METUCHEN — An architectural firm will assist Metuchen officials with design services and a feasibility study to determine if the borough’s firehouse, first aid squad and senior center can co-exist in one central place on the site of the current Metuchen First Aid Squad on Safety Place.
Borough Council members passed a resolution on Sept. 17 awarding a contract to H2M Architects and Engineers, Parsippany, not to exceed $24,500, and reimbursable expenses not to exceed $250, without further consideration and approval by the council.
Councilman Ronald Grayzel, who chairs the committee which is working to determine if the three entities can co-exist, said the panel met with four architects who specialize in first response premises over the summer and ultimately chose H2M Architects and Engineers, which began its services on Oct. 1.
H2M Architects and Engineers will conduct a needs analysis and a site evaluation to determine if the site on Safety Place is adequate. Grayzel said he will update the mayor and council before the end of December.
In August, the council awarded a professional services contract to Maser Consulting, Red Bank, to conduct a topographical survey and confirm the property lines at the property for a cost not to exceed $15,000.
The Metuchen Volunteer Fire Department firehouse, which was built in 1914, is located at 503 Middlesex Ave., and the Metuchen Senior Center is located at 15 Center St.
Discussions about relocating the fire department, whose building has been plagued with a leaking roof, crumbling support pillars and plumbing and electrical problems, have been ongoing for years.
Grayzel has said once officials have an answer on the feasibility and practicality of the Safety Place site and what would be involved to make it suitable for the three entities, it will become a 90-day project.
