Borough Council Approves Speedwell Improvements

An ordinance approving a road improvement project on Speedwell Avenue between Morris Plains Avenue and Academy Place which will cost the borough $145,000 was unanimously approved at Thursday night’s Morris Plains Borough Council Meeting, but one member of the public questioned the project.

“It seems to be an awful lot of money to be spending in front of the town hall and fire house,” said Dan Kantor, who asked the council when these projects are discussed and whether they are discussed during the public portion of the borough council meetings.

Mayor Frank Druetzler said that the project is part of a program to improve all of Speedwell, including new lights and pavers, and said that the projects were discussed in the fall during the public portions of borough council meetings.

Another ordinance setting aside $210,000 and another $195,000 in bonds or notes to purchase equipment for the roads department, as well as for the purchase of a small lot and for improvements on Speedwell Avenue between Morris Plains Avenue and Academy Place was passed unanimously on first reading at Thursday night’s meeting, and again Kantor commented.

“I think that money would be better spent for the common good and welfare of the people of Morris Plains for improvements on Littleton Road,” said Kantor, referring to a project that he and Frank Mangravite have at its past two meetings.

Mangravite also addressed the council on Thursday, commending the board members for the creation of the Morris Plains community garden, which was opened on April 16 and already has generated so much interest that there is a waiting list for plots.

Mangravite also suggested that surplus crops at the garden be donated to a local food bank, which councilman George Coogan said was already discussed by George Ross, committee chairman for the community garden at a Morris Plains beautification committee meeting.

Although those with plots are free to do whatever they please with their plants, vegetables, herbs, and fruits, there will be signs suggesting that any unneeded foods be donated to a local food bank, according to Coogan.

Coogan also said that the community garden has so far been a success.

“People have been very enthusiastic,” said Coogan. “They’re very pleased with it and it’s a plus for the town.”

and discussed the project with local officials, including Coogan, Mayor Druetzler and Ross.