Middlesex Marks Construction Milestone With Steel Beam Signing At Edison CIO Project Sites

EDISON, NJ — Middlesex County officials celebrated a significant construction milestone on Wednesday, with a ceremonial steel beam signing and behind-the-scenes tour of four major projects at Middlesex College in Edison. The project comes under the Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan.

The event brought together local, state, and federal officials alongside community and labor partners for guided tours of the Destination Athletic Complex at Thomas A. Edison Park, the Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School, the Multipurpose Community Venue, and the Middlesex College Student Center.

These interconnected projects aim to establish Middlesex College and the surrounding area as a regional center for education, economic development, and community engagement.

During each tour stop, county and project leaders provided updates on construction progress and detailed how the investments will benefit residents, businesses, and future generations. The tour culminated with the ceremonial steel beam signing near the Johnson Learning Center, featuring remarks from key officials.

"This is more than steel and concrete—it's about building a future where education, innovation, and community come together in one place," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. He emphasized the project's commitment to union labor, noting that over 100,000 hours of 100% union work have already been invested in the developments.

Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative. "These transformational projects are the result of collaboration between County government, Middlesex College, Middlesex County Magnet Schools, the Building and Construction Trades Council, Rutgers University, our partners at the state and federal levels, and many more," she said.

The project has garnered strong support from federal and state representatives. Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-6) praised the forward-thinking approach, stating that the developments continue Middlesex County's reputation as "the destination hub to live, work, and play." He emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships across all levels of government.

New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin expressed enthusiasm about the community impact, describing the projects as preparing young people for future opportunities while creating spaces for lasting community connections. " From the state-of-the-art new high school to the vibrant new venues for athletics, culture and student life, we’re preparing young people for the jobs and opportunities that will shape the future and creating a space where families, neighbors, and students can come together and build lasting connections for generations to come," he said.

The CIO Strategic Investment Plan represents a comprehensive approach to regional development, focusing on education, innovation, and community building. By concentrating these diverse facilities in proximity to Middlesex College, county officials aim to create synergies between educational institutions, recreational facilities, and community venues that will serve residents for generations to come.

The steel beam signing ceremony marks a tangible milestone in what officials describe as a bold investment in infrastructure that prioritizes both economic opportunity and community pride throughout Middlesex County.

Middlesex County’s Vision: CIO Strategic Investment Plan

First announced in November 2022, the CIO Strategic Investment Plan is a visionary initiative that is transforming Middlesex College into a dynamic hub for education, workforce development, recreation, arts, and community engagement—all while fueling economic growth, improving quality of life, and expanding opportunities for residents and businesses.

CIO Strategic Investment Plan highlights underway include:

• Multipurpose Community Venue (broke ground January 2025)

• Middlesex College Student Center (broke ground January 2025)

• Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School (broke ground March 2025)

• Destination Athletic Complex at Thomas A. Edison Park featuring:

• 14 multi-sport synthetic fields

• 16 tennis courts

• A state-of-the-art recreational cricket field

Future phases of the CIO Strategic Investment Plan will include:

• Workforce Development and Conference Center

• Community Park featuring an educational children’s amenity

• Enhancements to existing outdoor spaces, incorporating public art, seating, and water features

For more information about the CIO Strategic Investment Plan and project updates, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/cioplan.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com