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Helmetta wins $35,000 CDBG award for ADA sidewalk compliance
Summary
Helmetta Borough was awarded $35,000 in Program Year 2025 Community Development Block Grant funds for sidewalk ADA compliance; the council authorized a subgrant agreement and staff highlighted accessibility priorities and a tight county timeline.
The Borough of Helmetta was awarded $35,000 in Program Year 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for sidewalk ADA compliance, the council recorded on Feb. 18, 2026.
Business Administrator Matthew Crane told the council during the CDBG public hearing that the county has expressed a preference for ADA-compliance projects and that the borough can apply for three separate options (up to $10,000 each). Later in the meeting the council approved a resolution authorizing execution of a CDBG subgrant agreement with Middlesex County for $35,000 for an activity described as "Sidewalk ADA Compliance." The subgrant sets an expenditure deadline (funds to be expended within 24 months of July 1, 2025, unless extended by the county).
Council and staff discussed accessible access at Borough Hall — Council President Peter Karczewski said the front ramp "needs to be fixed and/or demolished and a lift put in to make it ADA compliant," and Engineer Kevin Meade said he would look into pricing. Clerk Melissa Hallerman suggested that ADA and sensory-friendly equipment at borough parks might broaden the borough’s options under county guidelines.
The resolution authorizing the subgrant requires compliance with HUD and related regulations and lists administrative requirements, procurement standards and reporting and recordkeeping obligations. The council approved the subgrant authorization as part of the consent agenda.
Next steps identified in the meeting: the borough will proceed with the subgrant paperwork, confirm the project scope with the county, and obtain pricing and plans from the borough engineer and DPW for accessible ramps, sidewalk improvements and any park equipment eligible under the grant.
