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Ocean Township Shade Tree Commission reviews Deal Lake shoreline project, Alliance seeks town funding to add trees
Summary
Commission members reviewed a Deal Lake Alliance shoreline project proposing kayak/canoe access, a mix of native plantings and 17 new trees (revised from 23), and reported $41,000 in Alliance funds with a matching $41,000 state grant; the project will be discussed at a public meeting on Aug. 16.
Ocean Township’s Shade Tree Commission reviewed a Deal Lake Alliance proposal to improve a small shoreline park and formalize kayak and canoe access, including new plantings and pedestrian access.
Commission member Patty said the Alliance has already raised funds and that a state match is available. “They said which was nice and … about $41,000 is the amount. So therefore the state has agreed to give 41,000 matching,” Patty said, announcing a public meeting on Aug. 16 at 7:00 p.m. downstairs in the big room to solicit input and review final plans. Patty asked commissioners to review a circulated spreadsheet of invitees and suggest additional stakeholders; the meeting will be broadcast on Ocean TV and must be properly noticed.
The commission heard project details: the plan includes native plantings, a rain garden installed in a prior phase, and provisions for kayak storage or a town-provided rack system similar to other municipalities’ lottery-managed programs. A presenter described a beaten path and small boat ramp at the site and said the design now proposes 17 new trees, down from an earlier 23-tree estimate.
Commission discussion focused on site constraints and long-term maintenance. Members flagged proximity of proposed hard surfaces to large oak roots and urged that any firm pathway or parking plan be established before finalizing planting locations. One commissioner noted that architects plan denser plantings to reduce weed pressure but asked whether the town or the Alliance would take on ongoing maintenance.
On financing, commissioners were told the Alliance had roughly $41,000 in raised funds and that a state funding match of $41,000 is expected; the Alliance is asking the township to consider contributing additional funds to support tree plantings. Commissioners said the mechanics of matching state funds and the precise bid/specification process remain to be clarified and assigned follow-up to staff and to Bill to produce a design plan ready for bidding.
Votes at a glance: the commission approved the prior meeting minutes by voice vote earlier in the session.
The commission set a public meeting for Aug. 16 to finalize outreach and collect public input; the project will return to the commission after staff and the Alliance provide detailed plans and cost breakdowns.
