$635K Grant to Fund Main Street’s ‘21st Century Revival’

The second phase of an ongoing reviatlization effort on Main Street in Ramsey has been given the green light, thanks to a $635,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Governor Chris Christie announced the grant earlier this month. It is part of a $10.3 million grant package distributed to 29 “transportation enhancement” projects across the state.

According to Mayor Chris Botta, Ramsey’s portion of the pie will be used to continue upgrades along the eastern side of Main Street. The borough’s ‘21st Century Revival’ project was jumpstarted several years ago when a $600K grant paid for upgrades along the western side, Botta said.

The town’s Utilities, Buildngs, and Grounds Committee will now meet to decide exactly how to spend the money, Botta said. But, projects along the downtown roadway will likely include sidewalk and curb improvements, and “safety enhancements” for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, he said.

At a recent borough council meeting, Botta said Ramsey is “fortunate” to receive the grant.

“These grants are very competitive,” he said. “I believe [the state received] 149 applications requesting $78 million, and only gave out $10 million to 29 projects.”

Though the town will await recommendations from the UB&G Committee as to exactly how to spend the money, Botta said the grant will, “allow us to really enhance our downtown corridor.”

Along with this grant, Christie also announced a $150K DOT grant awarded to Ramsey to complete street repaving along Shadyside Road.

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