West Milford requests state help for road projects

Resolutions asking the state of New Jersey for money to address some local road quality needs were adopted by the Township of West Milford Council at a recent local governing board meeting.

One of the township’s documents requests state approval to submit a grant application and to execute a grant agreement with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) for the milling and resurfacing of Clinton Road – Section 5 between Passaic County Bridge 177 and Stephens Road.

The grant application request is for $525,000 from the state. The township contribution to the project would be $340,000. The estimated cost for the project is $865,000.

A second resolution requested approval to submit a grant application and execute a grant agreement with the NJDOT for bikeway improvements to Westbrook Road between Ridge Road and the Westbrook Park Teen Center. This proposed project would include widening and resurfacing the road, and stormwater compliance. The resolution noted the NJDOT is accepting applications for the fiscal year 2023 Bikeway Program.

Estimated cost for the project involving the bikeway is $966,000. The grant request from the state is for $580,000. West Milford’s contribution would be $386,000.

A third resolution requests approval to submit a grant application and execute a grant agreement with the NJDEP for the milling and resurfacing of Maple Road for 1.6 miles. Estimated cost for this project is $945,000. The grant application is for $567,000 with the township contribution being $378,000.

Tree removal

In other business the council authorized the expenditure of funds to pay for tree removal services from Tree King of Landing, NJ, increasing the amount of money for tree removal services from $10,000 to $23,000.

House demolition

The council adopted a resolution that said the condition of a house at 157 Marshall Hill Road posed a risk to the health, safety and welfare of residents as the building had fallen into disrepair and continued to deteriorate, being open to the elements and wildlife.

The document went on to say the property owner was deceased and relatives were not caring for the property. The zoning officer provided a report of the work proposed and the steps taken to have the situation resolved.

The township zoning officer recommended razing the house to eliminate the hazardous condition. Total cost for the work was estimated at $9,500. A lien is being placed on the property for all expenses incurred.

VFW headquarters

A lease with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7198 for use of a concession stand that was at Lake Melody was authorized in a resolution adopted by the council. The lease, at the cost to the VFW of $1 per year, is for a period of 10 years. The lease runs from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2032.

The agreement says the VFW members are willing to improve, repair and maintain the property as well as to install Americans with Disability (ADA)-compliant toilet. All improvements will be made without reimbursement to the VFW.

Fireworks for UGL community

The Township of West Milford has authorized a special permit application for the Upper Greenwood Lake Property Owners Association (ULPOA) to hold a fireworks display, conducted by Garden State Fireworks Company, for the UGL community at their launch area Aug. 27, with a Sept. 3 rain date. The resolution authorizing the in-community event says ULPOA must arrange for traffic and crowd control with the West Milford Police Department. Police must be hired and paid for the ULPOA, since this is a private community event.