Millstone's Abate Park to open soon
BY JANE MEGGITT
Staff Writer

MILLSTONE - Charles G. Abate Park should open in the next couple of weeks, according to Deputy Mayor Robert Kinsey.

Kinsey made the announcement at the July 18 Township Committee meeting. The 25-acre park, located at the corner of Charleston Spring and Young Terrace roads, is named for longtime Township Committeeman Charles Abate.

The township received the park as a dedicated piece of open space from the developer of the adjacent subdivision.

In a 4-1 vote at the meeting, the Township Committee authorized bonding for an appropriation of $200,000 for a second phase of improvements to the park. Committeeman Elias Abilheira cast the dissenting vote.

When asked why he voted against the appropriation, Abilheira said that he is pleased that the governing body decided to vote in favor of other financing that evening, including financing from the Monmouth County Improvement Authority (MCIA) for capital projects that he introduced.

Abilheira said the MCIA funding would reduce the cost of township projects. However, he said, voting for $1.17 million for equipment, $1 million for roads and $200,000 for Abate Park would amount to a total of $2.37 million in new debt for the township. He said that amount is more than he can support at this time.

"I respect the differing opinion of the majority of the Township Committee on the level of spending they are comfortable with," he said.

Kinsey said that phase two at Abate Park will include the installation of a tot lot, fitness stations, and jogging and walking paths. He said the park also has a lot of quiet areas for passive use.

Phase one of construction began at the park last fall and is substantially complete pending punch-list items, according to Kinsey.

Improvements in phase one included paving the road into the park off Carriage Way and creating a parking lot. The township has also created basketball and tennis courts at the park.

When asked about the mounds of dirt that can currently be seen at the park, Kinsey said the dirt is for the berming around the park's perimeter.

"Phase two is scheduled to be completed this year," Kinsey said. "We are always mindful of residents' concerns and endeavor to minimize the effects of ongoing projects like Abate Park on the surrounding areas' residents, of which I am one."

Kinsey said he walks the park every day and speaks with many residents in the area.

"All I have heard are compliments and praise," he said.

Kinsey said he would like to work with Allentown Garden Club members in getting suggestions for plantings at the park.

Mayor Nancy Grbelja commended the club for plantings it did on the island at the intersection of Route 524 and Red Valley and Spring roads. She noted that the club not only did the work on the site, but also donated all materials.

Although the township expects to open Abate Park soon, Kinsey said the township will also hold its grand opening in the fall, after people in the area have returned home from their summer vacations.