JACKSON – The Jackson Township Council discussed the timeline of a new water main, and performed some housekeeping measures during the most recent Township Council meeting.
Council members addressed a request by Ocean County regarding lane closures for certain roads being impacted by the Municipal Utilities Authority water main project.
Township Clerk Ann Marie Eden noted that the township’s traffic safety engineer had no issue with the road closure or a waiver.
The project concerns the MUA and Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park and a 16” water main hookup on Route 537. MUA Executive Director David Harpell said in April that the six mile water main project, which was first discussed in 2014, called for the amusement park to cover half the debt service and includes a 20-30 year one percent interest loan.
Harpell said at the time that the project had faced some delays due to an issue of pine snakes believed to be within an area to be cleared from the site but that was discovered to be unnecessary.
A new water treatment plant featuring a million gallon storage tank is set to be built as part of the project which is located on Perrinesville Road near Willys Lane.
“Eleven years ago we had three separate water systems. Jackson is a big town,” Harpell said. Work on the $21 million project has begun, trees have already been cleared in preparation for it. The project should be complete within 18 months.
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Resolutions that were approved during the session include the authorization of a settlement agreement between the township and Farmingdale Woods, LLC for improvements on the development known as Hawkins Ridge.
Another resolution appointed/reappointed members of the township’s zoning board of adjustment which includes: Chairman Steve Costanzo, Vice Chairman Sheldon Hofstein, Secretary John Suttles, Carl F. Alexander Sauickie III. Dawn D’Agostino serves as Zoning Board Clerk.
Council members also voted to authorize preparation of advertisement and acceptance of bids for various projects associated with new roof installation and generator hookup and an area plan contract program grant for the Department of Recreation and Senior Services through the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.
During the council discussion period, the governing body addressed concerns regarding side walk sale permits and the need to come before the council.
Councilman Barry Calogero suggested that “we change this to eliminate the need for them to come before the council.”
Township Attorney Jean Cipriani said that could be done.
No ordinances were introduced during the latest meeting.
The council’s next meeting will be July 24.
