By Maria Prato, Staff Writer
JAMESBURG Work on Lakeview Buckelew Mansion could begin in July.
The borough accepted four bids for the renovation project April 29 and expects to award a contract for the work on Wednesday The bids range from $452,000 to $666,000, said Denise Jawidzik, borough business administrator.
The bids are for the first phase of the renovations, which include heating, roofing, foundation and porch improvements, said Borough Councilman John Longo, who is overseeing the project.
The project is being funded through the Middlesex County Open Space and Preservation Trust Fund. The borough has received two grants for $472,000 and $420,000 and has done engineering and architectural work required by the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, Ms. Jawidzik said.
The borough plans to request for additional money from the trust fund for the second phase of the project, which will include more roofing and foundation repairs, structural improvements to the rear of the house, and bathroom renovations, Ms. Jawidzik said.
”We’re trying to get more funds and move this along in a timely manner,” Mr. Longo said.
Borough officials estimate that phase two will cost more than $500,000, she said.
The mansion was owned by James Buckelew and, in more recent years, was used to house a number of local historical items, including a carriage owned by Mr. Buckelew that transported President Abraham Lincoln from the Trenton train station to the state Capitol in 1861.
The mansion was closed in fall 2007 after inspectors found a sinking foundation, leaking roof, cracks and splits in the wood and slanted support columns.
