|
|
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
County Interlocal Agreement Supports Hamilton Township Revitalization
|
The Atlantic County Board of Freeholders will vote on an interlocal agreement with Hamilton Township for improvements to two county streets located in Mays Landing at its May 3 meeting. The improvements to portions of Main Street (CR 559) and Mill Street (CR 616) are included in the township's plans to revitalize the downtown area. The county is currently working to renovate the historic court house on Main Street to accommodate the needs of the County Clerk, the County Surrogate, the Board of Freeholders, the Board of Elections and the Tax Administrator.
County Executive Dennis Levinson anticipates approval of the agreement by the freeholder board. "We have been in negotiations with township officials for quite some time to bring this project to fruition. The consolidation of county services has been a priority and this of course combines the revitalization with this ongoing goal."
Hamilton Township Mayor John Sacchinelli stated that he and township committee members were appreciative of the county's commitment and cooperation in its efforts to revitalize Mays Landing, the county seat.
The agreement calls for improvements to Main Street, from the intersection of Mill Street to the intersection of Rt. 50, and Mill Street, from Rt. 40 to the intersection of Old Harding Highway. They include curb replacement and paving in addition to upgrades to the existing drainage system at the intersection of Mill Street and Old Harding Highway. The project has already received approval by the township as well as the freeholder's road and bridges committee.
Freeholder Steven Johnson, a Mays Landing resident, also praised the agreement and noted that downtown Mays Landing has both historic and economic significance. "The revitalization of our county seat will benefit township residents as well as all county residents."
With the approval of the Board of Freeholders, the township will proceed with the design and bidding of construction. The county will reimburse the township a portion of the construction costs, estimated at slightly less than $1 million, through its self funded $10 million highway improvement program. The township hopes to combine the county funds with state funds for streetscaping and sidewalk replacement.
Upon completion of the work, the agreement calls for the county to convey the right of way of Mill Street to the township, thereby giving it control and responsibility to maintain it as a municipal street. Main Street will remain a county right of way but will be managed and maintained by the township, including snow removal and street sweeping.
For more information, please contact Glen Mawby, Intergovernmental Liaison, at (609) 343-2229. |
| |
|
|
|
|
