By PETE WALTON
Playgrounds in Neptune City are scheduled to reopen on Wed., July 1.
Mayor Andrew Wardell said insurance issues related to the playgrounds have been resolved, allowing the reopening to take place.
The mayor said most borough restaurants were not able to offer outdoor dining when it was permitted due to space limitations. Restaurants in Neptune City and the rest of New Jersey can resume indoor dining on Thurs. July 2 at 25 percent of seating capacity.
When it met earlier this week, the Borough Council approved an application for a $200,000 Community Development Block Grant to reconstruct handicap ramps, sidewalks and curbs on Steiner Avenue and in the Riverdale Avenue subdivision. The borough would fund 20 percent of the approved amount, plus engineering and design costs. The grants are funded by the federal government and administered by Monmouth County.
Wardell said that during a recent rain event, a woman was trapped in her car at Route 35 and Third Avenue, where flooding has been an issue for years.
The woman was rescued by borough police.
The mayor thanked Councilman Brian Thomas for drafting a letter to state officials asking them to address the ongoing problem before another incident occurs.
Borough Administrator Chris Cherbini said the borough and its recreation committee have purchased outdoor movie equipment including speakers, a DVD player and a 20-foot screen. He said the borough hopes to schedule an outdoor film showing this summer.
Cherbini said the Neptune City Community Center will start some outdoor programs soon and is awaiting state guidance on when indoor recreation can resume.
Wardell indicated that the borough’s July 28 meeting could be held at the community center to allow members of the public to attend while observing physical distancing guidelines.
The mayor said the basketball courts at Adams Park are open and in use. He said the new kayak racks are also in use at Memorial Park. A raffle was held to determine which applicants would be able to rent the new racks.
