Warren Could Begin Work on New Police and Municipal Annex in 2014

The groundwork was laid in 2013, and construction on a 25,000-square-foot annex for Warren Township's police department and municipal offices could get started in 2014, say the incoming and outgoing township mayors.

This year's deputy mayor, Gary DiNardo, who is to be appointed as township mayor in 2014, said he has been working on the plans for the new building space off Mountain Boulevard, and he hopes to present a report with a cost analysis to the Township Committee by the end of January.

DiNardo said he expects the cost of the project will be just under or about $4 million. But he and this year's mayor, Victor Sordillo, said the bond payments for the municipal building is expected to be covered by taxable income from a former knitting mill on Dubois Road, off Mount Bethel Road, that is due to be turned into condominiums.

Both said that because the construction is a redevelopment project, the municipality would receive the majority of the tax income. DiNardo said that the income from the 35-unit project could be applied to offset annual payments on the bond payments for the new municipal complex.

Sordillo said that the new building would be connected to the police department, and would replace a temporary trailer that the police have been using for record storage and other business.

Sordillo added the expansion would create a new handicapped accessible entrance with offices clearly marked. He said the historic building at 46 Mountain Boulevard will be maintained as meeting space for community groups and some boards.