Proposed P3 Municipal Complex Project Tabled, Lacey Officials Say

LACEY, NJ — A controversial project proposal that would have constructed a new municipal complex and indoor recreation center via a public-private partnership (P3) will not be moving forward at this time, Lacey officials said.

The news was announced by Mayor Peggy Sue Juliano at the Jan. 11 Township Committee meeting, ascribing the decision to financial issues.

"We have analyzed this for months with JCI [Johnson Controls Industries, the company that would have constructed the complex], and based on the state restrictions with the budget and the cap law, the affordability does not work within the two percent cap at this time," Juliano read from a prepared statement on behalf of the entire committee.

Under the partnership, Johnson Controls Industries, along with Gilbane, would be responsible for building and maintaining the complex for the next 30 years, after which Lacey would take over as owners.

READ MORE: Officials & Residents Clash Over Proposed Lacey Complex

While it was clear that this particular project would not go forward, the door is not entirely closed. Township officials have said that something needs to be done no matter what, as the current town hall is aging and more space is needed for workers.

"We will continue to explore variable options to address the need for more space and the indoor recreation center," Juliano said. "But at this time, we will not be submitting a P3 application to the state."

"I am very pleased that you're making this announcement," said longtime Forked River resident Steve Bahrle, one of the project's most outspoken opponents. After Juliano said that the project was "not feasible," Bahrle asked that the committee would hold more public hearings if the project did become feasible at any point in time.

Though the project is not moving forward, the township is still on the hook for about $240,000 for engineering and design plans.

Previous Reporting

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