Franklin Lakes March 31, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Culvert construction to close Indian Trail Drive by Frank J. McMahon Starting this week, construction to replace the double corrugated metal pipes in the culvert under Indian Trail Drive in Franklin Lakes with similarly sized reinforced concrete pipes is expected to close that road near its intersection with Dakota Trail for approximately two weeks . The stream that flows through that culvert feeds into the wetlands area known as the Franklin Lakes Swamp, and the culvert has deteriorated to the point that this replacement had to be made on an emergency basis. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection agreed to expedite the permits for the project, and the borough adopted a capital ordinance to cover the cost. In February, the borough awarded a $71,267 contract to Paterson-based contractor F. Antonucci & Sons, Inc. for the replacement of the culvert and the project includes the replacement of the asphalt pavement in that area. Mayor Maura DeNicola advised that there will be some inconveniences to residents, but that every effort will be made to assure that the inconveniences are minimal and all the work will be completed as quickly as possible. She urged residents to be aware of the “no parking” and “detour” signs that will be posted in the area, which is located near the intersection with Dakota Trail. DeNicola advised that any questions or specific concerns residents have about the project may be addressed to Michael Nannini at Boswell McClave Engineering, the borough’s professional engineering firm, by calling (201) 373-8903. Kevin Boswell, a professional engineer with Boswell Engineering, advised the borough council last November that one of the two corrugated metal pipes under the roadway was blocked with structural debris, dirt, and rocks, and the other was temporarily blocked, but it had been cleaned out by the borough’s department of public works. He warned the council there was a potential for a road failure and it could be necessary to put steel plates in the road to prevent it from caving in until the replacement of the double culvert could be completed. Boswell also said at the time that the clogged pipe has caused the swamp to be one foot higher than it is supposed to be, and the other pipe that was cleared is clogging up again as the result of debris or by damming done by beavers that live in the area. For several years, residents of the Indian Trail Drive area who live near the culvert have complained to the borough’s planning board and borough council that the elevation of the water table in their area was rising due to the damming of the wetlands area by beavers. The council considered having the beavers relocated, but abandoned that idea due to environmental concerns. Environmentalists such as Sarah Summerfield, the (continued on page 4) ��������� Spacious 1BR Call for details ������������������ ������������ NOW RENTING ����������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������������������� 201-488-5085 Medical / Emergency Alert System and Monitoring Get Help at the Push of a Button CALL TODAY! A Connect America.com, LLC Company ������������������������� George James Wyckoff, NJ Toll Free: 866-273-7237 Direct: 201-669-0473 george@homealert911.com www.homealert911.com �������������������� CALL NOW! 201-652-4447 1973 - 2010 ~ 37 Years of Excellence LOSE 10-20-30 POUNDS or MORE! MIDLAND PARK 24 Godwin Avenue ���������������������� Offer includes exam, dental cleaning and complete digital x-rays. Expires 3/21/2010. Offer cannot be combined Call to schedule your New Patient Exam and receive a $1.00 Take Home Whitening Kit. Expires 3/21/2010. Offer cannot be combined. www.mkdmd.com