News
Stimulus Funding Underwrites Construction Of Fair Haven Streetscape West
By Ryan Fennell
FAIR HAVEN - After receiving approximately $886,000 in stimulus funding for the continuation of the Borough's streetscape improvement project, Fair Haven is ready to begin Phase II of the streetscape plan that will encompass the area starting at Borough Hall and moving West to Smith Street.
Borough Engineer Rich Gardella said that the scope of the work to be done would include new concrete curbs, sidewalks, driveway aprons, landscaping and lighting.
Gardella said he is also looking into the possibility of creating delineated parking spaces for on-street parking.
He also said that a primary focus of the project would be to promote pedestrian safety and attempt to slow down the traffic in the downtown area.
The project also includes the widening of sidewalks in certain sections and the installation of benches and trash and recycling receptacles.
"As we move down toward the downtown the idea is to soften the sidewalk appearance and give it a more pedestrian feel and also trying to slow down some of the traffic that goes through the area," Gardella said. "Obviously we've got a mix of businesses, residents, and our firehouse and we'll need to keep that all in mind when we do the project."
He said that the Borough has worked closely with the contractor to make sure that the impact in the downtown would be minimal.
According to Gardella the Borough intends to bid out the project next week and expects to award a contract on April 26 with an anticipated start date in the first week of June.
Gardella said the project is expected to take four months averaging 600 to 700 feet of curb per day.
"As we go through the process we only remove what we can do in a given day. We don't get too far ahead of ourselves," Gardella said.
He anticipates the project to be completed in early October.
Council President Jon Peters called the project "good stimulus policy."
"This is an example of things that will actually help," Peters said.
