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Mayor seeks nearly $1 million in federal funds to replace Bruno Malini Park lighting
Summary
At the March 23 council meeting the mayor said the borough submitted Congressionally Directed Spending requests totaling $976,000 to replace aging wooden athletic-field lighting at Bruno Malini Park and said a separate $700,000 Green Acres application is pending; construction would take about six months if funded.
The mayor told the Borough Buna Council on March 23 that the borough has submitted Congressionally Directed Spending applications to the offices of Sen. Andy Kim and Sen. Cory Booker seeking $976,000 to replace deteriorating wooden athletic-field lighting and poles at Bruno Malini Park.
"The existing wooden lights are aging, unstable, and no longer meet current standards for safe evening use," the mayor said, describing the replacement as necessary to restore safe operation of the borough's primary recreational facility and to reduce liability exposure. The mayor said preliminary engineering and environmental review are complete and that, if funded, construction would take approximately six months.
The mayor also reported the borough previously received $100,000 in state funds and has a pending Green Acres application for $700,000; the mayor described the Green Acres award as structured with $350,000 to the borough and another $350,000 as a low-interest payment over 20 years. The mayor said the project serves a state-designated overburdened community and will benefit low- and moderate-income residents near public housing and senior housing.
Funding requests were filed under the state Senate appropriation subcommittee on transportation, housing and urban development through an economic development initiatives program, the mayor said. He added that the borough will report back to council when award decisions are known and indicated staff and contractors are ready to move forward if the money materializes.
The mayor also said a senior aide from the governor's office has asked to convene a countywide meeting of mayors to discuss municipal issues; the mayor said he will consult the council on topics to raise at that meeting.
Next steps: the borough awaits federal and state award notifications; the mayor said he will return to council with timetables and any requested council priorities if the applications are approved.
