Mayor's Town Council Opening Remarks

Good evening,

Tonight marks an important milestone in Lawrence Township’s journey as we receive the recommendation of the Mayor's Task Force on the Community Center. This recommendation represents not only a path forward for the future of our community center but also the culmination of months of hard work, sacrifice, and collaboration.

First, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the chair of the task force, Dr. Chris Woolley, for his outstanding leadership. Dr. Wooley, your steady guidance has brought together a wide range of voices and perspectives and shaped them into a thoughtful, unified plan. To every member of the task force, thank you for the countless hours you have dedicated—often at personal sacrifice—to ensuring this process was thorough, inclusive, and rooted in what is best for our township.

What we see before us tonight is not the work of a few, but the voice of many. Hundreds of residents joined town meetings to share their hopes and ideas for the community center. We saw neighbors fill the room, we listened to families share their memories and dreams, and we welcomed input from organizations across Lawrence Township. Schools, nonprofits, civic groups, and local businesses all came to the table—making sure this recommendation reflects the needs and aspirations of our entire community.

Behind this recommendation is a depth of work that deserves recognition. The task force conducted research, gathered feedback, facilitated open dialogue, and fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders. They asked hard questions, weighed difficult options, and made sure no voice was left unheard.

This center is more than just a building—it is a symbol of who we are as a community. Its reopening under township leadership has the potential to serve as a hub for education, recreation, wellness, and connection. And because of the thoughtful and inclusive process that brought us here, I am confident that this plan reflects both our history and our vision for the future.

Tonight, as we look ahead to next steps, I want us to remember that this moment belongs to all of us. It belongs to every resident who spoke up, to every organization that participated, and to every task force member who gave their time and energy to this effort.

On behalf of the Township, thank you for showing us what it means to work together for the good of Lawrence.