Almost on a daily basis, we're constantly reminded about the troubled state of the economy. I could honestly say within the last four months, the phrases "tough economic times" and "unsettling financial issues" have dominated the headlines and come up at least once during the course of our daily news cycles here at WOBM. The volatility of Wall Street and the rate of unemployment continue to be sour footnotes during the afternoon drive time. That's why when a local community is able to secure some funding for a "happy project," we like to think that not everything will be bad forever and that rosier times may soon be back. Governor Jon Corzine said so this past Monday and I'm sure we would all like to believe him.Brick Township has been awarded a million dollar matching grant by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres Program. The grant money will be used to fund the development of the Trader's Cove Marina Park located on Mantoloking Road. What makes this special is the fact that up until recently, there were developers who wanted to construct condos on the acreage and thanks to some quick thinking by officials and Mayor Steve Acropolis, they managed to purchase the property and prevent housing from ever going up on the site.
In the past, Brick has received Green Acres funding for previous projects. Some of them include the development of the Drum Point Sports Complex, Ocean Beaches 1 and 2, Frede Park, Arrowhead Park and Bayside Park - just to name a few. Mayor Acropolis attributes this latest infusion of cash as a sign that the state is happy about what the township is doing and they truly believe in the projects they have in the works. The Traders Cove Site will be developed into a park which will feature a boardwalk and promenade area, ample parking, benches, a kayak/canoe launch, a place to dock boats, spots to fish and crab and even a handicapped accessible playground and water play area for the kids. Also in the works would be a link to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Acropolis hopes families will be able to take advantage of barbeque grills and picnic grounds as early as this summer while the rest of the project is developed from now until next year.
Ironically, when the grant was announced, Mayor Acropolis never expected that the total would exceed $400,000. When they heard about the $1-million-dollar award, officials became excited and it will virtually accelerate the process. Originally, the design work was not expected to begin until next spring, but the money will help the ball get rolling now. This grant will bring total Green Acres funding for Trader’s Cove to nearly $5,000,000. Green Acres has earmarked over $3.7 million for the acquisition of the property. The Township became eligible for that reimbursement earlier this year when Mayor Acropolis signed a restricted deed preserving the property from residential development forever.
“I have always said grants are a win-win for the taxpayers,” said Mayor Acropolis. “This grant will help us invest in our community’s future while lifting some of the burden off of our taxpayers.” Acropolis says the ultimate goal is to turn the site into one of the finest waterfront parks in the Garden State and they will be taking input from the public at their usual Tuesday council meetings. Acropolis adds it is always great to hear from members of the community who care so much and want to see projects like these succeed.
by Jason Allentoff
comments/questions/suggestions - wobmnews@wobm.com
Ironically, when the grant was announced, Mayor Acropolis never expected that the total would exceed $400,000. When they heard about the $1-million-dollar award, officials became excited and it will virtually accelerate the process. Originally, the design work was not expected to begin until next spring, but the money will help the ball get rolling now. This grant will bring total Green Acres funding for Trader’s Cove to nearly $5,000,000. Green Acres has earmarked over $3.7 million for the acquisition of the property. The Township became eligible for that reimbursement earlier this year when Mayor Acropolis signed a restricted deed preserving the property from residential development forever.
“I have always said grants are a win-win for the taxpayers,” said Mayor Acropolis. “This grant will help us invest in our community’s future while lifting some of the burden off of our taxpayers.” Acropolis says the ultimate goal is to turn the site into one of the finest waterfront parks in the Garden State and they will be taking input from the public at their usual Tuesday council meetings. Acropolis adds it is always great to hear from members of the community who care so much and want to see projects like these succeed.
by Jason Allentoff
comments/questions/suggestions - wobmnews@wobm.com
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