EDISON – A focus on continuing to address overcrowding issues with the Edison Public Schools and helping combat opioid problems in the community are at the forefront as Edison Mayor Thomas Lankey looks to move the township forward in 2021.
He said strategic partnerships and teamwork are important to achieve the focal points, which have already begun.
Lankey addressed the Edison Chamber of Commerce in the 30th State of the Township Address at the Pines Manor on Feb. 25.
He said a committee has been set up with himself, members of Edison Board of Education, Schools Superintendent Bernard Bragen and members of the Township Council to try to find a solution to the overcrowding issues with the Edison Public Schools.
Officials are discussing properties including the Dorothy K. Drwal Stelton Community Center on Plainfield Avenue and the former Camp Kilmer Army base to help alleviate overcrowding issues.
Lankey said he has signed some partnerships and brought on additional staff to combat the opioid problems in the community.
He said 2020 was a difficult year with the novel coronavirus pandemic and some of the 13 goals laid out for the year had to be put on hold including construction of a new community center and some improvements to township parks.
However, many goals were met. Seventy-one roads were resurfaced; 50 new hires were made between the police and fire departments; improvements to some parks; construction of cricket pitches at fields; and work on infrastructure improvements with the state and county continue for the Route 287 North access ramp between Edison and Metuchen.
Lankey said officials are also working on finding a dedicated building for the water and sewer departments.
