LAKEHURST – Borough officials are looking for some help with the planning of its big centennial year in 2021.
As the COVID-19 pandemic conditions caused the cancellation of many popular events such as its Independence Day fireworks display and car show and Lakehurst’s own heritage day, funds for those events were put toward a bigger celebration of the community in 2021 when it is hoped that the pandemic will be lessened or gone by the time the celebrations take place.
Mayor Harry Robbins called for volunteers recently from all walks of the borough to assist as members of a planning committee.
Council President Steven Oglesby said “The borough’s anniversary is fast approaching and the historical society would like to know what plans we have as they would like to coordinate. They were talking about doing the trolley ride which is pretty popular and other things like that.”.
The Lakehurst Historical Society runs their trolley ride historic tours around the community as a program. The organization offers them at least once a year and that may become part of the activities of the borough’s centennial celebration.
“Maybe we would like to coordinate (the anniversary celebration) with the Fourth of July festivities?” Oglesby asked the council.
“I thought that is what we were doing?” Councilman Gary Lowe said.
“We took the fireworks off as there was the pandemic and we said we were saving the money from this year’s celebration and incorporating it into next year’s to do it big,” the mayor added.
Oglesby said that Indian Avenue could be closed off and Mayor Robbins added a block party could be held there. “We can get the businesses involved,” Oglesby added.
“We are seeking persons to help with Lakehurst’s 100th anniversary planning committee,” Mayor Robbins said. For now those interested should contact the Borough Hall.
Also approved was an ordinance authorizing improvements to the water-sewer utility system and to appropriate $100,000 to pay the cost of that project from the capital improvements fund.
Lowe also said there was need that staff at the Borough Hall needed some space for a break room “so they don’t have to eat at their desk or having to have a break at their desk.” Recommendations for where that could occur will be further researched.
Councilman Robert McCarthy had no update to offer on the school board as it had not met at that time. He added that there were no confirmed cases of the coronavirus “in the building to my knowledge. Manchester had a couple.”
Trees In Town
Council President Steven Oglesby gave an update on his research regarding tree installation on various streets in the borough. He said Bradford pears and Japanese cherry trees were chosen as the best replacements for the trees removed off streets.
“We are just making sure they won’t damage the sidewalks. Both of them are supposed to be ideal and are also supposed to require very little maintenance,” Oglesby said.
He will be checking to see if they bloom at the same time. “I’m also looking into what the prices would be and if there was a possibility of donations.”
Councilman Lowe said the council needs to explore a tree ordinance pertaining to residents cutting down their trees. Our trees will be planted by the county. When trees cause sidewalks to be lifted that is when they become a hazard. Sometimes people just chop down these trees willy nilly.”
