Construction crews have closed the Millburn Avenue entrance to Taylor Park's rose garden, blocking the sidewalk and gateway while a $334,700 improvement project gets underway.
Millburn Township announced the closure on Tuesday, Sept. 15, saying the entrance will remain shut until further notice. Workers have already removed the sidewalk and installed tree protection around the historic elm at the entrance.
The closure affects a well-traveled route for commuters cutting through the park and visitors heading to the rose garden. The township is directing foot traffic to Whittingham Terrace for the duration of construction. Visitors who want to enter the park can use the entrance at Lot 12, near Millburn Deli, or the Main Street entrance.
Contract details
The Township Committee awarded the contract to Cipriano Enterprises of Hawthorne on June 18 under Resolution 26-162. Cipriano submitted the lowest base bid at $321,900. The township approved a contract not to exceed $334,700, which includes a $12,800 alternate. Six other bids came in higher, the lowest at $408,000 and the highest at $700,000.
Business Administrator Alexander McDonald told the Township Committee at that June 18 meeting that bids for the project "had been significantly reduced through value engineering while maintaining the original scope of work." Recreation Director Chris Myers had reported to the Recreation Commission on June 10 that the low bid came in around $323,000, roughly $150,000 less than the township's estimate.
No completion date set
The township has not announced a completion date. The closure will last until construction is finished, according to the township notice. Residents can check the township website for updates.
Alternate routes during construction:
- Whittingham Terrace for pedestrians and commuters
- Lot 12 entrance (near Millburn Deli) for park visitors
- Main Street entrance for park visitors
