Mount Laurel wants to move its municipal building. Here's why, and what to know
MOUNT LAUREL − The Mount Laurel government plans to buy an empty office building and convert it into a new municipal building for all township offices except the police department.
Township council has signed a nearly $5.5 million agreement of sale to buy a three-story office building at 750 Centerton in the far northern corner of the township.
The new home will be more than three miles away from the current town hall at 100 Mount Laurel Road.
No final date for the property's sale or the township's move has been determined, according to township spokeswoman Ashlynn Grisetti.
Local resident Marc Isdaner, a commercial real estate broker with Colliers International, assisted Mount Laurel with the site search.
Why is Mount Laurel government moving?
Township officials said the move is necessary because the police department needs more space.
Police Chief Judy Lynn Schiavone said recent growth in the department has created the need for more offices and other space.
"By purchasing this new building, township council has shown their commitment to making sure public safety is a priority for Mount Laurel residents. This opportunity allows the police department to efficiently and effectively run emergency services ... and continue providing a high quality of service to residents for years to come,” she said.
The department will expand into the entire building once the rest of municipal government completes its move.
More:What does Mount Laurel's first female chief have planned for police department?
What will it cost Mount Laurel taxpayers?
The township explored both buying land and constructing a new building or buying an existing building. Its professionals concluded the cost of building would be higher than buying.
More:What big changes are in store for Route 73?
The Center Road office building of about 80,000 square feet is costing $5,480,000, or about $68.76 per square foot.
That price "is significantly lower in cost than any other township commercial transaction in the last two years,” stated township tax assessor Dennis DeKlerk.
He called the price per square foot "by far the lowest in that time span, making this purchase a great deal for the township.”
The renovation plan calls for the creation of welcome center where residents can search for information on available public computers and new residents can receive a welcome packet.
There also will be introductory events so residents can familiarize themselves with the new town hall after its renovation.
How to get to the new Mount Laurel municipal site
The Centerton Road address is east of I-295 and close to the Creek Road interchange at Exit 43 in the township's Rancocas section. It also is near the Burlington County Agricultural Center and adjacent to a Lockheed Martin research center.
Carol Comegno loves telling stories about South Jersey life, history and military veterans for the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. If you have a story to share, call her at 856-486-2473 or email ccomegno@gannettnj.com.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Mount Laurel NJ buying building for new municipal offices
