Ewing Township Council on Dec. 16 voted 4-1 to award a $34 million contract to Benjamin R. Harvey Co. of Ocean Township for the reconstruction of the Ewing Senior and Community Center.
“The decision marks a major milestone in the Township’s commitment to restoring a vital community hub that was tragically lost to a fire on Sept. 30, 2022,” stated a township news release.
Following a competitive bidding process, Benjamin R. Harvey Co. emerged as the lowest responsible bidder among seven firms.
The company’s proposal met all technical and financial requirements, earning the recommendation of the township’s architects and engineers.
Councilwoman Kathleen Wollert cast the lone “no” vote against the bid award, stating that the replacement building is too big, and that the space for parking will be insufficient.
“I hope everything is successful and that my feelings are unfounded at the end of the day,” Wollert said.
“This is an important step forward for Ewing,” said Mayor Bert Steinmann. “The Senior and Community Center has been a cornerstone of our town, and its loss was deeply felt. Today’s vote brings us closer to rebuilding a space that will serve generations to come.”
The township is looking to break ground in early 2025. Of the $34 million contract, more than $19 million has already been secured through insurance reimbursement, and state and federal grants.
The bid came in 20 percent lower than the township anticipated. Steinmann told council that even in the face of such positive news, the township will continue to seek outside funding through any and all possible sources.
The new facility will be larger, offering expanded amenities such as a bigger gym, a walking track, and areas for various activities.
Although the insurance payout did not fully covered the rebuilding costs, the township decided to start fresh due to the building’s extensive damage and modern code requirements.
In an interview with the Observer last April, Steinmann said he was committed to making sure there was no tax impact as a result of the project.
“We sat down with our investors and the people that look at our overall strategy for bonding and things like that. They came up with the plan where we can borrow up to $27 million, if we need to, and that’s the top mark that I’m shooting for. I’m not going over that. There would be no tax increases. In fact, our debt service is actually dropping in the next year or two.”
Most of the building was razed in the September 2022 fire, rendering the facility unusable.
Since then, the ESCC—a major hub for community activity—and outdoor facilities at the center have been closed, and most of the programs and offices, including Community Affairs and Recreation and the Senior Office, have been relocated to the Hollowbrook Community Center on Hollowbrook Drive.
An architectural model of the reconstructed Ewing Senior and Community Center.,
