After doing a preliminary test to determine if residents in the area would have a problem with train station workers starting construction earlier on Saturday mornings near Eighth Street, the City Council will likely grant a waiver in its noise ordinance to allow work to begin at 7:30 a.m. rather than 9 a.m.
“They’re behind schedule and would like to use this to catch up.” – Steve Gallo
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“They’re behind schedule and would like to use this to catch up,” Gallo said.
New Jersey Transit awarded the construction contract to George Harms Construction Inc. of Howell, N.J., in 2008 for work to extend the light rail line one mile from its current southern terminus at 22nd Street. The project includes the design and construction of foundations, viaduct structure, track work, intersection improvements, a new station building, landscaping, lighting, and customer amenities.
The one-mile stretch will extend the 21-mile rail line to West Eighth Street, where N.J. Transit is scheduled to construct a train station reminiscent of the historic Central Railroad Station that operated there for nearly 100 years.
The total $58.4 million light rail project, which is expected to be finished in 2010, comes after years of negotiation and study, as well as efforts by local, state, and federal officials to raise revenue.
The city’s noise ordinance allows work to begin at 7 a.m. during the week.
New police cars approved
The City Council is also expected to award a $238,150 contract to Mall Chevrolet of Cherry Hill for the purchase of 10 new 2010 Chevrolet Impala police cars. This is funded by a donation from International Matex Tank Terminals (IMTT), as well as from Urban Enterprise Zone money, cash approved through the Bayonne Municipal Utilities Authority, and a Law Enforcement Trust Account grant.
Recently, Bayonne Police Chief Robert Kubert received good news from General Motors that it would continue to build the police vehicle used in Bayonne despite its recent financial restructuring.
Meanwhile, the Bayonne fire department will sell – with council approval – two ambulances it no longer uses to the City of West New York. The vehicles have an assessed value of $45,000.
Next step for Bayonne Crossing
Bayonne Crossing, a big box mall store designated for construction on Route 440 just north of East 22nd Street, took another step forward with a council resolution that addresses the issue of neighboring properties concerning traffic safety. Cameron Group, the developer, has agreed to install additional traffic safety elements.
The council was expected to introduce an ordinance for the design and installation of a traffic safety signal at the intersection of New Hook Road and Route 440 at its July 15 meeting, and hold a public hearing at its Aug. 12 meeting.
Meanwhile, the Bayonne Planning Board gave its approval early in July to allow the mall to have up to three-drive through retail businesses on the property. This would likely include a bank and a fast food restaurant.
The mall, which still has hopes to break ground this year, will include Lowe’s Home Improvement, as well as another yet unspecified anchor store and up to 28 retail outlets, which are likely to include New York Sports Club, Longhorn Steak House, and Sleepy’s.
The City Council is expected to approve changes for drive through facilities at the July 15 meeting as well.