Council Considers Renaming Street, Park To Honor Former Lawrence Mayor

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – During the last meeting, Councilman James Kownacki suggested renaming a road or park in the Township to honor former Mayor Pat Colavita.

Colavita, who also served as Mercer County Freeholder for six terms, died in September at the age of 77.

“I would like this council to think about naming either street or park after Pat Colavita,” Kownacki said.

The Councilman said he brought up the suggestion after receiving an email from a resident.

“He grew up on Manitee Avenue (in the Eldridge Park neighborhood),” Kownacki said, suggesting renaming Eldridge Park after Colavita.

A lifelong Lawrenceville resident, Colavita first ran for public office in 1984 when he was elected to the Lawrence Board of Education. He then went on to become the mayor of the township. He was elected to the Mercer County Board of Commissioners in 2004 and served six terms until his retirement in 2020.

Colavita also volunteered at various local organizations and served on several boards, including the Greater Trenton YMCA and New Jersey Junior Achievement.

No decision was taken during the meeting, but Council will deliberate on the matter.

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