Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • May 29, 2013 Midland Park has been awarded a county grant to refurbish the first-floor public restroom at the municipal building. The borough has received a $33,000 grant from the Bergen County Community Development program to update the facility and make it comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. The borough had sought $61,000 for the project, which Borough Clerk/Administrator Addie Hanna said would come from the town’s building renovation fund. Plans are to totally overhaul the room, including new fixtures and a wider door to make the room ADA compliant. The area, which was originally twice the size, was cut in half and upgraded in 2001 to provide ADA accessibility to the firstfloor bathroom for the police depart- Borough gets grant to update town hall bathroom ment. A similar application submitted by the borough last year was denied. This year’s request was prepared by Capital Alternatives, the borough’s grant consultants. “It is something necessary and yet we, the borough, will not be paying the full share,” commented Mayor Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan.. we can document and get the resulting credits. It’s a win - win for the taxpayers and the environment,” said Mayor O’Hagan. DPW Superintendent Rudy Gnehm said past grants have been used for purchasing recycling barrels and street trash receptacles, among other items. He said this year he hopes to plant trees and bushes in the recreation areas and Veterans and Wortendyke parks to replace items that had to be removed. New Jersey Clean Communities is a statewide community-driven effort to reduce litter in the state through a program of public information and education that will change the attitudes that cause littering and the irresponsible handling of solid waste. The program identifies litter The borough was recently notified that it has been awarded $10,838 from the state’s 2012 Clean Communities program, slightly less than last year. The 2011 award was $11,016. “Our Clean Communities grant is a direct result of a borough (our residents) participating in recycling programs that Clean Communities grant problems and determines appropriate solutions. Clean Communities grants may be used to carry out effective litter abatement programs that include volunteer cleanups of public land, enforcement of anti-litter laws, and the education of the community. Grant recipients are encouraged to: purchase equipment to pick up litter and debris, litter receptacles and recycling bins, labels for storm drains, and supplies to remove graffiti; urge residents and local businesses to adopt a piece of public property and take responsibility for keeping that piece of land clean; and sponsor contests in the schools, host awards programs, and participate in the programs offered by the Clean Communities Council.