Lambertville, N.J., Mayor Andrew Nowick opened the city council meeting Sept. 1, with a moment of silence for the victims of Hurricane Ida.
One year ago, the rains overflowed the creeks of Lambertville, destroying the homes of residents and permanently displacing many of them. The extensive repair work is still ongoing throughout the city, which suffered the worst flash flood in its history.
During the meeting, letters from state legislators commemorating the catastrophic event were read.
Rep. Anthony Verrelli said it was “a monumental task of rebuilding the community” and he was “proud to lend support as Assemblyman and neighbor.” Sen. Shirley Turner wrote that seeing the damage brought “shock and sadness” but “celebrates the resilience and faith in each other.”
“It tested the resolve of our society. Remembering Ida recognizes the resilience of Lambertville,” said Gov. Phil Murphy.
Sen. Cory Booker asked the Congressional Appropriations Committee for emergency funding to help New Jersey families impacted by Ida, just two weeks after the storm. In March, $228.3 million was granted in the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Fund.
Lambertville has set up a Hurricane Ida Memorial on the windows of the Justice Center at the ACME Building. Residents are encouraged to bring photos, written words, and art.
The mayor and council each reflected on the impact of Hurricane Ida. They agreed that the outpouring of help from Lambertville residents is a testament to the community and has made it stronger. They commended the extraordinary efforts of the first responders and all those who “shoveled mud out of basements and helped move furniture.”
Councilwoman Benedetta Lambert spoke about the loss of the Village Apartments and the passing of a resident who lived there. She reiterated the need for Affordable Housing. Councilman Sanders said, “the most vulnerable are the most financially vulnerable.”
Climate change was also discussed, along with ways to mitigate future damage. Councilman Steven Stegman said future development must require stronger stormwater management and better drainage infrastructure.
A resolution was passed authorizing $500,000 in supplemental funding for projects related to Ida. Nowick explained that not enough money was originally bonded to cover the storm damage.
Council received bids to restore Swan and Ely creeks as well as York Street from JCP Group, Kyle Conti Construction and Seacoast Construction. The lowest bid was awarded to Kyle Conti Construction in the amount of $1,696,691. A grant will cover 75% of the project.
Also passed were resolutions awarding a bid to Earle Asphalt Company for $660,717 to cover road repairs and a bid for CMS Construction Inc. to stabilize the Swan Creek Tributary with repairs to Quarry Street. The cost of this project will be shared with West Amwell Township.
A resident of Quarry Street expressed his concern over the damage sustained to stone walls on his historically designated property. Nowick agreed to visit the property and discuss this.
An ordinance was introduced outlining the requirements for maintaining abandoned and vacant buildings, and an ordinance regarding the installation of electric parking meters also was brought up. These will be discussed further at the next council meeting on Sept, 15.
The bridge on County Road 518 east of Curly Lane will be undergoing repairs for six to eight weeks beginning last Tuesday, Sept. 6. During construction there will be one lane open, and traffic will be rerouted.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
