The Township of Nutley Department of Public Works has begun a project to widen the sidewalk in front of the Park Oval, between Booth Drive and Chestnut Street, enhancing pedestrian safety, accessibility, and street design along Franklin Avenue.

“This project has been in the works for quite some time,” said DPW Commissioner Joseph P. Scarpelli. “Our main goal is to increase pedestrian safety, but the expansion also brings many additional benefits. The project was developed in consultation with Essex County to ensure the best outcomes for our community.”

The improvements include traffic calming in the area near Nutley High School and John H. Walker Middle School, wider sidewalks for safe pedestrian movement and social distancing, three rain gardens, and underground stormwater retention systems. The rain gardens absorb and filter runoff, while the underground chambers temporarily store stormwater to reduce flooding and protect local drains. The project is also designed to be aesthetically pleasing, adding natural beauty to the streetscape.

The sidewalk will be widened by approximately four feet, bringing it to eight to nine feet in total. Funded by a $295,000 Federal Community Development Block Grant administered through Essex County, the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Nutley Department of Public Works is also evaluating other areas along Franklin Avenue and major roadways to incorporate similar safety, environmental, and visually appealing improvements.

“Continuing the beautiful streetscape design that we started on Chestnut Street and in front of the High School certainly enhances the Park Oval, the centerpiece of our downtown.  Special thanks to County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo for helping fund this project,” concluded Scarpelli.