Secaucus Still Plans To Build 2nd Rec Center Near Krauszer's

SECAUCUS, NJ — Secaucus is still planning to build a second rec center right next to the Krauszer's on Meadowlands Parkway, Mayor Mike Gonnelli said Thursday, March 7.

This will be a fully enclosed turf playing field that would be used for youth soccer, lacrosse, football, cheerleading and wrestling.

The original plan was for a simple turf field, shorter than the length of a football field, covered by a weather-proof tarp. However, plans have now expanded to make this two stories and the facility will now be an actual brick-and-mortar building, said Gonnelli.

It would not open until at least 2020, the mayor said.

There will be heating and air conditioning, indoor restrooms and a concession stand; the town will build parking spaces. That lot next to Krauszer's is technically owned by Hartz Mountain, which leased it to the town of Secaucus for $1 per year for 99 years.

However, how exactly Secaucus will pay for the "second rec center," as it is called, remains unclear, especially as it has gotten more substantial in size. Gonnelli said last year it would be partially paid for by a $500,000 grant from Hudson County.

Other grants Secaucus received in late 2018:

• $2.2 million from the NJDOT for the repaving of Meadowlands Parkway (the repaving will start later this spring) That grant money comes from the NJDOT’s Local Freight Impact Fund Program, which is money given to towns where roadways are deteriorated by heavy trucks (sounds like Secaucus fits that bill!). Meadowlands Parkway In Secaucus Will Be Repaved
• Approximately $346,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to buy a new Secaucus fire dept. boat. The Secaucus all-volunteer fire department patrols the southern part of the Hackensack River, which has several bridges, train crossings, fuel tanks and heavy boat traffic. The fire dept. said the boat will not only help fight fires along our portion of the Hackensack, it will also assist in water rescues/searches. The boat will likely arrive in Secaucus in April/May. Secaucus Gets Federal FEMA Grant To Buy New Fire Boat
• The Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund awarded a $500,000 grant to Secaucus, which the town says will go towards building the new indoor sports center on Meadowlands Parkway. This will allow for year-round practice sessions. The new recreation facility is currently being designed.
• Other large grants include a $495,000 NJDOT grant through the Local Aid Infrastructure Fund to replace a collapsed storm water pipe leading to the Born Street pump station.
• A $300,000 NJDOT grant to rehabilitate the Meadowlands Parkway bridge, which crosses over the Norfolk Southern train tracks.
• Municipal Aid/DOT grants were also secured for new sidewalks, milling and paving of Flanagan Way, Luhmann Terrace, Arch Avenue, Garry Terrace and First Street.

Secaucus Gets $550K Grant To Pave Flanagan Way

Past Patch reporting:

Enclosed Sports Field Coming Next To Secaucus Krauszer's