Important Upgrades For Hazlet Public Works Equipment, Services

HAZLET, NJ — Hazlet's already well-maintained public spaces are about to get even more help when a new street sweeper goes into action this spring.

The new equipment is part of a two- year, approximately $2 million capital program to upgrade Department of Public Works equipment - and services - in this 5.67-square-mile municipality.

Over the last two years Hazlet Township’s Department of Public Works, which is headed by Ken Kruk, has had the opportunity to upgrade its fleet and replace some aging and outdated equipment, the township says.

For the first time in over four years the DPW will have a sweeper that will be out on a regular basis starting in spring 2024, said Business Administrator Robert Bengivenga.

And the equipment is just one among other upgrades being anticipated for delivery, including:

• A front-end loader to help streamline brush and leaf pick up.
• A rear-loading refuse truck that will be used for curbside bulk collection, due to kick off in April of 2024.
• An automated recycler which will replace a 22-year-old piece of equipment.

And the Public Works upgrades are all part of the goal to offer more to residents, said Bengivenga.

Over the past two years, he said the Township Committee decided to invest heavily in updating equipment and the facilities of the DPW. With the aid of low interest rates at the time, the $2 million investment is able to cover a lot of needs.

This all fits into the governing body's body vision to offer better services to a broad spectrum of residents - for example, the newly upgraded and appointed Freedom Park (formerly 8th Street Park) provides young people with more play options; initiating Meals on Wheels in the township serves an older population, along with other programs for seniors.

And the new Public Works Department equipment will serve everyone, he said.

Also the Public Works yard at Leocadia Court has been repainted and repaved, Bengivenga said, to add to the DPW sense of pride. "We didn't want potholes," he said, when the public came to use the site.

Providing curbside bulk pickup was a major goal of the Township Committee, he added.

Beginning in the spring, the township will offer two bulk pick-ups a year from residents' homes. Residents will be able to call to make an appointment to have such items as furniture, carpeting or mattresses picked up.

This is all in addition to the many responsibilities of the Public Works staff, which has to oversee not only 77 miles of road but also snow plowing and maintaining storm water inlets and basin repairs; tree trimming: and street sign fabrication and installation, among other duties.