Councilwoman Olympia I’Liou Perry detailed an update on fire safety and the proposed centralization of the fire department. A subcommittee, which includes members from the Lawrence Fire Department and a civilian with substantial public safety experience, has been formed to assess the feasibility of this initiative. Perry emphasized that establishing a solid foundation is crucial before making notable decisions about centralization. The subcommittee suggested consolidating all volunteer firefighters into a single location to improve response times, which has already been implemented as of July 1st, resulting in a notable increase in emergency response effectiveness.

Another recommendation from the subcommittee was the hiring of additional career firefighters. The town manager and Chief Financial Officer confirmed that three positions could be afforded in the 2025 budget, although this proposal still requires council approval. The subcommittee also suggested increasing the incentive compensation for volunteer firefighters from $50 to $100 and reviewing the current $7 pay-per-call rate.

The subcommittee proposed conducting an independent survey to evaluate the potential centralization of fire services, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment to ensure that all areas of Lawrence Township, particularly those with potentially longer response times like South Lawrence, are considered. The council expressed support for these initiatives and agreed on the urgency of moving forward with the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to engage an external consultant for this survey.

During public participation, Ken Kieran, a resident of Gainesboro Road, raised concerns about the study’s scope. He also questioned the existing compensation structure for volunteers, seeking clarification on the rates of $50 and $7 per call. Another resident, Hillary Jersey, a business owner near the proposed firehouse site, expressed concerns about potential runoff and water damage to her property if a new structure were to be built, highlighting the need for careful planning and community input.

The future of the Lawrence Community Center was another significant topic of discussion. The center, previously operated by HomeFront, is set to transition to the township’s management by September 30, 2024. The council discussed the necessity of immediate renovations to comply with handicap accessibility laws, as the building currently lacks essential features such as elevators. The financial implications of running a community center alongside the recreation department were highlighted, with council members emphasizing the need for substantial funding to expand programming effectively.

Public commenters expressed concerns about the potential displacement of organizations during the transition period and questioned whether the community center would remain a community resource or become an extension of the recreation department. The mayor proposed establishing a mayor’s task force to advise the council on community needs and the impact of the recreation department’s involvement.

The redevelopment plan for 3131 Princeton Pike also sparked considerable debate. The proposal includes a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) arrangement necessary for the project’s financial viability. Some residents expressed frustration about the potential financial burden on taxpayers, arguing that the developer should contribute adequately to local services, including schools and emergency services. Concerns were raised about the lack of public outreach regarding the development plans, with residents feeling disconnected from the council’s decision-making process.

In addressing the community’s concerns, council members emphasized the need for transparency and public engagement. They discussed the benefits of the redevelopment, such as new housing and mixed-use opportunities, while acknowledging the potential impact on local resources. The council moved to introduce a professional services agreement to study the viability of the PILOT arrangement.