Ewing Township Mayor Bert Steinmann was one of the featured speakers during groundbreaking ceremonies on March 5 for the new Ewing Senior and Community Center.
The following is the full text of the mayor’s speech.
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Today is a proud and significant day for Ewing. We stand here not only to break ground but to take a major step forward in rebuilding a vital part of our community.
On September 30, 2022, we suffered a tremendous loss when a five-alarm fire devastated the Ewing Senior and Community Center. That fire took away more than just a building—it took away a gathering place, a home for our seniors, a space for our youth programs, sports leagues, and community meetings. It left a void that has been deeply felt ever since.
But from day one, we made a promise: we would rebuild, and we would rebuild better. And today, we are making good on that promise.
This new facility will be more than just a replacement, it will be a transformation. With 70,000 square feet of space, it will offer everything from creative arts areas to a black box theater, a café, a banquet hall, an extra-large gym, an indoor track, meeting spaces, and so much more. It will be a place where our seniors, our young people, our community groups—everyone—can come together, learn, stay active, and connect.
I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the many people who have helped us get to this point. First, to our state and federal partners, including the State of New Jersey, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and HUD, for their financial support, which helped us secure more than $8.5 million in funding. Thanks to smart financial planning, we are also retiring old debt as we take on this project, ensuring there will be no increase in our debt service.
I also want to thank our Township Council for their leadership in approving this $34 million investment in our future, as well as our partners at Benjamin R. Harvey Co., DIGroup Architecture, and Remington & Vernick Engineers.
A special thanks to our employees in Community Affairs and Recreation, especially Ted Forst, who kept programs running at Hollowbrook and even managed to keep summer camps and the pool open here despite the loss of the main building.
And of course, we must recognize our first responders. I was here that night, and I can tell you firsthand—they fought like hell to save that building. Their efforts prevented injuries, protected the historic Louis Kahn Trenton Bath House, and did everything possible to minimize the damage. Let’s give them a well-earned round of applause.
I also want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the men and women of the trades who will be building this facility. We made sure this project is being done under a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) to guarantee fair wages, strong labor protections, and the highest quality craftsmanship. This center is being built by skilled hands, and we are proud to support the hardworking men and women who will bring it to life.
Finally, I want to acknowledge all of you — our residents, our seniors, our community members — who have been patient and engaged throughout this process. Your input has helped shape what this new center will be, and I can’t wait to see it come to life.
Thirty months after the fire, we are breaking ground on a new era for this site. And when we gather again to cut the ribbon, it will be to celebrate a facility that is stronger, more inclusive, and built for the future.
Thank you all for being here today. Let’s get to work!
