JACKSON – Mayor Michael Reina, Council President Jennifer Kuhn and Councilman Mordechai Burnstein met recently with Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi and other county personnel to go over road project plans in town.
Mayor Reina told The Jackson Times, “We met with Commissioner Sadeghi, Ocean County Engineering, Ocean County Road Department and we had the meeting before the Ocean County Mayors meeting where the mayors let them know what we need or could use so we are very appreciative of that.”
The mayor said that during the hour-long meeting “we went over some planned projects, the 2025 project, the 2040 project…and what they do is throw numbers. The 2025 project doesn’t mean it will be done in 2025 and none of us will be around for the 2040 project.”
“They let us know the plans they have as far as pavement widening, lights, remarking of streets, widening streets, right of ways, things like that,” the mayor added.
“Accommodations for new construction not just in Jackson but the roads intersecting into Jackson. It was informative for both the council and the people who attended and I am very optimistic that they will be true to their word as they have been. Jackson is 100 square miles. We aren’t an easy town,” Mayor Reina said.
“Residents have brought their general concerns to our attention and we are bringing them to the county,” Kuhn said. Many of the roads in question are owned and maintained by Ocean County so they are out of the jurisdiction of Jackson Township. The town can only make requests.
Mayor Reina added, “after we identify what can be fixed and how, we are hoping to work with the county to put together a realistic schedule on making the changes we’re requesting.”
“County officials have been very receptive to our needs in the past, as is evidenced by the new light on County Line Road and Brookwood Parkway and we thank them for giving us an opportunity to continue making sure the concerns of Jackson residents are heard by the county,” Burnstein added.
South New Prospect Road Project
The governing body announced that a major road project to enhance the traffic flow and safety of South New Prospect Road will move forward this year. Currently a busy two-lane road, the county has agreed to move forward with a plan to expand it into a three- lane road.
Under the initial plan, the road is expected to be one lane northbound and two southbound lanes to accommodate the increased traffic. Over the past decade, South New Prospect Road has become one of Jackson’s main throughways connecting Howell, Lakewood, and Jackson to County Line Road and the northeastern part of the township in the Brookwood developments.
Councilman Burnstein said, “this is a game changer for the quality of life of both residents and commuters and will help increase the safety of all.”
Kuhn said, “Ocean County is listening and responding to Jackson’s needs.”
Mayor Reina added “that over the coming weeks the township will be following up with County officials on other planned improvements and upgrades and will publicize them when available.”
