Eatontown Council hears cost‑benefit analysis and advances engineering for new municipal building

Morgan Engineering presented three options for the municipal building: renovate-as-is, renovate-and-expand, or total reconstruction. Scott Tirella of Morgan Engineering described the inspection and testing required to produce accurate cost estimates and told the council a full valuation would require disturbances that cannot be avoided. Councilmember Maria Grazia Escalante said the renovation path was insufficient: "Not worth $315,000," she said, and urged the council to prioritize a new building and to stretch a projected $47 million budget to cover future needs. Administrators and construction contractors warned that renovations would require temporary trailers for staff and raised uncertainty about housing the police department in trailers.

M&M Construction representatives reviewed the renovation option and said options two and three produced similar cost estimates, shifting the practical choice toward either renovating in place or pursuing reconstruction. Mayor Anthony Talerico and Borough Administrator William P. Lucia summarized next steps, including further review by the municipal building committee and additional input from M&M Construction. During public comment, resident Ali Mehdaoui asked about asbestos and mold; officials said consultants advised that asbestos is not harmful if left undisturbed and described ongoing mold remediation measures. The council did not take a final construction vote but authorized continued engineering, budget planning and scheduling for committee review.