Middle Seeks to Align NJ, Local Building Fees

COURT HOUSE – At the conclusion of a short meeting of the Middle Township Committee July 6, Mayor Timothy Donohue took a moment to remind residents that the home stretch of the Garden State Parkway construction project is in sight.
Donohue said the big day was coming soon when the northbound overpasses would open. “There is still work to be done,” Donohue noted, “but the opening of the northbound overpass will be a big deal.” Donohue added his wish that “before school starts we will be able to put the many inconveniences” of the project “behind us.”
Currently access to Crest Haven complex is being impacted by the construction effort.
The good news is that the work at Moore Road is a harbinger of the switchover of northbound traffic to the overpasses. Following that milestone, the months of July and August will see a focus on various ramp work.
Align Construction Fees
In other business, committee introduced an ordinance for first reading that realigns the township’s construction fees with those in the state’s Uniform Construction Code. If passed, the ordinance would allow changes in the state fee structure to be incorporated automatically in the township ordinance without the need for future resolutions.
A public hearing on the proposed ordinance will precede its second reading and consideration for adoption.
The committee also ratified its agreement with UAW Local 2327 Union for a term to run through Dec. 31, 2015 and the grant agreement for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The latter agreement is part of the $100,000 grant received by the township through FEMA and the state for installation of a new emergency generator.
Veterans Advisory Board
The township’s advisory board on veterans’ affairs continues its effort to generate support for the acquisition of the Thurston Elmer Wood American Legion Post 198 property as a county veterans’ center. The ultimate goal is a county Open Space fund grant. The effort is gaining and making visible individual and business support for the grant process.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.