With approval from the Municipal Land Use Board (MLUB) last night, the stage is set to have the governing body vote on approving Ordinance 2515. This proposed law will limit having driveway aprons made only of concrete and remove asphalt as an option.
During the first reading of the ordinance on February 15th, Construction Official Frank Genova explained, “We’re looking to have it uniformed with concrete, which lasts a lot longer. Bituminous concrete is number 2 grade black top. It doesn’t last as long. The salt affects it. The code here from what I understand, people were trying to move towards telling everybody to put in the concrete and that’s what people were using. Because when I research[ed] bituminous concrete, I found out it was black top. Most people think it’s concrete so I think that’s what everyone was told they had to have. I don’t know the reason for why they wanted the concrete, exactly, but the bituminous concrete, in my mind, as an apron is not going to last as long. The concrete will last longer under salt and other conditions that were spread on the ground.”
Those with already existing bituminous (asphalt) aprons will be grandfathered in unless it is redone.
The second reading, public hearing, and vote by council are scheduled for the March 15th municipal meeting on Thursday, March 15th. The meeting is set to start at 7 p.m.in borough hall which is located at 110 East Westfield Avenue.
Download RP Ordinance 2515