Freehold Borough Council Approves $1M for Road Improvements

The Freehold Borough Council approved an ordinance appropriating $1 million for road improvements during its regular meeting the evening of Monday evening.

The price tag includes a $200,000 municipal aid grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Division of Local Aid and Economic Development. The NJDOT awarded the funds for road work on Bowne Ave. The municipality will make up the remainder on the capital improvement project with a bond for $760,000 and a $40,000 down payment.

The funds will be used for road and sidewalk improvements on Bowne Ave. and Hull Ave. and for design work for improvements to Stillwell Pl. and West George St., according to Borough Council President George Schnurr.

Borough Councilman Michael DiBenedetto noted that the town may be able to use the appropriation for upgrades to additional roads and sidewalks depending on what quotes are received during the bidding process. On Friday, the borough placed a legal advertisement calling for bids and setting a deadline for April 28.

The governing body voted unanimously to approve the ordinance. Mayor Michael Wilson was absent.

In addition to the four streets listed in the ordination, a portion of Throckmorton St. is included in the borough's road improvement plans for 2011, Councilman John Newman said. An advertisement for bids on Throckmorton St. work is expected to be placed on Thursday, according to Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina.