East Brunswick Postpones Ice Rink Operator Contract To Allow Council Review Time

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Mayor Brad Cohen on Thursday informed council and the community that there was a delay around a significant contract with Black Bear Pro Skate for hockey and ice-skating operations at a rink.

Cohen acknowledges the contract's complexity and the decision to postpone presenting it for a vote at the last council meeting, deeming it unreasonable to expect a quick review.

“We've been working on that contract. It's one that really has a lot of detail, and we really didn't want to rush it,” Cohen said.

The contract was finished on Thursday, the day of the council meeting, but could not be presented as it left council members with no time to review it.

“We will pass that out as soon as we're pretty much certain that we're done and we're pretty much there for you all to review, so that could be on the agenda for the next council meeting,” Cohen said.

The construction of the much-awaited ice rink in East Brunswick is progressing at a fast pace, with officials expecting to open in October this year.

Last year, the township awarded $30 million in two contracts for the municipal ice rink.

The council approved expenses of $26,535,000 and $3,950,000 for the ice rink facility. The contract to build the 83,900-square-foot arena was given to Wood-Ridge-based Terminal Construction Corp for $26,535,000.

The $3,950,000 contract was given to Ice Builders, Inc. from Liverpool, NY, for the two indoor ice rinks, including mechanical systems, concrete slabs beneath the ice, refrigeration and other required features.

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