2015 is a few weeks away, but it's shaping up to be a busy one for South Toms River. Officials have unveiled long-awaited improvements slated to begin in the coming months to make the 87-year-old Borough more pedestrian-friendly. 

(L-R) South Toms River Administrator Joseph Kostecki, Councilman-Elect Sandy Ross, Councilman Greg Handshy, Mayor-Elect Oscar Cradle, Councilman Bill Gleason (Tom Mongelli, Townsquare Media
(L-R) South Toms River Administrator Joseph Kostecki, Councilman-Elect Sandy Ross, Councilman Greg Handshy, Mayor-Elect Oscar Cradle, Councilman Bill Gleason (Tom Mongelli, Townsquare Media
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Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring on the Streetscape project along the Route 166 corridor and the west side of South Toms River, according to Borough Administrator Joseph Kostecki.  The plans include the clean-up of the Crab Road area and a new Super Wawa at the corner of Dover Road and Double Trouble Road.

"We've been able to pass a rehabilitation plan which is going to bring amazing tax incentives to our businesses along Route 166. They're going to see a five-year Tax Abatement that is going to allow them to either improve on their facilities or remove their facilities and build new ones, " said Kostecki.

Mayor-elect Oscar Cradle, a 61-year resident of the Borough, said they want to make beautify South Toms River.

"There's a lot of things that can be done and that corridor along [Route] 166 from Huddy Park to Beachwood is one of the places we've had the opportunity to start," said Cradle.

Borough officials are hoping the improvements will attract additional businesses to South Toms River. The overall redevelopment plan includes improving roadways for pedestrians and motorists through the $600,000 Streetscape Grant through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJDEA).

"These pedestrian sidewalks will go all the way down from Herflicker [Boulevard] all the way to the Downtown Bus Terminal and these tax incentives will allow businesses to improve their buildings. We have a beautiful strip and we're going to make it more beautiful," added Kostecki.

Councilman Bill Gleason noted he is looking forward to LED lighting every 100 feet and the new sidewalks along Route 166 to make the area safer for pedestrians.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of next summer or by the end of 2015.

Borough officials discussed the upcoming project on the December 10, 2014 edition of “Townsquare Tonight” on WOBM-AM 1160 & 1310.

Read More: South Toms River Sharpens Priorities for 2015 | http://wobm.com/south-toms-river-sharpens-priorities-for-2015/?trackback=tsmclip

 

 

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