Township Moves Ahead with Woman's Club Purchase

The Maplewood Township Committee voted 5-0 Tuesday night on the introduction of a new $1,100,000 bond ordinance for the acquisition of the Maplewood Woman's Club, and also voted unanimously to authorize the purchase of the club.

One resident, Kurt Kiley, spoke out against the purchase during the public comment period, saying he believed the township would turn the property into a parking lot and deck.

Before the votes were cast, Mayor Vic DeLuca said that after negotiations with the Woman's Club the purchase price had increased from $1,000,000 to $1,004,100.  

He also said the TC had agreed to the following stipulations from members who wished the club's history to be maintained: to leave a sign up on the property that says "Woman's Club," to provide a plaza or some area on the grounds honoring the club, and to construct a Woman's Club display at Dickens Village.

DeLuca reviewed the timeline of the transaction: First, the township will sign a contract and provide a non-refundable deposit of $4,100. There will be a public hearing and final vote on the bond ordinance on April 2. If the vote is positive, the bond will become official around the end of April. 

Ryan said the committee would reserve time at the next TC meeting on March 19 to discuss in public the details of potential uses for the building and soliciting potential partners.  

For more information on the Woman's Club, see this Patch article.