_gif.gif){kind=logo}
The Authority Newsletter- September/October 2026
What's New at The Authority?
Landfill Update
The Authority’s projects continue to progress according to plan. Fleet Office renovations are complete, as fleet office staff have moved into the space. Interior Scale House renovations are underway, with Phase 1 completed at the end of August and Phase 2 set to begin shortly. Landfill well drilling bids have been awarded to ALCO, with construction scheduled to begin in early October. Drop-Off Area renovations are complete and officially opened to the public on September 21. The Cell 10 Expansion remains in the permitting phase, with plans and the project timeline approved by SWAC on August 11 and is scheduled for a public hearing on October 13.
Upper Deerfield Board of Education
The Seabrook School Pre-K Expansion received its final CO inspection on August 25, 2026, with teachers moving in the following day. Students began using the new classrooms on September 8 and are enjoying the expanded space. The project also includes a new Gross Motor Room with updated equipment and activities, providing students with a safe, inclusive space for indoor movement and play.
CCTEC
The CCTEC project continues to progress on schedule. The exterior is taking shape with Kentucky bluegrass sod, completed brickwork and siding, roof coping, and exterior entry doors now installed. Interior work is also progressing, with mechanical systems being completed above the ceilings and ceiling grid installation scheduled in the coming weeks. The project remains on schedule for completion in late April.
Bridgeton Fire Station
The Bridgeton Fire Station project is nearing completion, with most interior and exterior work finished. The restored entry lobby, featuring the original City of Bridgeton seal in the floor, has been beautifully renewed. Historic replica front and side doors are scheduled for delivery by the end of September, completing the contractor’s work. The remaining Fire Alert system, cameras, and access control will be installed by the owner in late September or early October, before move-in.
Bridgeton Board of Education
Work continues on three Bridgeton Board of Education projects, all awarded to Ogren. At Cherry Street School, the construction fence and trailer are in place, footers have been installed, foundation and block masonry walls are underway, and site work has begun. At Indian Avenue School, the construction fence is installed, the construction trailer is being set up, temporary classroom units and playground equipment are being removed, and permits have been submitted to the township. At West Avenue School, permits are being submitted to the township, with site mobilization yet to begin.
Cumberland Regional High School
On July 29, 2026, the Cumberland Regional Board approved a resolution to award the Stadium reconstruction project to The LandTek Group, LLC. in the amount of $5,685,756.50 which DOES NOT include the new Grandstands, Bleachers or Synthetic Turf. The project includes the demolition of the entire stadium, installation of new Musco Lights, Track, track equipment and turf field drainage. The district plans to purchase the Grandstands, Bleachers and Synthetic Turf through competitive coops saving the district between $300k and $500k. The project is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 19 and be completed by June 4, 2027.
Salem College Athletic Facility
The Authority is serving as construction manager for Salem Community College’s new 12,000-square-foot athletic training center. The facility will include training space, offices, equipment storage, and locker rooms. The project is currently in design, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027.
Salem County Broadband
The Salem County Board of Commissioners awarded the Priority Middle Mile project to Millennium Communications Group, LLC. The project will install more than 50 miles of fiber to expand broadband access. Construction begins soon, with a groundbreaking later this month.
Salem Community College Nursing
Congratulations to Salem Community College on receiving $2.4 million in economic development grants to expand its nursing program. The project will increase training opportunities for local residents and help address the area’s nursing workforce needs. The Authority looks forward to continuing its partnership with SCC.
Land Bank Update
The Authority, City of Salem, and Land Bank Community Advisory Board recently toured vacant and abandoned properties to identify potential Land Bank properties. The City has authorized the transfer of up to 65 properties, with transfers expected in the coming weeks following finalization of tax foreclosures. The Authority continues to meet with interested developers.
Kingwood & Red Lion NJ State Police
The Kingwood and Red Lion NJSP Barracks projects were awarded to Grove Construction and Newport Construction, respectively. Both projects received Notices to Proceed on September 8, 2026, with completion scheduled for September 2027. Pre-construction meetings have been held, permits are being processed, and contractors are completing submittals and RFIs. Kingwood is expected to mobilize and begin earthwork in the second week of October, with Red Lion following in the first week of October.
Cape May Police Department
The Cape May Police Department project continued to make significant progress throughout August and September. Roofing was completed, bringing the building closer to full enclosure, while brick veneer was completed along all four elevations and work continued on the clock tower. Interior mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems also advanced throughout the facility, keeping the project on schedule as it moves toward its next phase.
Cape May Justice Complex
Work continues on the new $21.5 million Cape May County Justice Complex. Exterior siding is approximately 50% complete, with operable windows installed. Interior work, including insulation, GWB, painting, HVAC, data, and plumbing, continues to progress. Forensic Lab coordination remains ongoing. Site work and additional stormwater improvements along Moore Road are expected to resume early next month. Phase I is scheduled for completion in February 2027, with substantial completion anticipated July 7, 2027, and final completion in August 2027.
Improving Your Tomorrow Event Recap
The Authority hosted its annual Improving Your Tomorrow event on September 17 at the Vineland Convention Center. Approximately 200 attendees heard presentations on the economic outlook for Cumberland County, why businesses chose to locate here, energy incentive programs, and how the regional broadband project will positively impact our community. Jerry Velazquez, President/CEO of The Authority, announced major projects and investment coming to the area, including a $5 million investment from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for addressing community needs, such as the land bank and other community development projects in low-income neighborhoods.
Thank you to our speakers, including: Rob Bender (TD Bank), Joe Lebel (OceanFirst Bank), Joe Rehm (Century Savings Bank), Bryan Stein (Wells Fargo Advisors), Andy Kuhn (Choose New Jersey), Jim Economy (Bridor), Tim Whitehead (Sika), Chip Mathews (Lassonde), Dominic Villecco (V-Comm), Christina Renna (Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey), Brenden Rickards (Rowan College of South Jersey), Tony Quigley (City of Vineland), Sandy Forosisky (City of Vineland), and Frank Nicosia (Atlantic City Electric). We would also like to thank our sponsors, including our presenting sponsors TD Bank, Inspira Health, Atlantic City Electric, OceanFirst Bank, and Archer Greiner Associates, as well as our hosts, the City of Vineland.
Welcome to The Authority, Jenna Levner, Watershed Ambassador!
Welcome Jenna Levner to The Authority family as the 2026-2027 New Jersey AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador! Throughout her term, Jenna will be conducting stream assessments, hosting partnership projects, and giving in-class presentations. If any environmental organizations or teachers would like to work with Jenna, please contact her at wma17.njwap@gmail.com.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Authority is partnering with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to invest in community development. Following a $500,000 seed grant, RWJF is considering a $5 million program-related investment to support community-serving facilities, mixed-use development, essential neighborhood services, and affordable housing in low-income communities. The investment is pending Local Finance Board approval later this month. Support for this initiative was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.
Leadership Cumberland County Meet and Greet
The 2026-2027 Leadership Cumberland County program year has begun with its annual Meet and Greet on Monday, September 28. This year’s class consists of 23 members from various backgrounds and fields of work. The annual Retreat is scheduled for October 5 and 6. Welcome LCC Class of 2027!
Click the file below to read more about the latest news, projects, and events at The Authority.
Comments