Community’s recreational needs considered as township grows

By Stephanie Prokop, Staff Writer
   CHESTERFIELD — The township is looking at ways to meet the recreational needs of a population expected to grow in the next few years, while continuing to preserve the community’s rural character.
   A total of approximately 1,200 new houses will be built in the township by 2010.
   With the recent acquisition of two pieces of land for public use, a 42-acre parcel on Fenton Lane, and a 27.5-acre parcel on Bordentown-Chesterfield Road (Route 528), the Township Committee is continuing to research and gather public comment on recreation.
   The site on Route 528 is already earmarked as a township-wide recreation site.
   In early October, the Township Committee drafted a recreation survey, which allowed residents to get creative with imagining what kinds of “play time” activities they would like to see.
   At its Dec. 13 meeting the committee hashed through some of the details and wants that were listed on the returned surveys.
   ”We got a good response,” said Committeeman Larry Durr. Township Clerk Bonnie Haines said recreational surveys were sent out via regular delivery mail to every resident. She also said that 175 surveys were returned.
   Mr. Durr added that most of the responses the committee received back were feasible options such as soccer fields.
   Shortly after Jan. 1, the committee hopes to appoint a group of individuals who can work together to hash out the details from the response of the surveys.
   From there, the group and the Township Committee can get a handle on what the project will cost.
   On Dec. 11, voters passed a $37 million referendum by a margin of 669-594, approving construction of a new elementary school building that can hold up to 900 students, something school officials said would be needed due to population growth projections.
   The new school building, which will be located on Steeplechase Way in the new part of Old York Village, also would be available to the community year-round for athletics, meetings and community events. In addition, all administrative operations will be housed within the building, which would open in 2010.
   Another item on the township’s agenda is discussing the possible future of the township Municipal Building, as officials said a larger space is needed.
   The current building, located on Bordentown-Chesterfield Road, houses the administrative offices including the township clerk, tax collector and treasurer, tax assessor, municipal court, construction office and public works officer.
   According to the township’s Community Facilities Plan, the 2,800-square-foot building is a two level structure that used to be a former school building in the 1930s.
   The municipal building also houses records, as well as providing public meeting space.
   ”We’ve been talking about what we’re going to be doing with this building for awhile, and it’s time that we got serious about it,” said Mr. Durr.
   ”We just need more space,” he said.