COVID Vaccine, Library: What's Ahead In South Brunswick In 2021

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – The year 2020 will forever be marked as one filled with loss, extreme difficulties and missed opportunities. While the pandemic is far from over, the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine brings hope for a better year. As we settle into 2021, here’s what we can expect in South Brunswick:

An Upgraded Public Library

The South Brunswick Public Library (SBPL) received $3,586,852 in state funding for upgrades and improvements to the library. SBPL director Chris Carbone said they were excited to receive the funding and embark upon "this multifaceted expansion, renovation and repair project."

The state funding SBPL received will cover half the expected cost of the project. The other half will be needed within the next 90 days to receive the state award. The required matching funds will be paid with private donations raised by the SBPL Foundation, the Library Board of Trustees and anticipated $2.75 million in capital funding from South Brunswick Township.

The upgrades will include"

• a 128-seat state-of-the-art auditorium with stage
• new meeting room
• additional parking
• HVAC improvements
• repurposing of interior space

SBPL will also replace the entrance ramp with a new ground level lobby and elevator, renovate old restrooms into accessible family/caregiver facilities, create small group study rooms, and expand the Teen Services area.

COVID-19 Vaccines are here

Expect COVID-19 vaccines in South Brunswick soon, including at your local ShopRite or doctor's office. New Jersey is currently putting together a plan on who will get the vaccine and when.

The state aims to vaccinate 70 percent of the population by the first six months of the year. With that in mind, New Jersey is set to open 200 community vaccine sites and six "megasites" in January. The six vaccine "mega-sites" are:

• Atlantic County: Atlantic City Convention Center
• Bergen County: Racetrack at Meadowlands, East Rutherford
• Burlington County: Moorestown Mall
• Gloucester County: Rowan College of South Jersey, Sewell
• Middlesex County: New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison
• Morris County: Rockaway Townsquare Mall

Around 38 ShopRites and 26 doctor's offices/urgent care locations across New Jersey will administer the vaccine. The locations have not been revealed yet.

Currently, the state is vaccinating those in group 1A , which includes healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff.

Driver's License Access For Undocumented Immigrants

A year ago, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a new law to expand access to driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants.

Although the state was supposed to start providing license beginning Jan. 1, on Dec. 29 the Motor Vehicle Commission said they were delaying implementation of the law due to a large workload caused by COVID-19.

No tentative date was cited, but the hope is that licenses will start being issued soon, now that vaccine distribution has begun and the MVC is working hard to reduce the workload.

Marijuana Legalization Bill Delayed

The marijuana legalization bill has been delayed. According to a report by Politico, the Murphy administration is objecting to legislation that creates the framework for selling the drug.

During a Dec. 28 press conference Murphy said there are some "technical, but important things we're trying to wrinkle out" on the legislation. The bill needs Gov. Phil Murphy's signature to become law.

During the November elections, New Jersey voted overwhelmingly to legalize marijuana. State officials have said that it could from 6 months to a year for the drug to be sold in stores. Delay in legislation will delay the selling of the drug.

Marijuana dispensaries and manufacturing facilities could help replace lost revenue and help struggling down towns as they recover from COVID-19.