In spite of JCP&L delaying the necessary electrical work to provide constant video coverage of the construction site, work is progressing on time at the site of the new borough Hall on Route 36, with concrete being poured this week in the first of several sections of retaining wall and exterior main wall of the front of the building.
Touring the site with Borough administrator Michael Muscillo, project manager Catlyn Munson and project supervisor Bill Gerapetritis of Kapp Construction, it was evident work is continuing on time as workers simultaneously completed duties in various sections of the site. This includes laying underground pipe for storm water flow, completing the first retaining walls on the Miller St. side of the property, and continuing to raise more frames to continue the wall both where it eventually will connect to the building as well as to continue to form the front portion of the building.
While workers were called from the site one day last week to complete another project, they worked all day Saturday to compensate for the missed day Gerapetritis explained. Nor has weather caused any serious problems to date, he said, noting that rain during the 28 days it takes to cure the concrete in the retaining wall, can act in creating an even stronger concrete.
The new facility, which will also include the police department, court officers, and temporary prison cells on the lower level, actually has the front door and primary entrance for visitors conducting municipal business on the Highland Avenue side of the building. The entrance faces the side of the Daino three story home on Miller Street as well as the back yards of residences on Highland Avenue. Other entrances, primarily for employee and police entrance and exit, will be located on the Valley Ave. And Miller St. sides of the building. Parking will be both in front of the building as well as along the rear of the building facing Navesink Avenue.
Muscillo, who has been making regular reports to the governing body on construction progress, lamented once again that the long-promised video of construction action he has been promising will be available on the borough website, is still in need of more electrical work before it can be activated. He expressed hope the electrical project for that purpose should be completed by next week. Similarly the trailer offices where the construction team meets and conducts business during the workday are also without any air conditioning until the power company completes its work.
Mayor Carolyn Broullon, who was also on site this week, noted while the main entrance of the building faces the Highland Avenue side and residential backyards, landscaping of the retaining wall at the borough property is included in the plans, and features tall perennial growth that will present an attractive view from borough hall as well as provide a layer of privacy and natural growth for the Highland Avenue residents.
Because of the proximity of the Miller St. house to the property line, Munson noted there is a vibration monitor installed in the residence to ensure any movement of the earth will be identified immediately before any possible damage could occur.
Gerapetritis, who is a former construction company owner, was hired by Kappa Construction earlier this month and showed and explained the drawings which laid out the dimensions and location of construction, as well as the entrances to the site. The state Department of Transportation has given approval to the borough for widening the present driveway on Route 36 to allow both ingress and egress from the highway as well as another entrance on Miller St. extending behind the building for parking there as well as on the Valley St. side.
