Lower Looks to Add $500,000 to Landing Project

VILLAS – After passing a $1 million bond ordinance in October, Lower Township Council introduced a $475,000 bond ordinance Nov. 18, to fund additions to the projects.
Joseph Maffei, of Engineering Design Associates, told council that the added costs came from moving conduit to streetlights that are to be moved, along with some electric supply cables, discovered along an existing guardrail, that would need to be removed and placed underground.
Costs were also increased due to additional site clearing, Maffei said. Total costs for the additions would be $500,000.
A $950,000 bond ordinance to make Schellenger’s Landing, from the base of the Route 109 bridge (Veterans Memorial) to the bridge entering Cape May, safer for pedestrians, was approved Oct. 21.
That work will include American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible concrete sidewalks on both sides of the stretch of road, five red brick crosswalks, traffic signals, and signage and rumble strips to slow drivers in the zone.
Electric poles in the area are to be relocated, according to Maffei, which Atlantic City Electric agreed to do, as a matter of public safety, and at significant savings to the municipality.
A proposed large-lighted sign above the road was rejected by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Maffei said plans for a revised sign are being prepared for resubmission to the DEP.
Several popular eateries are located at Schellenger’s Landing, along with marinas, shops, and some homes.
William Greenfield, of Villas, asked if the dangerous practice of drivers making an illegal left turn at the Lobster House would be addressed.
“The South Jersey Transportation Authority is working on a plan to fix that, said Lower Township Manager James Ridgway. “Hopefully, what we are doing there will speed up their process.”
The second reading and public hearing regarding the bond ordinance is Dec. 2.