Pompton Lakes open-space committee schedules May 3 river cleanup, reports bridge and field-house progress

Members reporting for the town's open-space committee told the Board of Adjustment on March 24 that River Cleanup Day is scheduled for May 3 and invited volunteers; organizers will provide gloves and bags and food will be available at 1 p.m.

The report said winter weather delays have eased. Work on the Hirschfield bridge is in a completion phase with the truss already fabricated and delivery set; a truss drop and follow-up work may move the completion into April. Committee members said lightning detection systems have been installed and noted final tasks remain for the bridge.

The committee also reported that the field house building at Hirschfield needs a floor redo; Karen Murphy is preparing to move equipment in once the work is finished. Committee members said the gazebo at Lakeside Park will be repaired using town funds rather than open-space money and discussed adding steps and electric service at the gazebo. Several members flagged safety concerns about back steps that are "treacherous."

Members raised local pedestrian- and bike-safety issues at a bridge near a local business (referred to in the meeting as near "Max's"); they noted the area is dark at night and that chain-link barriers and access through private driveways complicate equipment staging and safe passage for children on bicycles. Committee members agreed to follow up on access permission and lighting improvements.

The open-space report covered routine volunteer opportunities and several capital projects; board members asked the committee to report back on progress at the next meeting.