Mayor Tim Drag

It’s project season here in Chester Township, and there are several important improvements currently underway around town.

1. North Road Paving
Morris County has begun preparatory work for the paving of North Road. Paving will start near South Road by Black River Fields and continue into the Borough. Please use caution in the area and be mindful of contractors working along the roadway. Today, you may notice crews beginning basin excavation work.

2. Crosswalk Improvements at Black River Fields
We are upgrading the crosswalk between Black River Fields and Highlands Ridge as part of ongoing safety improvements. New signage and enhanced road markings will be installed, including advance warning signs and solar-powered, button-activated flashing crosswalk beacons. These upgrades are intended to improve visibility and safety for families and hikers moving between the park areas. Curbing installation is scheduled for tomorrow, signage has been ordered, and final road markings will be completed once the roadway striping is finished.

3. AED Installations
Following a Council vote this winter, AED units are being installed throughout township facilities and athletic fields. The Township has contracted with Cintas to manage maintenance and readiness of the devices. According to the NIH, the use of AEDs in community settings is associated with nearly a doubling of survival rates following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The American Red Cross also notes that survival chances decrease by approximately 7% to 10% for every minute without defibrillation, underscoring the importance of having these devices readily available. Township police will continue to carry AEDs in their vehicles as well.

4. Salt Shed Replacement (DPW)
The Department of Public Works is replacing the existing salt storage shed with a new, larger facility. The new structure will feature bin block construction with a steel frame, significantly increasing storage capacity. This will allow the Township to better prepare for extended winter conditions and take advantage of more favorable bulk salt purchasing opportunities.

5. Chubb Park Improvements
Thank you to the Twin Boro Bears Football program for installing a new scoreboard at Chubb Park. We look forward to a great season ahead for both the boys’ and girls’ teams playing under the lights this fall.

6. 250th Anniversary Tree
Thanks to the Environmental Commission, we are planting more trees around our community. Most importantly, we are planting a tree to commemorate America’s 250th Birthday. Thank you to all of our volunteers for taking this initiative on and hitting it out of the park! You’ll find this tree at Chubb Park.

Chester Township will be picking up appliances containing freon (a/c, refrigerators, etc.) on Thursday, April 23. Residents who are interested should contact Judy Irwin at [email protected] or 908-879-5100 x812 and pay the required fee of $25.00 per appliance prior to pick-up. You can pay by cash or check made out to Chester Township, mailed to 1 Parker Road, Chester NJ 07930. No appliance will be picked up if payment has not been received. The appliance must be curbside by 7:00 am on the morning of April 23.