Planners allow addition to recreation center.
By: Lea Kahn
On the heels of the Planning Board’s approval of a new Student Recreation Center in March, Rider University officials this week gained the board’s approval for a 9,344-square-foot addition that would link the new building with the adjacent Alumni Gym.
The Planning Board unanimously approved Rider’s request for preliminary and final site plan approval for the addition Monday night. The addition provides lobby space for the two buildings, along with a common entry.
The additions have peaked roofs, which lend a residential feel to it, said project architect Thomas Perrino. The additions will be compatible with the renovations and expansions that are taking place across the mall at Hill and Ziegler dorms, he said.
During the presentation, landscape architect Jose Alminama outlined some of the proposed landscaping improvements for the Rider University campus although they were not part of the application before the Planning Board.
One of the highlights calls for a metal and brick fence along the Lawrenceville Road frontage of the campus. Its implementation, however, depends on fund-raising efforts, said Rider University President Mordechai Rozanski.
Deputy Mayor Pam Mount suggested that Rider could also provide a path on campus that would become part of the township’s Greenway loop. Such a link has been mentioned by township officials, she said.
When Mr. Alminama said he was not aware of it and expressed some concern about security if nonstudents are allowed to have access to a path, Ms. Mount said that she and Dr. Rozanski have discussed it.
"We will continue to discuss it," Dr. Rozanski said. He added that the landscape Master Plan is still in the discussion stages, and an updated version may be brought to the Planning Board later this year.