WEST ORANGE, NJ — The town council approved a resolution for CME Engineering to survey OSPAC and Crystal Lake and make improvements in the amount not to exceed $160,000.
Council member Michelle Casalino assured Cohen that the township is not planning to urbanize the lake. “Senator McKeon advocated, and we have a million dollar grant coming to us, designated for Crystal Lake. We’re looking for the residents to enjoy it.” She spoke of its history. “We want to encourage fishing and quiet recreation. Casalino continued to say, “Some of the funds will also be used to improve OSPAC itself. I know they’re in need of a new stage for the floor, or whatever the recreation department deems viable for that project.”
Assistant Business Administrator Peter Smeraldo summarized the township’s plan. “ The vision of the current director of recreation is to put in a fishing pad or a fishing dock, to make a path that’s inclusive to walk around the entire facility and to enhance the experience of OSPAC.” He continued, “The total cost we’re estimating right now if this project were to go through, will be $1.6 million including the $1 million grant, this is what we would need to pay for. It’s not a matching fee. The $160,000 that’s requested tonight is a reimbursement of that $1 million, so we have to put it up front. We will be reimbursed through that grant.”…