The Authority Newsletter- July 2026

What's New at The Authority?

Landfill Update

The Authority’s Solid Waste Complex was highlighted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to be a model landfill site for the state. This recognition is a testament to The Authority’s innovation and attention to detail in all of its operations. The Authority is proud of this accomplishment as we strive to improve your tomorrow. The Authority’s summer projects are progressing. Fleet Office renovations are underway with an expected completion of mid-August.  

Economic Development Committee

Congratulations to the new officers of the Cumberland County Economic Development Board. They include: Cosmo Giovinazzi of OceanFirst Bank (Chair), Susanna Philippoussis of BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors (Vice Chair), and Denise Jackson of the Cumberland Empowerment Zone (Secretary). 

Shared Service with Cumberland County Health Department

The Cumberland County Improvement Authority and the Cumberland County Health Department have entered into a shared service agreement for custodial services at the Bridgeton satellite office on Magnolia Avenue. The shared service is expected to provide a higher level of service along with savings to the Health Department. Custodial services are provided through The Authority’s in-house team, which provide services at various properties throughout the county.

Upper Deerfield Board of Education

The Seabrook School Pre-K Expansion project is on the home stretch to completion. The new HVAC equipment has been started up and the building is being prepared for interior doors and flooring to be installed the second week of July. Ceiling grid is in, lights are in place, and fire sprinklers are being dropped into ceiling tiles, as the inspections are being performed. In the coming weeks, data cable will be run, fire alarm devices and casework will be installed, as well as a final coat of paint.

CCTEC

The new addition for the Cumberland County Technical Education Center is progressing according to schedule. The masonry bearing walls are complete, with the steel bar joist installed, and metal decking to follow. The interior masonry partition walls are also nearing completion. The project is on schedule for an April 2027 completion, in time for the new school year. 

Bridgeton Fire Station

The Bridgeton Fire Station Project continues to progress according to plan. Installation of the roll-up doors is underway, while sitework and concrete walk construction have begun. The elevator installation is also in progress. The brick veneer, designed to match the historic building, has been completed, and installation of the finish flooring will begin soon. Permanent power is now available throughout the building. The project is on schedule for completion in Summer 2026.

Bridgeton Board of Education

Beginning in July 2026, the Bridgeton Board of Education will expand three K-8 schools and complete lighting and fire alarm upgrades at Bridgeton High School. The school additions are scheduled for completion by September 2027. Construction at Cherry Street School is set to begin in July 2026 following the award to Ogren. The project includes a 19,200-square-foot addition with new kindergarten classrooms, a cafeteria, kitchen, support spaces, utility upgrades, and site improvements. Substantial completion is anticipated in July 2027. Bids for the Indian Avenue School addition are due July 7, 2026. The West Avenue School project will be advertised on July 7, 2026, with bids due August 4, 2026.

Linden Street Homes

Work on the Linden Street Homes project is complete. The contractor is finalizing punch list items. Three of the homes are going through the closing process.

Land Bank Webinar

On June 15, Jerry Velazquez, President/CEO of The Authority presented on the land bank initiative alongside Mayor Jody Veler of Salem. The two discussed progress to-date, as well as the challenges of launching a land bank. The Authority is one of only two land banks in the state and the only land bank in the southern half of the state. The Authority is collaborating with the City of Salem to redevelop approximately 50 properties in Salem through the land bank. 

Salem County Social Services

Construction is in the final days at the Salem County Social Services building. This project consisted of interior upgrades to the employee and public use toilet rooms, lighting, flooring, and painting. Upgrades were also made to the exterior with the installation of a new canopy at the employee entrance and security and access controls. 

Salem County Prosecutor’s Office

Phase 2 of the Prosecutor’s Office is underway with demolition nearing completion. This phase of the project will include the installation of all new light fixtures, floor coverings, and ceiling tiles. Upgrades to the building security and access controls will also be complete in this phase.

Fenwick Plaza Update

The Authority continues its renovations of Fenwick Plaza in Salem. The second and third  floors  are progressing according to the schedule.  This is the next  step in the effort to return Fenwick Plaza to a hub of downtown activity. Fenwick Plaza construction is moving into its final phases, and is expected to be complete Summer 2026. 

Cape May Police Department

The Cape May Police Department building continues to take shape as construction progresses into the next phase. Over the past month, the third-floor precast concrete planks were installed, grouted, and topped with concrete, completing the building’s primary structural framework. Exterior CMU and parapet walls continued on the third floor in preparation for roof truss installation, while the stair tower was extended and mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection rough-ins continued throughout the building. Exterior waterproofing has also begun as the project moves closer to enclosing the structure.

Cape May Justice Complex

Work   continues   at   the   new   Cape   May    County Justice Complex. During the past month, EPDM roofing was completed, rooftop HVAC units were delivered and installed, the main electrical gear was received and set, and the brick veneer was completed.  Interior partition framing is approximately 90% complete, spray-applied  fireproofing   has been installed in select areas, and    the    exterior     weather-resistant barrier (WRB) is being installed. HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection rough-ins  continue  on both  the  first  and second floors. The owner continues coordinating furniture, IT, and interior finish selections. Ernest Bock & Sons and its subcontractors remain on schedule to meet the original substantial completion date of July 7, 2027, with final completion anticipated in August 2027.

Choose NJ Visits Cumberland County

The Authority hosted Choose New Jersey CEO Amy Herbold and her leadership team for a tour of Cumberland County, where they met with local business owners, viewed existing international businesses that have located and thrived in Cumberland County, and discussed opportunities for further development in the county. Recent collaborations with Choose New Jersey have led to Cumberland County retaining international businesses, such as Lassonde, staying in New Jersey and new international businesses, such as Sika, choosing to locate here. 

June Hazardous Waste Collection

The Authority hosted its second Household Hazardous Waste and Document Shredding event of 2026 on Saturday, June 6. At the event, 6.53 tons of hazardous waste and 800 gallons of used oil were collected. Furthermore, 5.35 tons of documents were shredded and recycled. A total of 2.54 tons of electronic waste were collected and shipped out for recycling. The final event of 2026 will take place on Saturday, September 12 at The Authority’s Solid Waste Complex.

Click the file below to read more about the latest news, projects, and events at The Authority.

July 2026 Newsletter.pdf

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