Fed Money Project Questioned

A plan to use economic recovery money to repair a short street leading to a closed bridge drew criticism at the June 9 City Council meeting.

Councilman Cory Storch, who heard the proposal June 4 as liaison to the Planning Board, said the rationale presented at that meeting was “weak.” The project in question is for Geraud Avenue, where a bridge to North Plainfield has been out for several years. Click here for the Planning Board story.

To be considered for economic recovery funding, projects had to be “shovel-ready” and have a quick turnaround time for completion. But at the Planning Board, Storch questioned whether Geraud Avenue was “shovel-worthy.”

“We wanted the money,“ Storch said, but added, “It seems like there might be a better place.”

City Administrator Marc Dashield said the funding hinged on having projects that could be done quickly and completed within in 120 days.

But Councilman Adrian Mapp also questioned the choice and said, “I really do think we need to pick another place.”

Councilman Elliott Simmons, who represents the Fourth Ward where the site is located, objected, saying residents there deserve the improvements.

Councilwoman Linda Carter raised the question of what was being done about sinkholes near the damaged bridge and said Somerset County must be made aware of the project.

The issue of the upkeep or repair of numerous bridges between the city in Union County and the borough of North Plainfield in Somerset County has long been mulled with no agreement among the parties.

Approval of the economic recovery projects will be up for a vote at Monday’s regular council meeting, 8 p.m. in Municipal Court.

--Bernice Paglia