Basking Ridge Looks Into Beautifying Traffic Islands

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Bernards Township Mayor and Township Committee are looking into creating a traffic island beautification sponsorship program.

The initial idea suggested at the June 26 meeting was to ask general contractors to provide maintenance on an island and in lieu of payment the township would allow the company to place an advertisement sign.

The town contacted 16 local landscape contractors and only had one maybe and one yes interested in pursuing the proposal, John Korn a member on the Board of Adjustment said at the July 10 meeting.

Due to the lack of interest, Korn suggested expanding the search to solicit the general business community for financial sponsorship of traffic islands while allowing advertisement.

The Pilot Program would choose two to three islands that the township's in-house crews would take care of with the costs being offset with financial sponsorship program by a local business. And in return the business can place an advertisement sign on the island.

"If approved and once this Pilot Program is underway we can evaluate resources and costs needed to setting up a business advertisement sponsorship program," according to a report by Pat Monaco, Township Administrator.

Township Committee members agreed the idea was worth exploring and would look into the budget for further evaluation.

(Image via Renee Schiavone/Patch)

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