VILLAS — Engineer Andrew McTague updated Township Council on capital projects during a meeting Oct. 20, saying many of them are progressing as expected.
McTague said Rotary Park renovations are in the final design stage, with public bidding expected later this month.
A second contract was added to the bayside outfall pipe extensions, and McTague said the first contract work started Oct. 15.
“It will be completed in February 2026 for Ocean, St. John’s, Frances and Woodland avenues in the Villas,” McTague said.
Contract two was scheduled for public bidding Oct. 22, with a bid open set for Nov. 13.
McTague said the work for the second contract is anticipated to be completed before April 1, 2026. Outfall pipes under the second contract include those at Arbor, Shadeland, Wildwood, Broadway and Spruce avenues.
The pre-construction meeting for the reconstruction of Ridgewood Avenue is expected to be scheduled for late October, upon approval from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
McTague said they are working with the Department of Public Works on the 2023 Stormwater GIS mapping services to get the information needed, and plan to meet the deadline of Jan. 1, 2026.
The permit process is still in progress for the David Douglass Senior Memorial Park renovations.
McTague said the Department of Environmental Protection CAFRA permit and the freshwater wetlands transition area waiver were submitted July 9, while the Army Corps of Engineers section four permit was submitted Aug. 8.
The new Public Works building design is in the final stage and bid opening was scheduled for Oct. 29.
The proposed work includes a new administration building with associated utilities and a new site layout, which would eliminate the southern entrance to improve safety.
Another project is the storm sewer roadway improvement project to alleviate flooding along Holmes, Hughes and Scott avenues.
“The project is in coordination with the Lower Township Municipal Utilities Authority,” McTague said. “We are pushing that construction start time until fall 2026 as we are seeking New Jersey Infrastructure Bank funding.”
The Lower Township municipal pool building is in the final design phase, and public bidding is expected in early November. The township was awarded $400,000 for the project, which includes replacing the building.
The reconstruction of Beach Avenue was completed in late August. McTague said the contractor was given a punch list of some outstanding items, but the work is mostly complete.
“Concrete driveways are being poured this week for the resurfacing of Cardinal Avenue,” McTague said, adding that the paving will take place the following week to complete the work.
The Bayshore Road pickleball courts are under way. McTague said progress is moving along better than anticipated and the project is on schedule to be completed in late November.
In addition, the Clem Mulligan Sports Complex storm sewer pump station was going to be rebid with the bid opening set for Nov. 13, McTague said.
A survey is in progress for the Lincoln Boulevard and Arctic Avenue storm sewer replacement project.
McTague said said the township met with the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank on Sept. 30 and found that the project is eligible for $2 million worth of grant money and principal forgiveness money, adding that the design process will follow the survey.
By RACHEL SHUBIN/Special to the Star and Wave
