Recreation Department moves to set up extended program if school opening in September is delayed
By: Greg Forester
MONTGOMERY The Montgomery Recreation Department could offer an extended summer program if cleanup at the former North Princeton Developmental Center forced a delayed start at the Village Elementary School.
"We’re prepared to offer something for the parents," said Karen Zimmerman, director of the Montgomery Recreation Department. "I’m optimistic that we would be able to put together a program if we received some notice."
During summer vacation, buildings located on the grounds of the former state institution will be cleaned of asbestos and demolished.
At previous public meetings, township officials have said it is highly unlikely the cleanup would go longer than scheduled, but they are still examining options if the children were to be displaced.
If school were to be delayed, the number of children involved would require the program to be held at a large outdoor facility, such as Montgomery Park, with sufficient capacity for the children, said Ms. Zimmerman.
In case of inclement weather, the children could be moved inside the community center gymnasium or the senior center.
The program would have roughly one counselor for every 10 children, plus a supervisor and assistant, recreation officials said.
The children would be able to do more than simple outdoor activities and sports.
"We have the ability to plan educational trips, because we have access to a bus," said Ms. Zimmerman.
Because many of the summer counselors are college students, the Recreation Department would have to look elsewhere for counselors for the extended program.
"I was hoping that some of the teachers would be able to help out our staff," said Ms. Zimmerman.
If put into action, the Recreation Department would offer something along the lines of a school day program, from around 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Recreation officials also could potentially offer an extended-day program for parents working later, along the lines of the summer post-camp, which lasts from 3 to 6 p.m.
The post-camp program would be a quieter program, offering board games and movies to the children, recreation officials said.
Currently, Montgomery Township officials are searching for a contractor to perform the abatement and demolition of the asbestos-containing buildings on the NPDC site.
Another contractor, Weston Solutions, is moving ahead with the removal of asbestos-laden steam pipes located throughout the site.
The demolition contract specifies the process must be complete before the end of summer vacation, but township and school officials are continuing to examine options if the cleanup process takes longer than envisioned.
Other options have included finding room for the children in other district buildings, or running half-day sessions.
The next regularly scheduled meeting on the NPDC project is for April 4 at the municipal courtroom.

