Borough Still Weighing Future of Former West Long Branch Municipal Building

The fate of the former municipal building at 95 Poplar Ave. in West Long Branch is still being weighed by the borough.

The building, located right next to the West Long Branch Public Library, is the former home of the West Long Branch Police Department and several borough departments. Last year the borough moved its building department and zoning officer to 200 Wall Street and recently moved its police department to Broadway.

Now, the borough is soliciting proposals for architectural services for 95 Poplar Ave. Councilman Jose Villa has said the location was no longer viable for the building department because it is a fire hazard and has a mold problem.

A recent borough request for proposal (RFP) states that there are three options for the building:

1. Complete demolition
2. Partial demolition and rehabilitation of remaining structure
3. Renovation of existing building to comply with various building codes for public buildings

Councilman Villa has said the most likely outcome for the building is partial demolition.

The scope of the services are as follows according to the RFP:

1. Preliminary job site meeting with the Borough Administrator to discuss current status of the 95 Poplar Avenue municipal building.
2. Cost analysis for each of the three proposed options.
3. Analysis of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as it relates to each of the options.
4. Prepare conceptual plans for complete renovation of existing building to bring it up to code
5. Provide a draft report to be reviewed by the Borough Administrator, Engineer and Public Buildings and Grounds committee and vendor.
6. Be available for any site meetings necessary to review the draft report and proposal submitted.

Proposals are due in the West Long Branch Finance Office, located at 965 Broadway, by April 17 at 11 a.m.