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Bernardsville presses DOT and NJ Transit on sidewalk and train-station delays; applies for Transit Village grant
Summary
Council said DOT approved a Berners Avenue grant modification but delayed plan upload, holding up sidewalk work; New Jersey Transit had not started planned asbestos abatement at the train station. Staff will apply for a Transit Village grant for $805,681.50 for sidewalks, crossings and station amenities.
Council members on July 13 pressed staff to pursue action after two separate delays slowed sidewalk and train‑station work.
Nancy (speaker 7) told the council that the borough’s request to use an awarded Berners Avenue sidewalk grant for sidewalks near the train station and Childs Road had been approved in concept by NJDOT, but DOT had not uploaded the modification to its electronic system after staff mailed the paperwork. The failure to upload delayed plan approval and the contractor’s ability to proceed. Council members asked staff to seek help from the borough’s state representatives to prompt DOT action.
Separately, Nancy said New Jersey Transit had notified the borough it would begin asbestos abatement at the train station starting July 1, but staff had not observed work on site. Council members described the lack of visible progress as frustrating and again asked staff to follow up with NJ Transit and the assemblyman’s office, which had been involved in earlier inquiries.
On grant work the borough is pursuing, Nancy confirmed the borough will apply for a Transit Village grant for $805,681.50 (no local match) to replace failing pavers with ADA‑compliant sidewalks, improve pedestrian crossings and add train‑station amenities such as benches, bike racks, a bike‑repair station and a water bottle‑filling station.
What happens next: Staff will follow up with DOT and NJ Transit, request assistance from legislative representatives as needed, and submit the Transit Village grant application. The council asked staff to provide updated timelines when DOT plan approval and NJ Transit abatement work are confirmed.
