Task Force Will Probe Future Of Caldwell Community Center

CALDWELL, NJ — The Caldwell Community Center will be closed until at least January 2021 due to the coronavirus. And when it reopens, there may some big changes.

Earlier this month, Caldwell borough officials announced that there are some tough decisions to make about the popular center, which hosts a range of programs for local youth, seniors and other residents.

The center has several major capital expenses that need to be addressed, such as the pool heater, the roof, flashing on the walls, security doors and locker rooms. And the facility is facing a financial shortfall that could end up impacting local property tax bills, officials said.

• See related article: Post-Coronavirus Future Of Caldwell Center Is 'Conundrum'

Earlier this week, Caldwell Mayor John Kelley announced the borough is creating a task force of nine to 12 community members, who will try to answer an urgent question: is the current incarnation of the center “financially viable?”

The task force will also probe more into what it would take to operate the community center in the midst of a viral outbreak, officials said.

Inaugural members of the task force include Kelley, Borough Administrator Tom Banker, Council President Christine Schmidt and Councilman Henderson Cole. Any taxpayer interested in being part of the task force can submit their name for consideration to hcole@caldwell-nj.com.

More information on the task force will be shared at the council meeting on Tuesday, May 5, Kelley said.

Some local residents have rallied in support of the center. A reader commented on our previous story:

“The community center is a public space, not a private operation. Using the logic of the ‘officials,’ maybe I shouldn't have to pay school taxes since I have no children that use the school system. I have missed going to the community center every day since the shutdown. Not everyone can afford a gym or a pool in their home. I sincerely hope this plan is reevaluated. We need this center.”

REFUNDS, SOCIAL DISTANCING AND ‘SELF-SUFFICIENCY’

On Wednesday, Banker wrote a letter to Caldwell residents and people who use the community center, explaining the situation in more detail.

Read the full letter below.

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