Police Station Remodel In Mendham Asks For Public Participation

MENDHAM, NJ — As the new Mendham Township Police Department facility has finally been completed, Mayor Nick Monaghan has asked residents to come up with ideas for repurposing the now-vacant police station.

To better gauge the community's reaction to the repurposed building, project leaders Deputy Mayor Tom Baio and Committeewoman Amalia Duarte will hold a resident listening session to hear different perspectives and ideas for repurposing the current police station at 3 Cherry Lane.

"The Township Committee is exploring the idea for repurposing the police station because our town doesn't have a public community center. The Brookside Community Club is a private, nonprofit entity. As part of this exploration, Deputy Mayor Tom Baio and I are looking for ideas and also at the practicality of repurposing the building and ensuring any concerns with it are appropriately addressed. In addition to the main building, there are two trailers owned by the town," Duarte said.

The next public session is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 3, between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the municipal building.

According to officials, the old police station will house Township staff temporarily after the police department moves into their new headquarters on West Main Street in the coming weeks so that the municipal building can be renovated.

Duarte and Baio have already proposed a social gathering space, a meeting space, a local history museum, a studio for Mendham TV or other nonprofit groups, or a space for classes and workshops.

"We launched a survey last month, and so far more than 200 residents have responded. An overwhelming majority – 70% -are in favor of repurposing the station," Duarte said. In the survey, residents have the option of voting on one of the current ideas or naming their own.

At the first Listening Session held last week, several residents proposed using the station for senior citizen gatherings during the day and then other uses for students afterschool and groups in the evening, Durante said.

Another option that was brought up last week was additional library space for concurrent programs and small groups.

The new station, located at 4 West Main Street, was part of a larger renovation project that includes the Town Hall, municipal offices and the library. According to Duarte, the township police have already moved into their new headquarters.