The poor condition of the existing police annex in Brick Township’s barrier island portion. (Photo: Shorebeat)
Brick Township officials are planning to build an emergency services complex in its barrier island portion after the partial collapse of a trailer that long-housed a police and public service annex.
The project was announced as part of the township’s recent budget presentation by Mayor Lisa Crate, which is still subject to a public hearing and final vote by the township council. The public safety complex would replace a pre-manufactured building that served for decades as a small police substation.
“The trailer we were using for police, special officers and guards collapsed due to old age and weather, and cannot easily be replaced with another trailer because it’s in a high velocity wind zone and has very specific requirements to secure it,” explained Business Administrator Joanne Bergin.
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The poor condition of the existing police annex in Brick Township’s barrier island portion. (Photo: Shorebeat)
The poor condition of the existing police annex in Brick Township’s barrier island portion. (Photo: Shorebeat)
The poor condition of the existing police annex in Brick Township’s barrier island portion. (Photo: Shorebeat)
The building cannot be occupied by staff this summer, leading township officials to determine that police, EMS and special officers can use the nearby firehouse, and crossing guards will use offices at the Brick Beach 1 concession building.
“That led to discussions about next steps: if we have to rebuild, we may as well do it right,” said Bergin.
Discussions began with the fire department, as the Pioneer Hose Fire Company maintains a barrier island house next to the trailer site. Those talks led to broad agreement about the presence of a public safe annex remaining on the island.
Brick Beach I concession stand/offices, April 2024. (Photo: Shorebeat)
“We are at the very early stages of this and will start research to identify a design firm with public safety experience and start discussions this year on the development of plans to suit police, fire and EMS needs,” said Bergin.
There is no cost estimate as to the eventual construction of the annex, as plans need to be drawn up, permits acquired and bidding held.
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