Blueprint complete for improved Rt. 36

BY KAREN E. BOWES
Staff Writer

In Central Jersey, the view from the highway rarely reflects the town.

A recently completed study hopes to change that - specifically, the view from Route 36.

Called the Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan, the final work, unveiled Aug. 21, is a compilation of ideas aimed at improving the scenery along "the road to summer," as Route 36 was once known.

Joseph Barris is leading the ongoing project for the Monmouth County Planning Board. On Aug. 21, Barris presented the completed document to the county Planning Board during a public hearing. Next month, the board will likely adopt the plan, incorporating it into the county's master plan, Barris said.

The plan, which calls for improvements such as updated transit hubs and park-and-rides, is not only about improving the highway. It takes into account economic needs, such as improving Keansburg's boardwalk and Keyport's downtown area.

According to Barris, Bayshore towns will most likely receive funding after the plan becomes "certified" and "endorsed" by all the proper state and county officials.

"So it's not just a plan on a shelf," Barris said.

How will the plan benefit each individual town? It won't, according to Barris. Rather, the plan will help the entire Bayshore region.

Think "shared services," suggested Barris.

The buzz words became

popular following the state shutdown in July. Gov. Jon Corzine has pushed for shared services since his election and has designated a generous portion of the state's budget to encourage the idea.

By labeling the project a "regional" plan, Barris hopes to get more overall funding for its implementation.

"It's a very complex process," Barris explained of gaining funds.

"There's a whole bunch of regional issues that they want to be a part of, but can't do it on their own," Barris said of the Bayshore towns. "As a group they have a bigger voice."

Upkeep to the Henry Hudson trail, dredging issues and economic development are areas that Bayshore towns could benefit by applying for funds as a group, according to Barris.

"We want to look at eco-tours, dredging and marketing the Bayshore's different festivals and fairs from a regional approach," Barris said.

Soon Barris will ask each town in the Bayshore to choose a representative for a regional collaborative, something most towns have already done.

"I visualize a group of people meeting quarterly to see this plan gets implemented," Barris said. "The county can do only so much. It really is up to a collaborative group to keep this thing going."

What will come first?

"Anything they want to pursue," Barris said, suggesting environmental analysis, dredging or zoning along Route 36 as examples.

This will all take time. Barris faces yards of bureaucratic red tape in order to get the plan certified by the state, an important element for gaining the regional funding.

After the county Planning Board votes to adopt the plan, it will need to be endorsed by the state's Office of Smart Growth. Then it will be ready to be certified as consistent with the state's development and redevelopment plan. After that, Barris can apply for the regional funding.

"We hope ... it will be the gateway to getting funding and technical assistance from the state," Barris explained. "That's supposed to be the benefit of state plan endorsement."

When he's done with this plan, Barris will start another, for the pan-handle section of Monmouth County. Currently, there are plans in the works for three areas: the Bayshore, the coastal region and Western Monmouth County.

For more information on the Regional Strategic Plan, go to the county's Web site www.visitmonmouth.com and click on the link for planning.