Long Branch To Do Third Ave. Beautification Work At Train Station

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Long Branch city officials announced Thursday that major road improvements on Third Avenue in the Transit Village area will begin this week.

The state of New Jersey awarded Long Branch $475,000 to renovate the major artery in and out of the Long Branch train station. Since receiving that grant the city also was awarded additional state funding for a streetscape project along Third Avenue.

The revitalization project will focus on restoring and beautifying the sidewalks and curbs, resurfacing the pavement, adding decorative pavers and street lighting, and adding safety improvement to the sidewalks.

Long Branch has the ultimate goal of giving the Third Avenue area around the train station a "hometown" feel, similar to a Main Street or downtown.

The money to improve Third Avenue was awarded through Long Branch’s participation in the Transit Village program, or TOD (transit-oriented development). This initiative is open to municipalities with transit facilities that are surrounded by new residential and commercial development. The goal is to encourage municipalities to create vibrant, pedestrian-friendly communities, while at the same time promoting the use of their transportation hub.

"We are really excited for this project to begin," said Long Branch Mayor John Pallone. "This area is in need of some upgrades and beautification, and we are eagerly awaiting the finished project."

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