Newark, New Jersey, infamously known as one of the more violent cities in the country, has spent more than $1 million the last decade to send police trainees elsewhere in the state.
In 2023, the city will finally regain the ability to train and certify its own officers on their own turf. NJ.com reported recently that the city has secured a site for a new public safety training facility while eliminating another city issue — vacant buildings.
Newark announced that a $49 million training facility for police and fire recruits will be built on the site of a vacant school building and is scheduled to open in two years.
The site formerly housed the William H. Brown Academy school until a fire in 2017 and the building was eventually demolished. The 100,000 square-foot complex will house computer labs, virtual and scenario training rooms, classrooms and an auditorium, in addition to other amenities.
The training academy plans were announced in 2018 and the facility is the first of four new buildings planned for the Newark Public Safety Department. Total cost of the project is expected to be about $300 million and is targeted for a 2024 completion date.
The Newark Housing Authority, which owns the former school property and 11 other school buildings, is working to redevelop the properties.
Dave Lubach is Managing Editor, Facility Markets.
