HAZLET – A bond ordinance appropriating $4.95 million for capital improvements in Hazlet has been introduced by members of the Township Committee.
On Sept. 18, members of the governing body unanimously voted to introduce an ordinance that would, if adopted, appropriate funds to finance road improvements, building renovations, the acquisition of equipment and the removal of underground materials.
Bonds or notes in the sum of $4.69 million will be issued to pay the expenses. The township will appropriate $247,250 as the down payment on the work, according to the ordinance.
The capital improvements noted in the ordinance are as follows:
• Road improvements, including improvements to Copperfield Court, Franciscan Way, Fulton Place, Garrison Drive, Hogarth Street, Poole Avenue and Randolph Place, $2,195,000;
• Renovations to police headquarters, $2,175,000;
• The acquisition of sport utility vehicles and a brush debris dump truck with a plow, $400,000;
• The acquisition of a brine application system, $75,000;
•The removal of underground storage tanks and associated closure of the Fuel Depot, $100,000.
The capital improvements ordinance is scheduled to have a public hearing on Oct. 2. Residents may comment on the ordinance at that time. The council may adopt the ordinance following the public hearing.
In other business during the meeting on Sept. 18, members of the governing body passed a resolution that authorizes a municipal lien to be placed on several properties in Hazlet that have not been maintained.
According to the resolution, there are several properties that have overgrown grass and weeds that pose a “hazardous condition to the health and welfare of residents.” It states that “The township has undertaken the necessary cleanup to preserve the health and welfare of the area residents and correct this dangerous situation.”
The cost to clean the properties, as well as an administrative fee, will be recognized as the municipal lien which must be satisfied before a property may be sold. The properties are 140 Munro Ave., $550; 13 Hazlet Ave., $450; and 55 Thorne Place, $450. The resolution establishing the lien did not disclose whether the properties are vacant or occupied at this time.
