2013 Could Bring Decision on Sandy Sidewalk Repairs Funding

With a new Democratic majority in New Milford and a three-three split in River Edge come January 1, both boroughs will continue to explore a potential shared service in 2013 for sidewalk replacements. The two municipalities are considering their options how how to best fund the replacement slabs that were damaged by Superstorm Sandy.

This week, River Edge opted to wait until after the New Year to allow for more information to be gathered. New Milford tabled any further discussion so that the new Democratic majority can make a decision new year.

"We are investigating with New Milford for a contractor to tackle the job with cost estimates for slab resets and reconstruction," River Edge Mayor Sandy Moscaritolo said.

Currently the borough has an ordinance in place stipulating that homeowners are responsible for covering the costs to replace sidewalk slabs. But officials found itself at odds with the administration as much of the damage was caused by borough shade trees.

"If the council was of the mindset to cover the costs for the replacements, it would have to be done through a resolution citing the state of emergency," Moscaritolo said.

According to DPW Superintendent John Lynch, there are approximately 38 slabs that need to be reset and an additional 40 for reconstruction. New Milford has an estimated 66 slabs that need to be replaced with the potential cost of $150 per 4-by-5 slab.

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