Peninsula Completion Date Projected

The peninsula project at Park Avenue and East Ninth Street is projected to be completed by Sept. 15, according to Union County Director of Communications Sebastian D'Elia.

Residents were pleased to see heavy machinery last month at the site, but observers say nothing has happened over the past couple weeks. The intersection of Park, East Ninth and Prospect Avenue has been realigned, and concrete and electrical work for the design created with input from residents has been completed.

Concerned neighbors have reported weeds sprouting in the beds that were designated for plantings, benches and lighting. But D'Elia said Tom Mineo of the Union County Engineering and Public Works Department has targeted the completion date as Sept. 15.

If so, schoolchildren traversing the block may have a bumpy walk for the first week of school. Plainfield High School and Evergreen School children use the crossing, which used to have a concrete island bounded by two intersections. Once it is complete, the peninsula should provide a safer walk.

To see a somewhat outdated county advisory on the project, click here. The project received city approvals in 2007 and neighbors have been eagerly awaiting its fruition.

--Bernice