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Eatontown council asks for independent cost‑benefit study on proposed 65,100‑sq‑ft municipal building
Summary
Council members asked staff to solicit proposals from at least two independent engineering firms to compare renovating the existing municipal building (plus additions) against constructing a new ~65,100 sq ft facility; the mayor said the study would provide options for public review.
Council members and the municipal building committee reported on a new two‑story plus basement design that the committee favored and which estimates the total building footprint at about 65,100 square feet (first floor ~22,312 sq ft; basement ~22,069 sq ft).
Several council members asked the administration to procure an independent cost‑benefit analysis from outside firms not currently engaged in the project. Mayor Anthony Talarico Jr. emphasized residents should see a written comparison: "So bring it back to us, please," he said, urging proposals from two non‑involved engineers so the public can review options. Council members discussed scope — whether the study should compare renovation with additions versus building new at different square‑footage scenarios — and agreed to return a scope and proposal authorization to the council for a future resolution.
Committee members highlighted design choices (programmable space, multipurpose areas, elevator types and a possible convertible gun range/alternate space) and raised groundwater and basement planning as outstanding items. Multiple speakers said the study should document renovation feasibility so residents can be confident the governing body conducted due diligence before any major capital expenditure.
