Elm Street Rec Complex Borrowing OK'd

Florham Park's governing body approved a law allowing the borough to borrow $2 million for the installation of the Elm Street Recreation Complex at its Thursday meeting with a 4-1 vote.

The law appropriates $4.1 million for the project, with $2 million being bonded and the other $2.1 million coming from its capital improvement and open space funds.

Councilman Charles Germershausen cast the "No" vote. He said after the meeting he believes the project should be handled in smaller phases over the course of several years. Council President Mark Taylor was absent.

The project includes installing storm drainage pipes, sidewalks, a synthetic turf multi-purpose atheltic field, natural turf multi-purpose and baseball fields, a basketbal court, dog park, backstops, baseball dugouts, bleachers, field lighting, parking, ADA-compliant ramps and landscaping, and other items.

During the public hearing, borough officials fielded residents' questions about the bid award process and the nine-month construction timeline, saying the contract must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder and that there are penalties if the work is not completed on schedule.

A special meeting about the bid award for the project has been scheduled for the end of February.

Mayor R. Scott Eveland announced the New York Jets have committed $50,000 to the Elm Street project, which they are applying to have the NFL match. An additional $200,000 for the project from the NFL is possible, and an anonymous private donor has pledged $100,000 for the project, Eveland said.