Funding ‘Pipeline’ Boosts Borough Projects

WOODBINE – Woodbine Borough Council heard a lengthy briefing July 16 of projects, anticipated, aspirational and completed, that are helping to create a better environment for residents in which to live.
“These various projects, all funded or to be funded by various grants, keep us moving forward and the development we started several years ago from this type of funding continues with these recent initiatives”, said Mayor William Pikolycky.
Road Improvements
For example, one project cited during the meeting was the Heilprin Reconstruction Project for drainage improvements. Heilprin is a primary access for properties along that road, including the Woodbine Developmental Center, and interconnects the Woodbine downtown residential area with Sumner Avenue. This area, especially at the intersection with Webster Avenue and Clay Street, historically floods during storms and the floodwaters consistently cover the entire width of the roadway.
“Woodbine received a grant of $230,000 for this project from the N.J. Department of Transportation Local Aid Infrastructure Fund for this work. We’re going out to bid for the contract and bids will be opened on August 12 at 10 a.m. We anticipate awarding the contract at the August council meeting,” continued Pikolycky.
Head Start Building Renovations
Also July 16, Woodbine held a public hearing on renovations to its Head Start building. The hearing covered relevant federal and state guidelines regarding the project and sought citizen as well as Borough Green Team comments and recommendations.
“This is a 40-year-old building and we are applying for a Small Cities grant that helps development of facilities for low and moderate income citizens which will greatly help the residents of the borough,” said Bruce Graham, borough engineer.
“It’s another facility that helps improve our neighborhood revitalization efforts, and as we look back a few years to the fire station rehab, reconditioning the borough’s water tower and various street and homeowner rehabilitation efforts, we can feel really proud of what we’re accomplishing,” commented Graham. 
A resolution approving submission of this grant request will be held at council meeting next month, followed by a public comment period, so that the borough can turn in its grant request by the deadline of September 11.
Bikeways Extended
Another project of significance that will be funded by a state grant is the borough’s pedestrian safety and bikeway improvements. The state Department of Transportation awarded Woodbine funding of $240,000 to purchase and install bike racks for its community school/library/gymnasium complex and to construct an extension of the Heilprin Avenue bikeway to the complex.
“The award allows us to connect our bike path system to our eco-park and also supports biking not only in the borough but also in the County by linking what we’re doing with other bikeways in adjoining municipalities,” said Pikolycky.
Kids’ Carnival
Councilwoman Mary Helen Perez announced that the Woodbine Kids Carnival will be held at Lincoln Park Aug. 8 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. “All are heartily welcome and invited,” she said.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.