The old McGinnis School in East Brunswick may soon have some new tenants.
Though still pending formal approval, the Chabad of East Brunswick has reached an agreement with the township to lease the Hardenburg Lane school building for a period of 30 years. The organization is expected to transform the former public school into a community education center.
The Township Council tabled a resolution authorizing the lease during its Oct. 10 meeting and is expected to vote on it at the Oct. 24 meeting. Under the proposed lease agreement, Chabad will pay East Brunswick a minimum of $35,000 a year in rent. The township estimates it will make more than $1.3 million during the course of the 30-year agreement.
Rabbi Aryeh Goodman of the East Brunswick Chabad said many in the community have encouraged the organization to restore the McGinnis School, which once stood as an icon for education in East Brunswick.
“It’s a very exciting task,” Goodman said.
As a former school, the property is perfect for Chabad, an organization that is dedicated to education and helping the community in any way possible, Goodman said. “We are here for the community,” he said. “Everything we do is education, and we thought this was a great opportunity.”
Chabad of East Brunswick offers a wide variety of community services and programs at different venues in town. These include the Friendship Club, which pairs teenagers with special needs children to help show them the personal benefits of affection and companionship. The organization also founded the Good Deed Awards, which are presented annually to celebrate the accomplishments of area teens and their acts of kindness in the community. It also offers Hebrew school, as well as Shabbat and holiday services and programs. The Township Council declared the McGinnis School property to be surplus in May. The buildingwas last used as a school in 1970s and was subsequently converted into school offices, but has stood vacant for more than two decades.
The township advertised a bid specification in June and a public auction was held on Aug. 25. Chabad was the successful bidder.
Stahl said he thinks that the lease will help to improve the building and clear up some neighborhood concerns about a somewhat “blighted” corner in the area.
“It’s good to have a responsible citizen in there and it will be very good for the community,” Stahl said.
Contact Chris Zawistowski at [email protected].