Middletown board approves design work for train station backed by $500,000 grant

The Board of Estimate and Apportionment on Feb. 11 voted to authorize design work and bid support for the Middletown and New Jersey Railroad station, citing a $500,000 grant to help pay for the project.

The mayor said the board would move forward with the 60% and 90% design plans and the full 100% deliverable and noted, “And we have a $500,000 grant on this.” Mister Tewil, the staff member handling the project, confirmed outside support for bid opening and design assistance, saying the consultant would "help us with the bid opening as well." The motion to authorize the work was moved by the mayor and seconded by Massey and passed by a voice vote.

Board members asked staff for a clear accounting of how the project has been funded so far and whether the town has borrowed or used fund balance. The mayor asked Leonora to prepare a full budget summary showing what has been borrowed and where funds were drawn from before the board proceeds further. The mayor said he would submit the project along with the municipality's other projects for any available grant opportunities.

The authorization covers completion of required design milestones (60%, 90% and a full 100% plan) and directs the project lead to coordinate with the consultant on bidding. The board did not approve any additional borrowing at the meeting; staff indicated a borrowing resolution would be prepared by bond counsel for a forthcoming meeting.