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There have been many questions asked regarding our new streetscape project. This page will serve to answer many of them. Here are a few of the more frequently asked questions. Please check back often for updates.
Why did the trees come down along Main St?
The trees were removed to make way for Hackettstown’s new streetscape project. The project will include new sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, benches, and new trees. There will be seven different variety of trees that will be planted and those varieties will be dwarf versions.
Why couldn’t you just leave the trees and work around them?
The trees had to be replaced for two reasons:
1. The trees were going into the power lines and need to be trimmed every other year. Its both costly and unsafe to maintain.
2. The previous trees’ root system has been the culprit for our sidewalks up heaving and making it unsafe to walk.
So the trees will be replaced, but won’t that still lead to the same problems?
The new trees will be dwarf varieties and will grow just below the power lines. In addition, their root system will grow lower and not as big as the previous trees.
Why does Hackettstown have to spend this money now? Aren’t we in a bad economy?
The town is not paying for this project. The money for this project is part of Federal Stimulus money that has come down through the State’s Department of Transportation. The NJ DOT has issued Hackettstown a grant for just under $1 million dollars.
So the town isn’t paying for it, but aren’t we all are “paying” for it through taxes?
Technically this is correct. In the end we all are paying for this, but if we didn’t take the grant money, then some other town would. It would be irresponsible to let this money go to another town, when, in fact, we are paying for it. No one wants to see more of our tax money going to other parts of the State.
Who is doing the work?
Peterson & Sons Tree Service was contracted by the Parking Authority to take down the trees. Top Line Construction out of Somerville, NJ won the bidding process and will be doing the streetscape construction work.
How long will the work take?
The streetscape construction will begin just after the July 4th holiday. Once work has begun, the contractor has 150 days to complete the project. If all the days are needed, this would put the completion date around the last week in November.
Where can I get more information and see the designs for the new streetscape?
All information regarding the streetscape can be found at: www.hackettstownbid.com/streetscape. You’ll also be able to see some of the design renderings hanging up in the BID Office, 207 Main Street.
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