RIVER VALE, N.J.—A $700,000 contribution agreement with the Fairways at Edgewood developer to help fund municipal improvements—likely a new Public Safety Complex—was approved by four council members at the Jan. 27 meeting.
A couple weeks prior, council approved the developer’s agreement, which sets rules that the developer, Woodmont Properties, Fairfield, must follow in constructing Fairways at Edgewood, a 249-unit development that includes 225 townhomes and quadplexes—plus 24 affordable townhomes—on nine holes (about 44 acres) of the former 27-hole Edgewood Country Club.
The massive new residential development—approved in June 2019 by the Joint Planning Board—will likely break ground in spring/summer, say local officials, and the $700,000 may serve as a downpayment on a future bond issue for the estimated $10 million to $12 million public safety building, said Township Administrator Gennaro Rotella.
Much of the planned Fairways development lies directly opposite the Holiday Farm townhome development—the township’s last high-density housing influx.
Designs ordered
Council members hired Settembrino Architects, of Red Bank, last March for $562,500 to provide architectural design services for a new public safety complex.
The council has discussed on-and-off for years the need for a new police facility, since the current jail facility is outdated and does not meet code.
In late 2018, council bonded for $1 million to pay for upfront design and engineering costs for a new public safety building.
The proposed Public Safety Complex is planned for the former Mesker’s property near Rivervale Road and Prospect Avenue, which adjoins the township’s Senior and Community Center.
The current police facility was built in the 1960s, according to borough officials.
Designs due by March
Rotella said Settembrino will present “various sketches” for a new public safety building sometime in February or March and after a final decision occurs following public input and final design changes, he anticipates introducing a bond ordinance later in 2020 to finance the new police building.
The bond will probably cover a 25- or 30-year time frame.
In late 2018, Mayor Glen Jasionowski said that a complex costing $7 million was likely to add an additional $175 to annual property taxes and a $10 million complex would add about $250 yearly over the bond’s length.
Police department upgrades
Rotella said the new public safety building will probably not include a municipal court, as initially thought, but provide an area for the police department, a gym area, three jail cells and holding area, a processing area, and a secure area for transferring prisoners.
Other improvements include a secure armory for holding and securing police firearms, and related improvements to the borough’s emergency communications system and equipment, Rotella said.
Rotella said in discussions with Woodmont Properties, the developer recognized the importance of the borough building a new public safety building.
“When the developer puts in a huge project, they want to give something back to the community,” he noted.
Building previews
On Settembrino Architects’ website, the architect shows two renderings for the proposed River Vale public safety complex, conservatively estimating its “construction value” at $7 million.
“Settembrino Architects has approached the Public Safety Complex to have a more residential feel to fit the neighborhood’s context. The materials proposed are a stone base veneer, horizontal composite siding, metal roofs, and craftsman-style windows, columns and pilasters. A lower sloped roof pitch creates a shorter building that is in context with its mostly two-story residential neighbors,” states the posted project description.
It further notes two vehicle entry points will be located on Rivervale Road, entering a public parking lot for the new complex and an existing parking lot for the senior and community center building.
“At the rear of the [public safety complex] there is secure police parking, access to underground police parking, Sally Port entry, and a bay for vehicle maintenance. There is also a secure staff entry at the rear of the building,” notes Settembrino’s project post.
P.D. and court option?
A second online description notes an option for a police facility and municipal court.
Should that option be considered, it notes public access on the first floor includes a lobby, restrooms and municipal court service counters and police dispatch, a prosecutor’s office and public defender’s office.
Second floor would include areas for police evidence, detective bureau, administration departments, facility services, and functional areas, said the website.
Although the resolution approved Jan. 27 said Woodmont Properties was making a $750,000 contribution to the borough, Rotella said the amount was $700,000 according to his records.
