SAYREVILLE – The Sayreville Borough Council has adopted a $2.6 million bond ordinance intended to improve a street in the borough.
The ordinance, adopted on Oct. 10, provides $2.6 million for improvements to Pulaski Avenue. The $2.6 million includes a $1.1 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, according to the ordinance.
To help further cover the cost of the improvements, the ordinance also authorizes the issuance of $1.5 million in bonds or notes, which will finance part of the total price.
Prior to the ordinance’s adoption, resident Barbara Kilcommons asked during the public hearing why the improvements to Pulaski Avenue were so expensive. Borough Engineer Jay Cornell said a portion of the costs were due to approximately $800,000 in water improvements.
“The borough water department has recommended that all galvanized [steel pipes with a zinc coating] water services be replaced when roads are reconstructed,” Cornell said. “And they’re telling us that there are galvanized water services on Pulaski Avenue. Unfortunately, they’re not sure how many. So we have to anticipate that all of the services need to be replaced.”
Additionally, Cornell stated that the storm sewer system was being redone where needed as part of the improvements.
Chief Financial Officer Wayne Kronowski said the net interest cost over the life of the bonds, 11 years, was approximately 1.9 percent.
After residents had the opportunity to speak on the ordinance, Council President Daniel Buchanan and council members Victoria Kilpatrick, Pat Lembo, Ricci Melendez and Mary Novak voted in favor of its adoption. Councilman Steven Grillo was absent.
