Toms River to hold public hearing and final vote on $8 million bond proposal

Paving, elevation and drainage projects are included in a $8 million bond ordinance being proposed by the Toms River Township Council. 

The measure, approved on first reading, is set for a public hearing and final vote on Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 5 pm.

Township Engineer Robert J. Chankalian said six projects are included in the measure.

Several streets in various sections of the Township, including Silverton, East Dover and Ortley Beach, would be raised above sea level at the request of residents concerned about nuisance flooding, according to Chankalian.

"We've done some studies. We've actually had meetings with two of the neighborhoods already and shown them some designs."

Chankalian said the first street elevation project would be Washington Avenue in Ortley and noted the Township was successful in securing a $250,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation to help with the cost.

"On Washington Avenue, the neighbors pretty much unanimously agreed to raise it 12 inches. We had given them options for 6, 12 and 18 inches, and they felt that 12 inch was a good balance of raising the road enough without affecting their properties too much," Chankalian said.

In addition, aging metal storm pipes on the Barrier Island corroding and rusting from salt water would be replaced with ones made of longer-lasting material and piping that can handle more water, according to Chankalian.

Tuesday's public hearing starts at 5 p.m. at Town Hall.