Mendham Explores Funding For 'Major' Township Renovation

MENDHAM, NJ — The Mendham Township Committee will be discussing a bond ordinance to provide the township with a supplemental $600,000 for various capital improvements, according to the committee agenda.

The committee will also authorize the issuance of $570,000 in township bonds or notes to finance a portion of the project's cost.

According to the agenda, the authorized improvements include a major renovation of Township Hall, including a new roof, interior and exterior wall improvements, window and door replacement, a new exterior fireproof stairwell with elevator, ADA-compliant bathrooms, a new HVAC/boiler system and other improvements.

The estimated cost of the Township Hall renovation project is $500,000.

The second authorized improvement is the construction of a new police station on property owned by the Township at 4 West Main Street, including furnishings and equipment, which is estimated to cost $100,000.

To finance the additional cost of the improvements or purposes not covered by the additional down payment, negotiable bonds in the principal amount of $570,000 were authorized to be issued in accordance with the Local Bond Law.

If the Township fails to meet its repayment obligations, it will not be liable for monetary damages, and the remedy will be limited to specific performance of the obligations, according to the agenda.

If the ordinance is approved by two-thirds of all committee members, it will go into effect 20 days after the first publication after final adoption, as provided by the Local Bond Law.

The committee will also hear a presentation about Pitney Park, which opened last year with the help of two key grants: $377,500 in state Green Acres funding recommended in 2019 to build the park and $264,753 in Morris County Trail Grant funding provided by the County Commissioners in 2019.

The park is situated on the Pitney Family's former estate, which was established in the early 1700s. The township initially purchased 12 acres at the site, including the three-story family home. Attempts to preserve the home ended with an arson fire in 2016, which destroyed the structure and prompted the township to sell off about five acres on which it stood.

There is now historical signage on-site, as well as grassy areas for passive recreation and picnicking. A historic garden surrounded by a brick enclosure has also been restored.

Former Mayor Diana Orban Brown will deliver the presentation.