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Byram Council directs phased fixes for CO Johnson Field 8, uses ARP funds to address drainage
Summary
The Byram Township Council voted unanimously June 18 to begin phased repairs on CO Johnson Field 8, directing administration to focus first on drainage fixes paid primarily with American Rescue Plan funds and backstopped by open-space funds.
The Byram Township Council on June 18 instructed municipal administration to begin a phased engineering and repair program for CO Johnson Field 8 focused on fixing chronic drainage problems, using American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds as the primary source for the first phase.
Mayor Rubenstein moved — and Councilman Proctor seconded — a motion directing administration to instruct engineering firm FPA to revise plans so Phase 1 addresses drainage only: strip the field, install new irrigation and a proper drainage base, introduce material to improve runoff (likely sand), and resod the playing surface. The motion passed unanimously.
The action is intended to ensure the township meets ARP encumbrance deadlines. The mayor described roughly $830,000 of ARP funds available to the township and said other commitments — including a previously agreed local share of about $155,000 for a Completely Inclusive Playground — reduce the pool available for additional recreation projects. The mayor’s memo estimated that a targeted Phase 1 repair would cost about $500,000. The memo contained arithmetic that left different residual totals in separate passages; council members discussed the figures but did not change the motion’s funding instruction.
Council discussion recorded several positions: Councilman Roseff supported using ARP funds for a Phase 1 fix to get an operational field quickly; Councilwoman Franco said she preferred bonding to finance the full set of improvements rather than doing only part of the project; Councilmen Gallagher and Proctor said they wanted to move forward now to avoid losing ARP funding. The mayor warned that delay could mean returning unused federal funds.
Township Manager Joseph Sabatini was directed to work with FPA on modified engineering designs and to report back with a phased cost estimate and implementation schedule. The council did not authorize Phase 2 work — such as lighting, bleachers and a press box — which the mayor said could be pursued later through bonding, grants or sponsorships.
Next steps: administration will submit revised plans for Phase 1 engineering and return to council with firm cost estimates and a recommended funding breakdown for approval.
