Lacey To Raise Rental Fees At New Community Center

LACEY, NJ — The Lacey Township Committee is introducing an ordinance next month that would raise rental fees for groups and residents using its remodeled community center.

The community center will soon be outfitted with new paint, floors, ceilings, lights and a kitchen. Its main hall can hold about 375 people with tables and chairs, up from the 190 that the current space holds.

The new facility in the former Knights of Columbus Building at 15 E. Lacey Rd. has been named the Charles A. Memorial Community Center.

The committee has proposed raising rental fees from $100 to $150 for community groups and nonprofit organizations who hold events there.

Half-day rental fees for residents would be raised from $200 to $300. Whole-day rentals would increase from $400 to $600.

Rental fees to host meetings will still cost $10 in the center’s two small rooms and $20 in its larger room.

“We haven’t adjusted these fees since 2002,” said township administrator Veronica Laureigh during a meeting earlier this month, adding that the fees are still low compared to other nearby towns.

The committee plans to have organizations and residents using the new community center by January 2022.

“For the services we provide, I think it’s very reasonable. It’s an upgraded building with more space,” Mayor Peter Curatolo said. “I think community organizers and the folks that are going to use that venue are going to be very pleased with it.”

Laureigh is also proposing a rescheduling fee for individuals or groups that cancel events frequently.

“We have a lot of problems with last minute cancellations and right now they’re entitled to get their entire amount of money back. I’m looking to withhold a rescheduling fee if they are constantly rescheduling which happens quite a bit,” Laureigh said.

In a cancellation in advance of 60 days, $100 of a $200 deposit would be held. If 60 days or less, $150 would be held and if 30 days or less, the full $200 deposit would be held.

First reading of the ordinance will take place at the committee's meeting on Thursday, Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lacey Municipal Building.

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