Edison eyeing $3.7 million revival of Stelton Community Center. Here's why
EDISON – The township appears to be taking steps toward reviving the Stelton Community Center on Plainfield Avenue into a facility that will provide programs for seniors as well as children with disabilities
The Township Council on Wednesday introduced a $7.9 million capital improvement bond ordinance which includes $3.7 for renovations, repairs and alterations to the Stelton Community Center. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Jan. 24.
The bond ordinance also includes $1.5 million for improvements, renovations and repairs to various municipal buildings; $500,000 for furniture, fixtures and other equipment in various municipal buildings, $1.4 million for a backup generator for the municipal building; $300,000 for improvements, renovations and repairs to township firehouses; $250,000 for road signs and $175,000 for design work to improve and repair the Edison Animal Shelter, which could include building a second floor to house a medical examination room.
"We are looking to redo the Stelton Community Center," said Business Administration Sonia Alves-Viveiros, adding the funds are earmarked for a roof replacement, some remediation work and to create an additional community space for residents.
Council Vice President Margot Harris said she was pleased about the bond ordinance for the facility.
"It's about time. These are big, big repairs that need to be made," said Harris, who understands the work will go toward eventually having a community center and a facility for those with special needs, which was originally planned for the Clara Barton Library. "I think this makes a lot of sense."
More: What is the Edison Township Council looking to accomplish in 2024?
Last year residents objected after the township announced plans to relocate the Clara Barton Branch Library on Hoover Avenue, which also serves as a community center for that neighborhood, to convert the library building into a center for programming for those with disabilities.
Harris believes the Stelton Community Center dates back to 1923.
The building has roof, mold and asbestos issues, which require major repairs. Municipal services, including a sheltered workshop program, were relocated out of the structure and the building was closed several years ago. The building is on the state Department of Environmental Protection's Recreation and Open Space Inventory which prevents the township from expanding the building's footprint.
Councilman Richard Brescher recently toured the building, a former school. He said the $3.7 million will cover the cost for a roof, some asbestos removal, heating and air conditioning, removal of plaster and paint peeling off the walls and some minor renovations. He said the funds will help secure the building for future use.
"We're making an investment, but the investment is to keep the wheels on the cart, it's not a new cart that we're getting. I think we'll come up with a good plan for that building. It's good to see we're using it now," Brescher said.
He said the township will still need to invest several more millions after this work is completed for additional improvements.
Alves-Viveiros said the township has been seeking grants to cover programming costs for senior citizens and those with disabilities.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Edison NJ eyeing $3.7M revival of Stelton Community Center
