EDISON, NJ – The Dorothy K. Drwal Stelton Community Center, a local youth recreation center in south Edison which has been closed since 2015, is set for a major step forward in its long-awaited renovation. The Edison Township Council recently approved a $7.9 million capital improvement bond that includes $3.7 million in funding to address critical structural issues, paving the way for potential future reopening.
Despite its historical significance, the Stelton Community Center paints a bleak picture of the failures of municipal government. Broken windows like vacant eyes stare out from the boarded-up facade. Rain, with no gutters to channel it, has likely caused significant water damage within. The most concerning sight, however, is a dangerous pile of junk gathered in the corner of the property. Loose wires snake from the debris, posing a possible electrical hazard and a potential invitation for curious youngsters.
“We are looking to redo the Stelton Community Center,” stated Sonia Alves-Viveiros, the township’s Business Administrator. The approved funds will primarily target a new roof, along with essential repairs and remediation work.
While this marks a significant commitment from the township, officials acknowledge that a fully functional center will require further investment. “We’re making an investment, but the investment is to keep the wheels on the cart, to prevent any further damage. It will take several million more before this building is functional for the public,” cautioned Councilman Rich Brescher.
Once a bustling school, the Dorothy K Drwal Stelton Community Center became a cornerstone in South Edison’s history. Its closure in 2015 left a significant void, leaving children in south Edison without a recreation center for over eight years. The path to reopening the center seems lengthy, but with the recent commitment from township, there’s hope that this historic hub can once again be a vibrant space for the community.
