Downtown Beautification Grants - Project Set to Begin November 1

[Susan Goetz]

I am excited to announce that the Township Committee passed a Resolution at its Monday night meeting accepting a bid with THINK PAVERS for the Main Street Beautification Project. This project is made possible by two grants from the State DOT. This phase of the project, focused on the sidewalks on the western side of Main street from the Post Office to Schoolhouse Lane, includes brick sidewalks, blue slate for the section between the sidewalks and the street, restructuring of the intersections at Main Street and Park Place to comply with ADA requirements and to make this intersection safer for both drivers and pedestrian. In addition, the contractor will modify the intersection at Main Street and Schoolhouse Lane to also increase safety and allow the sidewalks to be ADA compliant. In response to an overwhelming expression of support by the community, the project will include the addition of lower level lighting within the project area with removal of selected unhealthy trees and the planting of new trees. In addition, there will be additional street signs and directional signs which will provide information for downtown businesses and municipal offices.
This project has developed as a result of a dedicated group of volunteers and a series of public meetings where members of the community expressed their preferences and wishes for the downtown business district.

While you can begin to see certain mark outs for the intersection adjustments now, actual construction will not begin until November 1 in order to give the children in our community the opportunity to parade, show off their costumes and Trick or Treat down Main Street. You might remember that they missed this last year due to a particularly nasty "Super Storm."

The entire project should be completed within 2 months, weather permitting. During this period, there may be some inconvenience on the western side of the street and we urge everyone to be cautious and watch the signs.Children walking to school from the north part of town will need to utilize the eastern sidewalk during this period. Information will be disseminated by the school concerning the project implication on the students.

This is an exciting project for our Community and one that will enhance the overall look of the downtown while being respectful of the historic nature of the Village. If you have more questions or seek specific information, please reach out to me at SGoetz@Cranbury-NJ.com

Thanks again to the Downtown Beautification Committee for their hard work and vision. We are all lucky to have them dedicate their time to this project.