South Brunswick Environmental Center to be Demolished

After deciding the price tag was not worth the benefit, South Brunswick Township is moving forward with plans to demolish the Environmental Center located on Old Road near the South Brunswick-Princeton border.

The demolition of the center was included in  The cost of the demolition was part of spending requests filed by the township Department of Parks and Recreation, which also included funding for the establishment of cricket fields and demolition of buildings at Friendship Park.

"We need the public to understand that these purchases are absolutely necessary," said Mayor Frank Gambatese of the bond ordinances.

The expected cost to fix the numerous issues with the building was about $140,000. 

The Environmental Center, which rests on 17-acres of preserved open space off Route 27, was dealing with a number of issues after falling into a state of disrepair. The building was suffering from electrical problems and a leaking roof, which caused issues with mildew inside. Those problems existed before Hurricane Irene, which exacerbated the issues already caused by the leaking roof.

The center was purchased with the 17 acres for $270,000 from the Open Space Trust Fund. 

Council members said pouring significant money into it.

"Outside of being a facility for when scouts use it, the site is not active or essential," said Councilman Charles Carley. 

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