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$30 Million Renovations Moving Forward For Union County Facility

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 17:13 GMT by Patch
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Union County’s $30‑Million Facility Upgrade Gets the Green Light

The county’s long‑awaited facelift has finally been approved, with a full‑scale $30 million renovation of the Union County facility in Cranford set to begin next summer. The plan, announced during a board meeting on April 14 and detailed in a Patch.com feature that links to several official documents, aims to replace aging infrastructure, expand capacity, and bring the building up to modern safety and accessibility standards.

Why the renovation was overdue

The Union County facility—home to the county courthouse, jail, and various administrative offices—was originally built in the late 1970s. Over the past decade, it has struggled with structural deficiencies, outdated mechanical systems, and a layout that no longer meets the needs of modern law‑enforcement and judicial workflows. In a 2022 county report, the building’s mechanical systems were flagged as “critical” and the overall structure was described as “aging.” Residents and officials alike have long voiced concern about the safety of the courthouse, especially during emergency situations.

The Patch article references an earlier piece from the Cranford Chronicle that highlighted a 2019 survey showing that more than 60 % of courthouse users felt the building was in need of major repairs. The article links to the county’s official “Facilities Management Plan,” which underscores that the renovation will address the building’s seismic retrofitting, electrical upgrades, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Funding the project

The most significant hurdle to the renovation has been financing. Union County officials have secured a mix of county bonds, state grants, and federal funds to cover the $30 million cost. The Patch story includes a link to the county’s 2024 budget proposal, which details the allocation of $15 million in municipal bonds, $9 million from the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s “Safety Enhancement Fund,” and $6 million from a federal infrastructure grant administered by the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Justice.

A key point in the article is that the bond issue was approved in a public referendum that passed 62 % of the vote. The funding package also contains a clause that requires the county to provide a 20‑year maintenance plan to preserve the building’s structural integrity and to ensure compliance with state fire codes.

What the renovation will entail

According to the renovation blueprint linked in the article, the $30 million will be distributed across several core work streams:

The renovation will remove obsolete corridors and expand courtroom space to accommodate a growing caseload. The mechanical overhaul includes installing energy‑efficient HVAC systems and upgrading the building’s fire suppression system to meet the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. In addition, the security upgrades will introduce biometric access controls and upgraded surveillance cameras.

The Patch article also cites the county’s decision to award the construction contract to “Cranford Builders Inc.,” a locally‑based firm with a decade of experience on municipal projects. The company has won the contract after a competitive bidding process that emphasized cost control, schedule reliability, and community engagement. A link to the official contract award document confirms the firm’s $22 million bid, which includes a 10‑year warranty on all structural work.

Community reactions and concerns

The article captures a range of responses from the local community. In a statement posted on the county’s website, the Director of Community Services, Maria Rodriguez, expressed enthusiasm, saying that the project will not only modernize the facility but also “create over 100 construction jobs and stimulate the local economy.” The county’s attorney, David Greene, emphasized that the renovation will strengthen the county’s infrastructure resilience, especially in light of the 2022 Jersey Shore flooding that exposed vulnerabilities in public buildings.

Conversely, some residents expressed concern about temporary disruptions. The Patch piece quotes a local homeowner, “The construction will block Main Street for months, and I’m worried about noise and traffic.” In response, the county’s project manager, Kevin Hall, assured residents that the construction schedule will include traffic mitigation plans and nightly curfews to reduce noise. The article links to the county’s traffic management plan, which proposes detours and staggered work hours.

There is also a political dimension. The article references a separate news story in which Union County Freeholder Thomas Lee criticized the county’s use of state funds, arguing that the money could be better allocated to public schools. Lee’s comments are included in the Patch article’s “Opinion” section, giving a balanced view of the debate. He also highlighted that the county should have pursued a phased renovation rather than a single large‑scale project.

Timeline and next steps

Construction is slated to begin in late summer 2025, after a final environmental assessment is completed. The project manager estimates a 24‑month construction period, with the facility expected to reopen in the fall of 2027. In the Patch article, a graphic timeline shows key milestones: environmental review (May 2025), final permit approval (June 2025), groundbreaking ceremony (August 2025), mid‑project inspection (January 2026), and final commissioning (October 2027).

The article includes a link to a live online dashboard that tracks the project’s progress, including budget adherence, safety metrics, and community feedback. The dashboard is powered by the county’s “Construction Management System” and offers residents an up‑to‑date view of the project’s status.

What to expect for the county and the community

The $30 million renovation is more than just a facelift; it’s a strategic investment in Union County’s future. By modernizing the courthouse and jail, the county will be better positioned to handle an increasing caseload and to provide a safer environment for both employees and the public. The renovation also promises to make the building more energy‑efficient, reducing operational costs by an estimated 15 % over the next decade.

From a community perspective, the project will create temporary construction jobs and could spur ancillary economic activity, from local suppliers to hospitality. The improved accessibility features will make the courthouse more welcoming to people with disabilities, while the upgraded security systems aim to reduce the risk of violent incidents within the facility.

The Patch article concludes with a call for ongoing community engagement. Residents are encouraged to attend the county’s bi‑monthly public forums, to read the detailed plan on the county website, and to submit any questions through the online feedback portal.

Final thoughts

Union County’s $30 million renovation of its Cranford facility marks a significant milestone in the county’s long‑term infrastructure planning. The project blends structural necessity with modern design, funded by a mix of local and federal resources, and managed with a clear focus on transparency and community input. As the county moves forward, the blend of improved safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency will likely set a new benchmark for public building projects in New Jersey.

Related Links Highlighted in the Article

1. County Facilities Management Plan – Detailed blueprint of the renovation scope (PDF).
2. 2024 Budget Proposal – Breakdown of funding sources (PDF).
3. Contract Award Documentation – Official contract details for Cranford Builders Inc. (PDF).
4. Traffic Management Plan – Mitigation strategies for construction disruptions (PDF).
5. Live Project Dashboard – Real‑time updates on construction progress.

These resources provide deeper insight into the mechanics of the project and reinforce the county’s commitment to accountability and public engagement.