Residents Raise Questions On Ice Rink, East Brunswick Council Answers

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Township has big plans for recreational spaces this year. And among the most debated is the proposed ice hockey rink.

During the recent council meeting, several residents voiced their concerns over the proposed plan for the ice rink. Overall, they wondered if the rink would be beneficial to the township.

Residents raised questions about the project during the public portion section.

In late February, the Council tabled the resolution that would authorize DMR Architects to provide services in the amount of $575,000. Since the resolution was tabled, it has not appeared on the agenda. Read More: Ice Rink Design Approval Tabled For Later Date In East Brunswick

One resident said he submitted a report to the council on details of all ice rinks within a 45 miles radius of the township. “While some have done well, they are typically multiuse or located in large park systems. Also, Black Bear Sports groups, founded in 2015 with a goal to buy underperforming sports rinks, own eight ice rinks in the state. This raises concerns that the ice rink might not be as profitable as expected,” the resident said.

Resident Antoinette Evola asked if Council would consider putting the question on the ballot in June to see what the town thinks.

"Hockey mom" Kieran Carmon supported the project saying the rink was not just for the kids, but everybody and that the income generated from it and surrounding businesses would benefit the township.

“We haven't made a move on anything," clarified Council President James Wendell. "We are talking about architectural drawings. We did a schematic study and we did a site plan. We are moving on to potentially the next steps. And that’s why we are asking all of you here to have your comments."

Councilwoman Dana Zimbicki said residents had the right to ask questions and seek information on the project. "Coming up and speaking and giving your viewpoint is part of what democracy is, and we appreciate it," Zimbicki said. She further noted that the Council's delay on the matter was because they wanted to make a responsible decision.

Back in February, Councilwoman Sharon Sullivan said there were many ice skating rinks in the area, but people don't seem too keen to use them. Councilman Kevin McEvoy called for tabling the discussion and asked community members to attend the discussions and voice their concerns about the project.

The township plans to build a municipal-owned hockey rink on 8 acres of land. This rink will be part of East Brunswick's recreation utilities and will have multiple uses like ice hockey and ice skating. All-purpose areas like a basketball court are also being planned for the building.

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