New Future Shaping Up For Montclair Ice Rink After Brush With Code Violations

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A new future for Clary Anderson Arena continues to take shape in Montclair.

Earlier this year, conditions at the municipally owned ice rink sparked a discussion among local officials, who considered the possibility of temporarily shutting it down. Town manager Stephen Marks said he paid a visit to the arena and saw “many code violations as well as life/health safety hazards.”

• See Related: Montclair Ice Rink Has Condition Issues – Here's What Town Manager Saw During His Visit

The venue – which hosts activities such as public skating, lessons and youth ice hockey – is located at 41 Chestnut Street.

The township has dissolved its contract with the rink’s former operator, Clary Anderson LLC. The town council recently awarded a one-year contract to Sports Facilities Management LLC to run the facility.

A private fundraiser recently managed to raise more than $400,000 to purchase essential arena equipment and pay for critical repairs.

Immediate repairs are estimated at $1 million, which will be covered by the township. A recent study put long-term repairs at $5.7 million, Montclair Local reported.

NEW ORDINANCES

On Tuesday, the town council voted to approve two ordinances on second reading that further shape the ice rink’s future.

The first ordinance, O-25-24, creates a municipal utility to operate, maintain, improve and repair the arena, as well as budget for its operation.

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