Council Rejects All Train Station Restoration Bids Over Wide Cost Variance

The council rejected all five bids received for interior and exterior repairs to the historic Glen Ridge Train Station after a wide variance in pricing — from Alden-Bailey Construction's $335,010 combined bid up to DA Nolt's $1,160,850 — and directed staff to revise the specifications before the Borough Administrator issues a new Request for Bids.

Council authorized an interlocal agreement for the Borough to provide custodial services to the Glen Ridge Public Library, approved the sale of a surplus 2008 Ford F350 dump truck ("Truck Two") through the GovDeals online auction platform, and adopted the borough's 2019 Corrective Action Plan in response to the annual auditor's recommendations.

During public comment, resident Kristin O'Neill again pressed for a long-term plan and turf options for the borough's athletic fields, with Councilor Law responding that plans are underway to improve field playability and safety; Neil Degnin echoed the concern, and Councilors Law and Murphy said they were working toward solutions for all borough fields. The Planning and Development Committee reported the Zoning Board of Adjustment would hold a virtual hearing on a driveway variance, and borough officials recognized Veterans Day.

What to watch

• Revised Request for Bids to be issued for the Glen Ridge Train Station restoration project
• Continued borough effort to develop a long-term plan, potentially including turf, for its deteriorating athletic fields