UPDATE: Bloomfield May Receive a $900K Grant for Foley Field
Green Acres grant will be used toward the completion of the restoration project
Board of Education (BOE) officials Tuesday night announced the awarding of a $900,000 grant through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Green Acres program for the Foley Field restoration project. The grant, given to the township in conjunction with the BOE, will be used toward completion of the $2.9 million project.
“This grant will go a long way in helping complete this project and giving our student athletes as well as the community at large a home-field advantage again,” said Mayor Raymond McCarthy in a statement.
The $900,000 grant is the maximum amount that can be awarded for a municipal project, according to a township press release. All Green Acres funding is contingent upon the state legislature's passage of an appropriation bill, the release said.
Funding for all Green Acres projects is contingent upon the Legislature's passage of an Appropriation bill.
In February, Grinnell Recycling construction crews demolished the 75-year-old concrete bleachers, a longstanding historic landmark in Bloomfield. With demolition completed, crews have begun conducting land grading and prep work for the installation of a turf field, according to Athletic Director Steve Jenkins.
"The whole (grant) has got us excited," said Jenkins. "It seems like we're making real headway."
Jenkins said although a formal date has not yet been set, he expects work at Foley Field to be completed by July 1.
"The real number (we're looking at) is August 15 when practice begins," said Jenkins, in anticipation of football season. "God willing, we're going to have at least seven homes games next year, maybe nine."
The Bengals, who have been without a home field since 2009, finished a staggering 2-8 last season.
Residents can watch the construction at Foley Field live by clicking here.
Patricia Carter
6:24 pm on Tuesday, April 12, 2011
This should have been taken care of 40 years ago when it started falling apart in certain areas then. It would not have cost as much as in today's market. Shame on the Town of Bloomfield and the BOE for letting this go for so many years. Maybe if township employees and teachers, etc. paid into their health plan for themselves and families like every other corporation employees have to, may have had more money the town could use for other improvements instead of increasing the property taxes as much as they have been in the past several years. Boo to those who are not strong enough to fight for the hard working people who live in this town.
r a a
1:02 pm on Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Does it mean my addition fee on my taxes will decrease?
I bet it won't.
Mayor has spend the money.
Between construction unions charging double for work (because to pay to play is expensive) and the downtown development needing funds for infrastructure (Bloomfield is responsible) not a dime will come off taxes.
By the way, see how the dollar has been devaluing!!! Ina few years half of Bloomfield can't pay Bloomfield taxes. It will soon be a foreclosure slum. My street has 3 foreclosures already.