Boro to seek grant for restrooms at sports fields
County open space funds would pay half of estimated $500K cost
BY LINDA DeNICOLA
Staff Writer

TINTON FALLS - Everyone was rather flabbergasted during the Borough Council meeting Sept. 19 at the projected cost of constructing public restrooms at the West Park Avenue sports complex.

The discussion came up when Bryan Dempsey, the borough's business administrator, explained that he wanted to apply for a $250,000 matching grant from the Monmouth County Open Space Grant Program to fund the construction of restrooms at the recently completed park.

"This would be the last added touch. If awarded, the work would begin next spring," he said.

Council members expressed concern about what they said was the excessive cost of the project.

Dempsey said if the borough gets the funding and decides the project costs too much, the borough doesn't have to go forward, or it could be scaled down.

But the borough should go forward with the application, he advised, because at least it would keep the option open.

He explained that in order to receive the grant funds, the borough must choose a project and the funding has to be used within two years.

He said that he didn't think the project would cost $500,000. But Borough Engineer Al Hilla, of Birdsall Engineering, disagreed. He said adding the public restrooms would cost about $275 a square foot with a total estimated cost of $500,000.

Bryan reminded the council that even if the project cost $500,000, it would only cost the borough $250,000. To offset the cost, he said, "We can use in-kind donations. I'm sure Pop Warner would be willing to help out."

The council authorized Dempsey to go forward with the application, but Councilman Brendan Tobin expressed the sentiments of the council and the residents who attended the meeting.

"I'm stunned at the price," he said.