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Mahwah Council Advances Well, Culvert and Road Projects, Approves Temporary Capital Budget
Summary
Township engineers reported progress on Ridge Road lighting, Fardale Avenue culvert submittals, Corporate Drive grants and a water‑meter replacement funding strategy; Council adopted a temporary capital budget and introduced a $3 million bond ordinance for final hearing Feb. 5.
Mahwah Township engineers on Jan. 22 told the Council that several infrastructure projects are moving forward while the Council approved a temporary capital budget and introduced a bond ordinance to fund capital work.
Township Engineer Mike Kelly told the Council Boswell Engineering will apply to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for an exemption from the Green Acres diversion process for Well 18A (MA‑1798); the application was scheduled for submission by Jan. 28 (Resolution #071‑26). Kelly also reported street‑lighting preparations are underway on Ridge Road with mobilization expected and project completion anticipated by May 1, 2026.
On Fardale Avenue (MA‑3037), Kelly said plans and specifications have been re‑submitted to the New Jersey Department of Transportation and that signed easement agreements from property owners remain outstanding. Corporate Drive improvements (MA‑3073) have received two grants, and Kelly expects to send plans and specifications to NJDOT by Feb. 1, 2026. The Water Meter Replacement Project (MA‑3102) was discussed; Kelly said the township will pursue I‑Bank funding, noting the project may be eligible for 50% principal forgiveness of up to $2 million from the state.
Budget and capital actions: Council adopted Resolution #077‑26 approving a Temporary Capital Budget for 2026 that lists planned projects including road improvements, police SUVs, and fire apparatus. Council also introduced Bond Ordinance No. 2083, a $3 million authorization for various capital improvements, for final hearing and vote on Feb. 5, 2026.
Councilmember discussion included a note that two rounds of bidding for MA‑2132 produced no bids; the engineer said plan amendments and contractor coordination are needed. Councilmembers Wong and Business Administrator Benjamin Kezmarsky agreed to reduce the 2026 Road Improvement line to about $1.3 million.
Next steps: staff will proceed with permit submittals, continue negotiations/agreements for necessary easements, prepare the water‑meter funding application to the I‑Bank, and return to Council for final bond ordinance adoption on Feb. 5, 2026.
