Bonds will help to pay for recreation upgrades
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

Angelo Stallone

JACKSON - A bond ordinance providing for various capital improvements, including the acquisition of capital equipment and recreation fields, has been adopted by the Township Council in a 5-0 vote.

The ordinance authorizes the issuance of $7.1 million in bonds and notes to finance a portion of the $7.9 million cost of the projects. The $800,000 balance will come from money that has already been budgeted.

The money "is for a lot of necessary repairs [throughout] town," council President Angelo Stallone said. "It's also for more fields for the use of recreation for the kids."

The money will also pay to pave some roads and for improvements at the police department and in public works.

The major portion of the expense, $6 million, using $5.4 million in notes and bonds, will be for recreation fields, Stallone explained.

"The balance of the money is coming from the budget," he said. "It is not increasing any taxes. We're putting approximately $700,000 down. Normally, you don't have to put that much down. Usually it's only 5 percent."

Stallone said Jackson's various sports leagues - football, baseball, lacrosse and hockey - previously received an appropriation from the town.

"Some [athletic groups] were getting $5,000," he said. "Some were getting less. They all agreed not to take that money any longer and that money is going to be used to [help] pay down the bond debt."

Councilwoman Emily Ingram said the majority of the money will be used for turf fields, renovations, improvements and the development of municipal park facilities, which has an estimated cost of $6 million.

"There should be a 10 percent down payment on it," said Ingram. "It's not going to increase the taxes for any individuals."

The bonds will also pay for improvements to and the expansion of various roads, including East Bird Village Road, West Bird Village Road, Chandler Road and Cook Road, with a total estimated cost of $500,000.

Also included will be the construction of a salt storage building at an estimated cost of $300,000 ($270,000 in bonds).

Also on the list will be the acquisition of security and telecommunications equipment and GPS tracking systems for various municipal departments at a cost of approximately $170,000 using an estimated $153,000 in notes or bonds; acquisition of capital equipment for various municipal departments and the first aid squad at an estimated cost of $170,000 using approximately $157,500 in notes or bonds; and expansion, renovation and improvement of the library and various municipal facilities at an estimated cost of $750,000 using approximately $675,000 in notes or bonds.

"Residents want to know you're listening to their concerns," Councilman Scott Martin said, adding that in a growing community it is important there are enough facilities for children to have a fully functioning recreational program. "With the passing of this bond ordinance we've sent the word out to the residents of Jackson. We hear you and here's the response."