FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – The Freehold Township K-8 School District will proceed with projects at two schools following a capital review of the plans by the Freehold Township Planning Board.
Attorney Douglas Kovats, school district Business Administrator Robert DeVita and architect John Veisz represented the school district during an appearance before the board on Jan. 17.
Kovats, DeVita and Veisz described one project at the C. Richard Applegate School, Jeanne Brennan Drive, and one project at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, Burlington Road.
At the Applegate school, district administrators have proposed the construction of a new outdoor hard surface play area with a new barrier-free accessible walkway and the construction of a travel path in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) from the existing early elementary grade wing to the existing playground.
Veisz said there would be about 3,000 square feet of new impervious coverage at the school property when the projects are completed.
In a unanimous vote, the board directed its attorney to prepare a positive resolution for the Applegate school project.
At the Eisenhower school, district administrators have proposed the construction of a new ADA accessible travel path from the rear of the school, across an existing paved drive, down to the athletic fields. The scope of the work will include new sidewalks, paving, ramps and railings.
There were two points of discussion regarding the Eisenhower school.
Commenting on a trash enclosure, DeVita agreed the school district would install evergreen trees around the enclosure as a means of screening it from view. Generally, the board requires a masonry wall around a trash enclosure.
And, the board’s engineer, Tim White, identified a drainage issue at the rear of the school property. He said water drains off the school property toward nearby homes. White asked the school district’s representatives to address that issue.
Veisz said the extent of the drainage issue needs to be reviewed in the field, but said the school district would work with White’s office to address the drainage concerns.
In a unanimous vote, the board directed its attorney to prepare a positive resolution for the Eisenhower school project.
Prior to hearing the application from the school district’s representatives, the board conducted its annual reorganization meeting.
Taking the oath of office and joining the board were Mayor Barbara McMorrow, for a one-year term; Township Committeeman Anthony Ammiano, reappointed for a one-year term; John Bazzurro, reappointed for a four-year term; Leon Bruno Jr., reappointed for a four-year term; Robert Shortmeyer, reappointed for a four-year term; and Kevin Asadi, reappointed for a two-year term.
Jason Levy was reappointed for a two-year term and Township Committeeman Lester Preston was appointed for a one-year term as the mayor’s designee. They were not present on Jan. 17.
Rich Gatto was elected as the board’s chairman in a unanimous vote among board members. Rob Kash was elected as vice chairman. Shortmeyer was elected secretary.
Board members reappointed Frank Accisano as the board’s attorney. This year marks Accisano’s 40th year of service to the board.
The board’s planning consultant will continue to be Paul Phillips, of the firm Phillips Preiss, Grygiel, Leheny and Hughes, LLC. Kate Keller represented the firm at the Jan. 17 meeting.
