Residents Continue To Push Against New Municipal Complex In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — While officials say no permanent decisions have been made on a potential new municipal complex, residents are continuing to argue against it, saying that it is a waste of taxpayer money.

The proposed complex, which would be the first in New Jersey built under a public private partnership if it goes through, would combine town hall, the police station and an indoor recreation center all in one. Township officials have been saying they need more room for some time now as they have outgrown their old buildings that also have code violations.

In May, residents asked the Township Committee about rumors that construction would begin soon. Officials denied those rumors, saying they hadn't even seen a completed design or cost estimate yet. Read more: Committee Addresses Latest Rumors On Proposed Lacey Municipal Complex

The complex was again brought up at the July Township Committee meeting. Deputy Mayor Steven Kennis said that they had "rough costs" but had not figured out any of the financing yet.

"We're still gathering information," Kennis said.

There are three options, he said. Either they build a new complex, rehab the existing one or do nothing. And Kennis said he didn't want to put any more money into the old buildings.

But residents said they should do nothing because they see no benefit compared to the cost.

"You're spending all this money, it's not going to help us tax-wise," said resident Richard Bidnick. "I don't see where any of us are going to get a tax benefit from having a lofty, renovated new building, or to build a new building. I just don't see where that's going to bring down my taxes."

Some voiced distrust of the company that the township would be partnering with, Johnson Controls, which was formed after merging with Tyco to lower its taxes, Bloomberg previously reported.

Officials continue to say that there have been no decisions made on the complex.

"We haven't decided what we're doing with anything yet," said Mayor Tim McDonald.

McDonald said that something needed to be done, though, as the township's current buildings are not big enough for employees - some are working in the hallways, there are code violations in the jails and more.

Residents suggested forming an advisory committee with township officials and taxpayers to look over everything and bring an independent report back.

"I think that most of us in the community do not want to see a large part of our taxes going to increase in order to have the new municipal complex," Bidnick said. "I just see that this is going to turn into a huge fight in the town that's going to divide the town."