Politics & Government

Funding Sought For James Street Sidewalk Extension

Morris Township Mayor Peter Mancuso says both governing bodies need to prepare conceptual designs.

Morris Township resident Dan Brownstein had spoken to the governing bodies of both Morristown and Morris Township about a James Street sidewalk extension at their last two meetings.

According to Morris Township Mayor Peter Mancuso, progress is being made by both sets of officials.

"Our Township Administrator and I have engaged in dialogue with members of the governing body and administration of Morristown," Mancuso said in a statement. "Urging them to undertake a conceptual design and cost estimate for the sidewalk connectivity."

According to Mancuso, there is currently a sidewalk in Morris Township along the right of way in front of the Woodside Townhome Community.

"The missing section between the Woodside Townhome Community and Footes Pond lies solely within the boundaries of the town of Morristown," Mancuso said.

Mancuso said that the Township had received a number of requests from residents for a sidewalk along James Street.

"The Township is preparing a conceptual design and cost estimate to connect the Woodside Townhome Community and Footes Lane as well as an extension to the Route 287 overpass to connect to Southgate Parkway," Mancuso said.

According to Mancuso, once the scope and cost estimates are completed, the community will be brought in before next steps are taken.

"I will hold a neighborhood meeting to review, discuss and seek your input," Mancuso said. "In the meantime we will also look for available funding sources for this project as well as continuing to engage in discussions with Morristown."

At Morristown's last council meeting, exploring getting the job done through a grant under the state’s Safe Routes to School program was discussed, as the proposed sidewalk would create a walkway to the Thomas Jefferson School and extend as far as Springbrook Road.

That plan met with the approval of Marcy Needle, who was there speaking not only for herself but for Bike and Walk Morristown. “Bike and Walk Morristown would be happy to assist in the grant applications,” Needle said.

According to Needle, the health benefits to the community would be worth the expense to get the project done. 

The Morris Township Committee meets on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here