land along Route 522
will be made available
First aid squad plans to seek
architect to design new HQ
Officials have indicated
land along Route 522
will be made available
By dave benjamin
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN — Three architectural bids are needed for the Englishtown- Manalapan First Aid Squad’s planned new headquarters.
"Right now the squad on their own is going out to bid with architects, to decide which architect to use," said Mike Alongi, captain of the volunteer first aid squad. "From that point we’re going to have to go to the township, but right now we’re out for bids from architects."
At the present time, the squad has its headquarters on Sanford Street, near the Englishtown border. Squad officials have said over the past few years that they would like to move to a more centralized location in Manalapan in order to better serve the community’s growing population. The Township Committee has indicated that it will make land available for the squad on Route 522 (Freehold-Englishtown Road) near the Manalapan Recreation Center.
"Basically we have to find an architect and get the plans going," Alongi said. "We haven’t really accomplished too much yet."
He said he is hoping that a sign can soon be placed on Route 522 in the vicinity of where the new headquarters is expected to be built. A specific location has not yet been determined.
"The township passed an ordinance that we’re going to be given land on Route 522, but not exactly where," said Alongi. "We’re thinking it may end up being across from [Temple Beth Shalom], but until we get the architect and the township’s approval we’re not going to know exactly where the building will sit."
Mayor Drew Shapiro said the first aid squad has not officially received the land because it is part of the recreation center and a new subcommittee has been established to determine how the available land will be used.
"The subcommittee has not had the opportunity to meet yet," the mayor said. "[The land for the first aid squad] has been designated, but it will have to be tied in. It’s part of the big picture."
Alongi said the squad would like its new building to be out on the road as best as possible.
"Once we get our plans [from the architect] and see how much land we’re going to need, then we will go back to the township," he said.
The bids for an architect could take about a month and a decision regarding how the funds for the project will be raised will have to be made, the captain added.
Alongi said the Township Committee is expected to decide on Sept. 10 if it will purchase a new ambulance for the first aid squad.