Fair Haven council advances Green Acres waterfront application amid resident concerns about bulkhead vs. living shoreline

Fair Haven Borough officials said on Feb. 11 they will proceed with a Green Acres park-development application for the Baraben Road waterfront, telling the council the project meets program criteria and that the borough has matching funds available.

Staff presented a concept plan and cost estimate of $1,275,000 and said the borough has about $974,205.25 in funds that can be applied toward the match. "So the match, defining the match funds would not incur any debt to the borough itself," a staff presenter said, adding that grant awards and prior funds could cover the borough's share.

The concept emphasizes ecological sustainability, shoreline protection, passive recreation (walking and nature observation), ADA access and reduced impervious coverage. A staff planner summarized 10 themes from an open-house public outreach process, including shoreline protection, ADA accessibility and reforestation as priorities.

During the public-hearing portion, resident Susan O'Brien (875 River Road) urged the borough to avoid heavy bulkhead construction and to prioritize a "living shoreline" where feasible. "I was very unhappy when I looked at it to see just how much bulkhead is gonna go there," she said. Borough staff and consultants responded that the concept plan shows alternatives and that a professional site survey will determine whether a living shoreline is feasible for the location.

Officials said they have sought outside expertise; staff noted contact with Stevens Institute of Technology and other specialists to evaluate living-shoreline options. Staff also said some grant programs require demonstration of public outreach and natural-resource benefits and that the borough is targeting the Feb. 27 application deadline.

Council members asked about maintenance and long-term operational costs if the park proceeds. Staff said capital grants typically do not cover long-term maintenance and that future budget decisions would address ongoing upkeep. Officials said they are pursuing other grants, including some with no-match requirements, to assemble sufficient capital and planning funds.

The council closed the public hearing and moved to instruct staff to finalize the Green Acres submission and narrative for the Feb. 27 deadline. No final design decisions were made at the meeting; staff said professional surveys and community input will guide whether the project uses a living shoreline, a bulkhead replacement, or a hybrid approach.

The borough will return to future stages of design and budgeting if the grant progresses to award and implementation phases.