Carteret, NJ – Mayor Dan Reiman was joined by Freeholders Ron Rios and Jim Polos in announcing that Carteret will receive $100,000 towards construction of the Borough’s highly anticipated health center.
The project, which was first announced in 2007, is now through its planning stages, according to Reiman, and with approximately $10.6 million in funding secured to date, a ground-breaking has been scheduled for April 21st.
Because of overwhelming county and state support, the project has evolved beyond its initial design to incorporate “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) elements during construction and the daily operation of the facility. These include:
“Once we had won enough support at the county and state” said Mayor Dan Reiman, “we realized we could feasibly enhance our design plan to include the green elements we had envisioned. We know the Health and Wellness Center will have immense value to the community, and will be a lasting resource for our residents and visitors. We want to ensure that its construction adheres to environmental standards that are so important today, and which have always been a consideration in our capital improvement projects. Through this and other improvements, we have committed Carteret to be a leader in environmental technology.”
Mayor Reiman added that on Thursday March 5, the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that an additional $100,000 has been earmarked for the project through the Middlesex County Sustainable Economic Growth Improvement Fund, specifically for the building’s many “green” elements. The county program offers funds to municipalities for specific public projects aimed at revitalizing, renewing, and creating downtowns, central business districts and town centers. Capital improvements which incorporate green design and energy efficiency technology are given particular attention through the program.
“This is a perfect project to fund through our Sustainable Economic Growth Fund,” said Freeholder Polos. “the fact that this wellness center will promote good health and what will now be a healthier environment because of the green components being designed onto the facility is ideal. The Mayor and Council deserve credit for their plan and incorporating sustainable design which will help future generations.”
Slated for completion in December 2010, the Carteret Health and Wellness Center will house a number of resources for health and fitness. In 2006, the Borough secured $3 million in funding towards the junior Olympic sized lap pool, which will be housed in the facility’s 7,000 square foot aquatics center. Additional features will include cardiovascular and weight rooms, aerobics studios, a multi-purpose sports room, physical therapy facilities, a daycare center, and a health food café.
“The Wellness Center will represent one of many projects that have breathed life back into Carteret,” Freeholder Ron Rios stated. “Mayor Reiman’s administration has begun redefining a declining area by building a new, flourishing town center, which includes Civic Center Park and enhanced commuter resources, and which is adjacent to the Washington Avenue Redevelopment area. This project will have both a short and long-term economic impact, nurturing area businesses, and creating jobs and capital investments when they are most needed.”
Green Design Elements
HVAC system that utilizes water from heated pool
Water efficient landscaping
Water use reduction
14% energy optimization
On-site renewable energy
Enhanced refrigerant management
Measurement & verification
Construction waste management
Green / Certified wood
Outdoor air delivery monitoring
Increased ventilation
Construction IAQ Management Plan, construction / occupancy
Low emitting materials – adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, & carpet systems
Indoor chemical & pollutant source control
