Moorestown To Seek New Contractor For Percheron Park Project

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown is going back out to bid on the Percheron Park project after the previous contractor failed to meet deadlines, township officials announced this week.

Officials said they now expect the project to break ground in the spring, but don’t expect any other delays. Officials originally expected the project to be completed by now.

"We are committed to bringing Percheron Park to life and extremely disappointed that this project won't be completed as planned, but the township is not willing to continue investing in a contractor who is unable to fulfill their obligation," Township Manager Kevin Aberant said.

The original contract for the project was awarded in July. Unlike the private sector, the township did not have the ability to hand-pick the project’s contractor. Under New Jersey Public Contracts Law, the township is required to accept the lowest bid.

However, the contractor has failed to proceed in accordance with the terms of the contract, according to officials. Given this breach, the township notified the contractor of its intent to terminate the contract and rebid the project.

Township Council is expected to vote on a resolution to formally terminate the current contract at its next meeting on Dec. 13.

The township is preparing to bid the project this month with an estimated bid submission deadline of mid-January. This allows the new contractor enough time to commence work on the project in the spring, as soon as the weather allows, officials said.

“I’m disappointed, but I’m on board with council sending it out to bid again,” said Friends of Percheron Park member Gina Zegel, who noted she was looking forward to the project progressing forward.

The project includes a statue of a Percheron, a horse originally from France. It first came to the United States thanks to Moorestown native son Edward Harris Jr., in the 19th Century. The statue honors Moorestown's past. Read more here: Percherons Hold Place Of Honor In Moorestown History

In 2013, sculptor Joshua Koffman, who received worldwide acclaim and a blessing from Pope Francis, was commissioned to create the statue. He has created a 12" bronze model of the statue, which was first unveiled in 2014.

In 2007, the township purchased the former gas station and auto repair shop at 1 High Street. This would become the destination for the statue, which was now in need of beautiful surroundings.

The idea of the Percheron Park project was born. The Friends of Percheron Park was incorporated in 2012, and fundraising for the project began. Read more here: Moorestown Approves $285K Bond Ordinance For Percheron Park

Township officials said they are grateful to the Friends of Percheron Park who have continued to fundraise throughout the duration of the conceptualization and planning phases of the project. Residents wishing to contribute to the Friends’ fundraising efforts can visit http://percheronpark.org.

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