program for funding towards this project.
The goal of this acquisition is to maintain this beach and property for public use while minimizing the impact on the taxpayers of Manasquan.
Storm Water Plan
The State of New Jersey , Department of Environmental Protection, has passed regulations on water that enters streams, lakes, rivers and other water bodies, from our storm water system. The Borough is currently working to meet the timelines set out in these regulations.
Compliance with these regulations does not come without a monetary cost to the taxpayer. It will involve mapping of existing outflows, the development of best practices to minimize the impact on waterways, and some capital improvements to facilities for new and existing buildings.
Ocean Ave Comfort Station
During September of 2004 work will be done on the roof and windows of the comfort station. The roof will be replaced as will all the windows.
During the winter season we will be looking to do some other repairs to the tile floorings and walls of the bathrooms.
