Bradley Beach readies rec center and Main Street projects; bids to be advertised after August 15

The Bradley Beach Borough Council heard project updates from the municipal engineering presenter, who said the recreation center design is essentially complete and ready to be advertised for bids. Construction was described as likely to start after Aug. 15 (following summer camp), with an expected contract span of roughly 16–75 days. The presenter estimated total costs for the recreation project at about $600,000–$625,000 and explained that drainage and fencing work, as well as playground surfacing and equipment, are major line items. Some items (signage, shade structure, extra seating) are alternate line items that will be awarded only if funding allows.

On Main Street, the presenter said the borough met with a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development representative and is completing grant paperwork needed to secure federal funding. Design work is advancing on sidewalks, handicap ramps, pavers, street trees, lighting and benches; the team recommended treating sections as phased complete-street projects so utilities and base work are not duplicated during successive phases. Council discussed funding scenarios (phase 1 funded with $1.4M as one option; additional phases dependent on future grants) and emphasized coordinating contractors, schedules and communications to minimize community impact.

Council members and residents asked several project questions: whether courts could serve both tennis and pickleball (presenter noted usage and some design constraints), which items are alternates based on grant availability, and whether construction scheduling could be adjusted for summer usage of courts (a resident asked about delaying to after Labor Day; borough staff said schedules depend on bid awards but the borough aims to wait at least until Aug. 15). The borough said it will coordinate directly with affected residents and the school where sewer work intersects with construction schedules.