Edison Council Prepares for Big Wednesday Votes: Army Water Testing and $478K Playground on Deck

Monday work session focuses on safety and spending before final decisions

A close-up photograph of a low-lying, brown masonry and brick sign for the Raritan Center industrial park. The sign has two distinct sections separated by vertical columns. The left section features a smaller archway with a symbol and the text "FEDERAL BUSINESS CENTERS," followed below by "REGIONAL OFFICE." The larger right section has an arched top with "RARITAN" in large, black capital letters. Below the arch, the text reads: "CENTER," "THE COMPLETE BUSINESS," "AND INDUSTRY CENTER," and "RARITAN CENTER PARKWAY," all in black capital letters. The sign is flanked by landscaped bushes and greenery, with mature deciduous trees forming a backdrop under a partly cloudy sky. The photograph is taken during the daytime.

A file photo of Raritan Center in Edison. (Source)

Chris Howell | March 24, 2025

The Edison Township Council spent Monday evening reviewing several major projects, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes votes this Wednesday. Because this was a work session, no laws were passed, but the council signaled its support for a five-year deal with the U.S. Army and a nearly half-million-dollar playground.

DON’T LET AN ALGORITHM DECIDE YOUR NEWS

Sign up for The Central Jerseyan Newsletter for independent hyperlocal news and events every Sunday.

Get Direct Access

Army to Track “Legacy” Pollution at Raritan Center

The Council reviewed a “right-of-entry” agreement that would allow the U.S. Army to access land near Raritan Center Parkway and Clover Place. If voted through on Wednesday, the Army will be authorized to “construct, operate, and maintain” monitoring wells to track chemicals left behind by the old Raritan Arsenal.

Details from the Army’s official reports show the investigation is looking for two main types of pollution:

  1. Chemicals in the Water: They are tracking VOCs (cleaning solvents) in the groundwater to ensure they don’t move toward the Raritan River.
  2. Old Explosives: While the Army says soil chemicals in some areas are safe for industrial use, they are still tracking Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC)—actual unexploded shells or bombs—to ensure no one accidentally digs them up.

Councilman Ajay Patil questioned the length of the deal. Business Administrator Sonia Alves-Viveiros explained that the town successfully negotiated the Army’s request down from 30 years to a five-year (60-month) term. This allows the council to review the Army’s progress more often.

A $478,000 “America 250” Playground

The Council also discussed a $478,080 contract for a new playground. Council President Joseph Coyle noted the project is part of the “America 250” celebration, marking the 250th birthday of the United States.

The playground will be located next to the skate park in the municipal complex, according to Vice President Robert Kentos. A final vote to award this contract is expected Wednesday.

Thomas Place: Resident Concerns and the Planning Board

During the public portion, one resident, Janice Kasmar, expressed concerns about a plan to “vacate” or give up a public street on Thomas Place. This is often done to make room for new private buildings.

Kasmar worried that a proposed 40-unit project for the area was “too big for that small area” and asked where all the cars would park. However, Council members clarified that their job on Wednesday is only to vote on closing the street.

Councilman Asaf Shmuel told Kasmar that her concerns about the size of the building and parking are issues for the Planning Board. “The Planning Board would be the one to decide on the amount of units,” Shmuel explained. He encouraged her to bring those specific complaints to the board when they review the building’s actual design.

Ongoing Efforts to Save the Stelton Community Center

The Council received an update on the Stelton Community Center, which faces major asbestos issues. While the administration is reviewing “design work,” Council Vice President Kentos urged the town not to let the building fall apart.

“I want to make sure the exterior, the shell of the building is okay,” Kentos said. He warned that if repairs are delayed too long, the historic building may be lost forever.

Wednesday’s Financial Agenda

The following items were placed on the agenda for a final vote this Wednesday, March 25:

  • $43.6 Million in Emergency Funds: Temporary money to keep the town running until the final 2026 budget is adopted.
  • $375,000 Library Grant: Funds to pay for the expansion of the North Edison Branch.
  • Banking Services: A resolution to reject all current bank bids and restart the search for a new township bank.

Editor’s note: The Central Jerseyan is free to read and supported by advertising. If you value this kind of local reporting and want to help sustain it, you can become a citizen supporter on Patreon. Your contribution helps fund continued coverage of local government, schools, and community issues.

Support Independent Community Journalism