Lawrence Secures $2M State Grant For Neighborhood Center Renovations

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — Lawrence Township has been awarded a $2 million appropriation through the Fiscal Year 2027 New Jersey State Budget to support improvements to the Lawrence Township Neighborhood Center, township officials announced Aug. 6.

The funding was secured through the efforts of state Sen. Shirley K. Turner (D-15), who championed the request during the state budget process.

The award builds on a $500,000 federal grant previously secured by Rep. Herb Conaway, bringing total outside grant funding committed to the Neighborhood Center to $2.5 million.

The Neighborhood Center, located at 295 Eggerts Crossing Road, has long served as a gathering place for residents, families and community organizations. The township is undertaking an effort to restore and modernize the facility to again serve as a hub for community programming and services.

"We are extremely grateful to Senator Turner for her unwavering support of Lawrence Township and for recognizing the importance of investing in this community asset," Mayor Christopher Bobbitt said. "This funding represents a significant investment in our residents and will help ensure that the Neighborhood Center can continue serving future generations."

Municipal Manager Kevin P. Nerwinski said the combined grant funding significantly eases the burden on local taxpayers.

"With Senator Turner's $2 million appropriation, combined with Congressman Conaway's previously secured $500,000 federal grant, the Township has now obtained $2.5 million in outside funding for this project," Nerwinski said. "These grants dramatically reduce the financial burden on Lawrence taxpayers while allowing us to make meaningful improvements to an important community facility."

Earlier this year, the township completed a public planning process that included forming a Neighborhood Center Task Force, holding multiple public meetings, and issuing a request for proposals seeking a qualified nonprofit to lease and operate the facility while expanding community programming.

In correspondence announcing the appropriation, Turner cited the "important role the Neighborhood Center has in the community" and its potential to again serve as "a welcoming and active resource for Lawrence Township community and residents."

The township said it will continue working with professional consultants, elected officials, community partners and the selected nonprofit operator as plans move forward for the renovation and reopening of the Neighborhood Center.

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