Middle Seeks Bike Path Extension, Bus Stop Improvements

COURT HOUSE — Biking and bussing could get better for Middle Township residents next year.
Township Committee Mon., Aug. 2 announced that it would be seeking more than a half million dollars in state grants for separate transit-related projects.
According to a resolution passed by the governing body, the first grant application would seek monies from the state Transportation Trust Fund’s Bikeway Grant Program to extend the township’s bike path, presently under construction, from Shellbay Avenue to Indian Trail Road.
The second project would improve Main Street in Whitesboro with curbs and sidewalks as part of the Safe Routes to Transit Program, which enhances the ability of communities to invest in projects that make it safer to walk to public transportation.
That would help local residents using NJ Transit bus stops located on Route 9 near Main Street.
The late Melvin Williams, who resided in Whitesboro, had, for many years, advocated for sidewalks along Main Street at Township Committee meetings.
“Municipalities cannot adequately create or expand local bikeway systems and pedestrian improvements based on their own financial resources,” the resolution stated.
To facilitate those grant applications, committee passed another measure amending a professional services contract with Triad Associates, the township’s grant consultants. Triad’s contract was increased from $15,000 to $20,000.
Committeeman Dan Lockwood asked if Triad would still be paid if the township failed to receive the grants. Administrator Mark Mallett said they would.
Associated with the Whitesboro project, committee passed another resolution seeking municipal aid for 2011 from the state Department of Transportation for the reconstruction of Main Street. That project would address street improvements such as repaving that would not be included in the Safe Routes grant.
In a related matter, committee also approved NJ Transit’s plan to add two new bus stops on Route 147 (North Wildwood Boulevard) in Burleigh. One stop is set for eastbound at Massachusetts Avenue. The other would be on the westbound side at Golf Club Road.
The township agreed to enforce the traffic regulations at the stops and “provide the necessary police security to ensure the safety of the traveling public,” according to the resolution.