Stockton sets aside $125,000 for Stockton School remediation and seeks $150,000 historic‑trust grant

Stockton Borough Council on March 26 voted to set aside $125,000 from the General Capital Improvement Fund for drainage and mold remediation at the historic Stockton School (Ordinance 2026-07) and authorized the mayor to apply for a $150,000 New Jersey Historic Trust Capital Level I grant (Resolution 26-48) with a committed $100,000 borough match if awarded.

Mayor Aaron Lipsen, Council President Mann and other councilmembers framed the school as a historically valuable borough asset that could serve as a borough hall, community center or warming center and noted prior grant work and an architect’s involvement. Mann said the appropriation preserves possibilities and allows further feasibility study and grant pursuit rather than immediate large expenditures.

Public commenters largely supported preservation, citing historical value and community uses; several residents volunteered help or praised the borough’s methodical approach. Resident Michael Odenwald opposed further investment and urged selling the school to fund water‑system needs; Lipsen responded that the ordinance only reserves funds and that grant results will guide next steps. The council’s resolution adds standard grant-certification language and commits matching funds if the New Jersey Historic Trust award is made.

Motion to adopt Ordinance 2026-07 was made by Mann and seconded by Brown; adoption passed on a 5–0 roll call. The council also approved Resolution 26-48 authorizing submission of the grant application and certifying that the borough will abide by grant timeframes and accuracy statements in the application.