Mayor asks council to back re‑sequencing of preservation work to protect $7 million NJEDA grant; administration pledges to preserve Ellersley Mansion
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Summary
Mayor told council the city must prioritize two NJEDA‑funded historic projects (Eagle Tavern and Roebling Wireworks) together to keep a $7 million grant and temporarily shift some planned work at Ellersley Mansion so all projects can proceed; council members pressed for deadlines, oversight and assurances Ellersley will be preserved.
The mayor asked Trenton City Council to support a walk‑on resolution reaffirming the city’s long‑term commitment to preserving Ellersley Mansion while sequencing work to protect a $7 million grant awarded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA).
Officials said the EDA award covers both Eagle Tavern and Roebling Wireworks and requires completion of both projects as a condition of the grant. The administration described a financing gap that threatened the grant: earlier Eagle Tavern bids came in higher than expected (an initial $9,100,000 bid was rejected; the lowest rebid was $5,800,000 and was later negotiated to $5,300,000). The city and the county each committed an additional $750,000 toward Eagle Tavern to close funding gaps, and Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA) will manage the Eagle Tavern project while ownership remains with the city.
Mayor remarks noted the city had previously committed to Ellersley, including a planned preservation plan due August 17 and several targeted grants (a $75,000 Mercer County facilities grant and a $500,000 BPU grant application for HVAC and roofing). He said temporary sequencing and fund shifts are needed to meet ARP deadlines and preserve credibility for future capital grants; administration staff characterized the move as stewardship intended to protect the full $7 million EDA award rather than abandon Ellersley.
Council members pressed for an exact deadline and implementation timeline; the administration replied that the deadline to secure funding was 'this week' and that work on the projects was imminent once contracts were settled. Several members thanked the county for stepping up and stressed that Ellersley must be reimbursed when funding permits.
Council also asked for clarification about MCIA’s role; Chief of Staff Jim Beach explained MCIA is managing Eagle Tavern under the grant but city ownership will not change. The council approved the walk‑on resolution to preserve the city’s eligibility for the EDA award and directed staff to provide further detail on sequencing, reimbursement commitments to Ellersley, and public reporting on funding flows.
Outcome: Council moved the walk‑on resolution onto the consent agenda and approved the consent package by roll call; administrators said they would return with more detailed preservation plans and a timetable.