Rocky Hill Council Accepts Library Property Donation, Advances Road and Infrastructure Projects
Nicholas Mistretta
ROCKY HILL, NJ — The Rocky Hill Borough Council took action on several property, transportation and infrastructure matters during its July 8 meeting, including formally accepting the donation of the Mary Jacobs Memorial Library property, authorizing a state grant application for improvements to Merritt Lane and allowing for a possible extension of the third-quarter property tax deadline.
The council also received updates on pedestrian safety projects, Princeton Avenue sidewalk improvements, municipal water infrastructure and work planned at Van Horne Park.
Mayor Robert Uhrik opened the meeting by thanking those who participated in Rocky Hill’s Fourth of July parade and reading of the Declaration of Independence. All six council members participated in the meeting, with Council Member Albert Chini joining remotely shortly after the meeting began.
Borough Accepts Mary Jacobs Memorial Library Property
One of the evening’s most significant actions was the unanimous adoption of an ordinance accepting the donation of the property at 64 Washington Street, home of the Mary Jacobs Memorial Library.
The approximately 1.356-acre property, identified as Block 1, Lot 5.01, is being donated to the borough by the Mary Jacobs Foundation, formerly known as the Mary Jacobs Memorial Library Foundation. The ordinance states that the property will be used for public purposes.
A title search completed in May found no liens or encumbrances on the property, according to the ordinance. The mayor and borough clerk were authorized to execute the documents necessary to complete the transfer.
There was no public comment on the ordinance before the council approved it unanimously.
Merritt Lane Improvements Targeted for State Funding
The council also unanimously approved an application to the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s FY2027 Municipal Aid Programseeking funding for improvements to Merritt Lane.
The resolution authorizes the borough to submit the application under the project name “Merritt Lane Improvements.”
Rocky Hill’s June grant report lists a $630,000 request for the Merritt Lane project.
Transportation and pedestrian safety continue to account for several of the borough’s active projects.
According to the borough engineer’s report, Rocky Hill has received $115,352 in NJDOT funding for pedestrian safety upgrades, including speed signage and pedestrian beacons. Bids for that work were scheduled to open Aug. 13.
The borough has also received approximately $474,000 in state funding for Princeton Avenue sidewalk improvements, with survey work being arranged.
Council Member Sharlene Laud’s Streets and Roads report noted additional work involving restriping speed bumps on Princeton Avenue and Merritt Lane and seeking county permission to place 25 mph pavement markings and bicycle sharrows on Washington Avenue.
Rocky Hill Sought Montgomery Partnership on Princeton Avenue Sidewalks
The borough’s grant consultant also reported that Rocky Hill had explored partnering with Montgomery Township on a New Jersey Department of Transportation Transportation Alternatives Program application.
The proposed project would have constructed sidewalks along Princeton Avenue connecting the entrance to Van Horne Park with existing sidewalks in Montgomery.
According to the grant report, Montgomery did not respond to Rocky Hill’s inquiry regarding a joint application, and Rocky Hill instead pursued another state aid program for the portion of the sidewalk located within the borough.
The issue is part of a broader effort by Rocky Hill officials to improve pedestrian access and traffic safety along roads connecting the two municipalities.
Tax Deadline May Be Extended
Council members also unanimously approved a resolution allowing the due date for third-quarter property tax bills to be extended if necessary.
According to the resolution, the borough had not yet received its certified tax rate from the Somerset County Tax Board, potentially preventing tax bills from being mailed by the statutory July 15 deadline.
State law requires at least 25 days between mailing the bills and the payment deadline. Under the resolution, the tax collector was authorized to establish the revised due date based on when bills are mailed.
Water and Sewer Projects Continue
The borough engineer reported progress on several municipal water projects.
Rocky Hill’s PFOS treatment system was described as operational, with testing showing non-detect levels, while a backup well permit application had been submitted to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Plans and specifications for Well No. 3 had also been provided to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and were ready to move toward bidding.
The borough has also received $1.092 million in congressionally directed funding for municipal water infrastructure improvements, including SCADA monitoring and work involving Toth Lane. Borough officials were continuing to coordinate with the EPA on the funding agreement.
Utilities Superintendent Brian Fusco reported that June water quality sampling was satisfactory and encouraged residents to conserve outdoor water use because of the continuing NJDEP drought warning.
Van Horne Park, Griggstown Causeway Among Other Updates
The engineer’s report said design work for improvements at Van Horne Park had been completed, with a DEP wetlands permit application under state review. A tree removal plan prepared with assistance from a licensed tree expert had also been submitted to Green Acres.
Council President Richard Novak also discussed upcoming construction at the Griggstown causeway and the impact the closure could have on Rocky Hill.
During public comment, a Washington Street resident raised concerns about weeds at Panicaro Park. Borough Clerk Rebecca Newman responded that the weeds had already been cleared.
Novak also announced that a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol was being displayed at Borough Hall in memory of William Fallon.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com