Municipal building opening pushed back again

Princeton Township eyeing July or August date for debut

By: David Weinstein
   Princeton Township’s new municipal complex, originally expected to open by the start of the new year, is now expected to open in the summer — possibly late summer, according to a township attorney.
   Meanwhile, unresolved issues have kept the township and Travelers Insurance Co. from reaching a decision about the October dismissal of the general contractor for the complex.
   While hoping for an early summer opening, Edmond Konin, a township attorney, said Monday that officials are now expecting a completion date in July or August.
   "We anticipate a remobilization" of work on the building "to begin in the first or second week of February," Mr. Konin said.
   The township terminated the $6.2 million contract of Paphian Enterprises of Ocean Township in October for what it called inadequate work and completion schedules, relating to the $11.8 million project at Witherspoon Street and Valley Road.
   Following that action, township officials had said they expected the building to be opened in the spring.
   Travelers is to determine if the firing was appropriate, which would have an impact on possible litigation.
   Mr. Konin characterized the negotiations with Travelers as positive and encouraging, adding that details still remain to be worked out before a final resolution is announced.
   Still, he said, "Travelers has agreed to take over the project." It’s just not known at this time, Mr. Konin said, how the resolution of a few financial issues, including the financing of the building, will turn out.