I would like to answer questions on a number of issues raised recently. First is the issue of sewer and water on South Post Road, the section off of Old Trenton Road. The homes on South Post Road currently have private septic systems and well water. Sewers are considered a public improvement because the Township owns and maintains the sewer network. Therefore, the Township can bond for a project to bring sewers into a development. This was done most recently for the Heatherfield development on Southfield Road.
In doing this, the Township bonds for the construction of the sewers and the benefiting property owners are assessed their fair share of the total expense for the sewer project, which is payable over the bond period (typically 10 or more years). There must be a super-majority of the property owners who agree to pay for the project before the project can move forward. This is done through a survey of all benefiting property owners explaining the estimated costs involved.
It should be mentioned that sections of the Old Trenton Road area of West Windsor were not in a Sewer Service Area (SSA) until October, 2013. If homes, or property, are not in an SSA, no sewers can be constructed.
Water for South Post Road is a different issue. NJ American Water owns and maintains all water lines in West Windsor. Therefore, the construction of water lines is considered a private improvement. Township Bond Counsel was contacted for information on the Township’s funding such a project and advised that the Township could not bond for the construction of a private water line. A meeting was held with the residents to discuss this. Township staff offered to provide professional guidance to assist the residents and remains available to do so.
Second is the issue of sidewalks and bike lanes on Cranbury Road. There is a process that must be followed to develop new infrastructure, including sidewalks and bike lanes. First, we issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to a number of engineering firms that have the expertise the project needs. This is a detailed document that presents the scope of the study area and lists the elements of the study to be delivered. The study is awarded through council action to the firm selected by the Township Engineer based on responsiveness to the RFP and cost. In this case, the review will be made by both the county and township engineers because Mercer County has jurisdiction over Cranbury Road.
Once the study has been completed, which in this case will include open, public, review meetings, the elements of a construction project are selected. The next step is to award a contract to an engineering firm, by council action, which will result in the preparation of detailed surveys, plans, and specifications for construction in coordination with Township staff. This is required for the open, public bid process to determine a firm for construction, the contract for which is also awarded by council action.
Once the construction bid is awarded, an inspection engineering firm is selected to monitor the work as the construction proceeds, again through contract approved by council. While the process is involved, council action is required for every expenditure. Specific to the bike lanes and sidewalks for Cranbury Road, the topography is very challenging in certain areas with high embankments right at the road`s edge, as well as the challenges created by existing trees, utility poles, and environmental constraints. We will see what the study shows and the firm recommends.
Another issue is the purchase of the “Acme” woods. Once again, a defined process must be followed, especially if the Township is to recover money used for purchase from the state and county. State-approved appraisers need to be used by the Township to set the value of the land to be purchased.
In this case, there have been appraisers for both parties — the Township and the owner — and the values were apart. The parties agreed to a third appraisal to be shared by both the Township and owner. The agreement is being finalized and will go to Council for approval. After which the appraiser can be hired to provide another independent valuation.
Finally, I would like to advise your readers that there is a lot of development that is in the pipeline for West Windsor. Certainly the Ellsworth’s approval from the Zoning Board begins a project that will provide a walkable addition to West Windsor’s downtown area. The Windsor Plaza continues to attract quality tenants with an emergency care facility just opened and the organic grocer, Mrs. Green’s, under construction. The JCC has new ownership; will complete construction in January; and will become a taxable business for West Windsor. Corner Bakery in MarketFair is nearing the completion of its construction and should open in January.
After the New Year, I’m sure that we will see additional applications and projects move through the development processes.
M. Patricia Ward
Director, Community Development
