Woodland and Boulevard Repaving Takes Step Forward

The repaving of Woodland Road and Boulevard took steps forward this week when the Town Council approved applications for state funds on Tuesday night.

The town is seeking several hundred thousand in grants from the state Department of Transportation to offset the costs of the two long awaited road projects. The projects are expected to be the centerpiece of the town's 2010 capital program.

The Woodland repaving will stretch from East Broad Street to Kimball Road. The project will involve a complete tear up of the street and repaving and is expected to cost at least $500,000. The work has been long expected on the pothole marked road which is a main road for Westfield, Cranford and Garwood residents looking to reach Route 22 and the Watchung Reservation.

The Woodland project is not without objection. Councilwoman Joann Neylan, who represents the neighborhood, questioned the scope the project several weeks ago asking why the remainder of road - hitting the Mountainside border - was not being covered in the project. Town Administrator Jim Gildea said the rest of the road will be done at a later date due to the cost of the project.

The Boulevard project, which was first discussed by the Town Council in June of 2009, will stretch from South Avenue to Park Street. The project will focus on leveling off the road, which has severe dropoffs on either side.

The Council will be assembling the next two year capital plan in early 2011. Under a policy change adopted last year, the town has moved to two year capital plans, with town officials explaining it will be a long term money saver. The town's highest ranked capital project for the remainder of 2010 is a repaving of Barchester Way in the Gardens.