Roads, Infrastructure a Major Concern, Bernardsville Councilman Says

Bernardsville Borough Councilman Jeff DeLeo said he and Michael dePoortere, campaigned last year by knocking on residents' doors and asking what they feel is important around town.

The two running mates, both Republicans, defeated incumbent Republicans John McCrossan and Charlotte Foster in last year's primary election, thus bringing new membership to the all-Republican council, even if the governing body's party affiliation has not changed.

DeLeo said that the primary concern that he and dePoortere heard about from residents was the condition of borough roads and infrastructure.

He said people were concerned about crumbling in downtown renovation project done about four years ago in the Olcott Square area, particularly before the crosswalks were repaved this fall.

DeLeo said a pending project by Somerset County to replace deteriorating walls along Mount Airy Road as well as repaving the roadway will help. He added he is hoping that proposed new sidewalks also will be a nice improvement to the area.

He said the important thing is that residents want all road and public works projects to be managed from beginning to end to make sure that that the borough is receiving "a quality project — that's what they pay for in taxes."

DeLeo also said residents also felt that when Nervine Pond was drained last year for partial dredging the whole pond should have been dredged at that time. He said that now the pond likely will need to be drained again in five or six years, and "That's expensive."

"I am just looking forward to getting to work," DeLeo added. The next scheduled Borough Council meeting is at 7 p.m. next Monday at borough hall at 166 Mine Brook Road.