Grant would allow boro to fix up area near lake
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

SPOTSWOOD - - The borough will apply for grant money to help establish a walking path near the American Legion building and DeVoe Lake.

The borough administration will seek funding from the Middlesex County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to clear and fix up the tract, which leads to a local dam and quiet rest area, according to borough Business Administrator Ronald Fasanello.

Spotswood will ask for a minimum of $25,000 and maximum of $100,000, with the actual amount based on estimates being prepared, Fasanello said. The borough would have to pay for 20 percent of the project cost with its own funds.

The town would also have to pay for the entire project up front, and be reimbursed later with the county's 80 percent share, he said.

"This will require us finding some money, even assuming we get the $100,000," Fasanello said.

Only $500,000 is being awarded countywide in the next round of grants, he noted, so the chances of getting the full amount are unlikely.

The area is in sore need of cleanup, and Councilman Edward Seely said he is concerned what the cost would be to properly rid the area of concrete, pipes and other obstacles.

Council President Curtis Stollen said the area is full of brush, poison ivy, briars and other things that make it hard to navigate.

Fasanello said that years ago there was a walking path to get to the area, but the land is now overgrown with brush and vegetation. The town is looking to clear it out, fix it up and install a walkway and some lighting.

Mayor Barry Zagnit said it is believed that the area can be cleared out and a path established leading to the dam. This would give people a clear area to walk from DeVoe Avenue to the dam, where they can fish or enjoy the tranquillity.

"It would give another access point to the water," Zagnit said.

The only way to gain access now, he said, is by walking down the property behind the American Legion building.

The estimate was still being drawn up last week.

"We're working up the costs and applying for the grant," Zagnit said.