Nutley Kicks Off Large Sidewalk Construction Project Near Park Oval

NUTLEY, NJ — It’s been in the works for “quite some time.”

The Township of Nutley recently kicked off a project to widen the sidewalk in front of the Park Oval between Booth Drive and Chestnut Street. The goal? To boost pedestrian safety, accessibility and street design along Franklin Avenue.

The sidewalk will be widened by approximately four feet, bringing it to eight to nine feet in total.

Here’s what else to expect, according to a statement from the township:

“The improvements include traffic calming in the area near Nutley High School and John H. Walker Middle School, wider sidewalks for safe pedestrian movement and social distancing, three rain gardens, and underground stormwater retention systems. The rain gardens absorb and filter runoff, while the underground chambers temporarily store stormwater to reduce flooding and protect local drains. The project is also designed to be aesthetically pleasing, adding natural beauty to the streetscape.”

Work is expected to be completed by the end of the year, officials said.

The project was developed in consultation with Essex County, which administered a $295,000 federal Community Development Block Grant to fund the construction.

“This project has been in the works for quite some time,” DPW Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli said.

“Continuing the beautiful streetscape design that we started on Chestnut Street and in front of the High School certainly enhances the Park Oval, the centerpiece of our downtown,” Scarpelli said.

The Nutley Department of Public Works is also evaluating other areas along Franklin Avenue and major roadways to incorporate similar safety, environmental and “visually appealing” improvements.

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