Home

Union County Improvement Authority, Union County and Union College of Union County Mark Major Milestone in $35 Million Physical Education Center Expansion

Officials from the Union County Improvement Authority (UCIA) and Union College of Union County (UCNJ) gathered on Thursday, November 5, to celebrate the topping off of the $35 million expansion of the college’s Physical Education Center (PECK) at its Cranford campus. The milestone marks the placement of the last structural beam on the building.

“Today we celebrate how far this project has come since we broke ground last fall,” said Bibi Taylor, Ed.D., Executive Director, UCIA. “Raising the final beam brings us one step closer to delivering a state-of-the-art athletic hub and student resource center that benefits UCNJ students and the broader Union County community.”

During the ceremony, officials from UCIA, Union County and UCNJ, along with student-athletes signed the final beam, marking a significant step toward completion of the project. The ceremony comes just over a year after officials broke ground in October 2025.

“This project is very close to my heart. I spent a couple of summers at Union College, earning credits that helped me graduate sooner and get a head start on my career,” said Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari. “Through our partnership with the Union County Improvement Authority, County Commissioners, and Union College, we are putting public dollars to work to reinvest in our communities and build facilities that make a real difference for residents. This state-of-the-art facility will provide new opportunities for student-athletes, support the college’s academic programs, and serve the broader college community for years to come.”

The project is now 30% complete. M&M Construction Company, Inc., a Cranford-based contractor, is finishing steel erection and will next begin installing the building’s precast panels. The facility is expected to be completed in fall 2027. 

The expansion will meet the standards of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC), while creating opportunities to expand sports-related academic programs, including sports management, and strengthen community partnerships.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the hard work of our partners at Union College, Union County and M&M Construction,” said Christopher Kolibas, Chairman, UCIA. “The facility will give UCNJ room to grow its athletic programs and academic offerings, and it will become a valuable resource for Union County residents for years to come. We’re proud of the progress and look forward to seeing it completed next fall.”

The project will transform the 42,000-square-foot building into a modern athletic and academic facility. Planned features include an NJCAA-regulation basketball court, a new wrestling room, a weight training center, a modernized athletic training room, a multipurpose room, academic classrooms, improved spectator seating, and expanded athletic areas designed to meet current safety and competition standards.

UCNJ supports 14 NJCAA athletic teams, with at least five expected to host competitions in the renovated facility: men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s wrestling. The renovated facility will also give UCNJ the capacity to host major events on campus, including its spring and winter commencement ceremonies. 

2026 Capital Project Grant Program $10,000,000 Municipal Allocation for Non-Matching Grants

The 2026 Capital Project Grant Program was launched in strategic partnership with the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The program is making a total of $10 million in capital funding available to Union County municipalities to advance projects of economic, transportation, and governmental importance.

Ribbon Cutting for Springfield Avenue Park

Union County Improvement Authority Director Dr. Bibi Taylor joined the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney, members of the Township Council to celebrate the completion of the park’s $5.4 million renovation.

The more than 35-acre park now features upgraded playgrounds for different age groups, shaded picnic areas, walking paths and trails, an ADA-accessible boat launch, and a synthetic surface walking track with benches and a pavilion.

Ribbon Cutting for Watchung Stable Improvements

The Watchung Stable improvement project included a wide range of repairs, renovations, and new construction designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and overall functionality across the site.

Key upgrades included drainage and riding surface improvements, renovations to staff locker and restroom facilities, repairs to existing barns and support structures, and enhancements to waste containment and workplace safety areas.

The project also delivered a new 9,900-square-foot, ADA-accessible Therapeutic Riding Building with an indoor riding ring, support amenities, and expanded parking, further strengthening the Stable’s ability to serve the community.

$10.7 Million Recreational Facility Completed In Union County

A previously vacant lot in Union is now equipped to host a variety of outdoor activities. Article from Patch.com; Written by Eddie Callahan

On Dec. 11, The Union County Improvement Authority welcomed residents to the brand new “Lightning Brook Park.” The grand opening marked a milestone in the $10.7 million project that began in April to transform the 5.58-acre space.

“This reimagined space will benefit residents across Union County, ensuring that Lightning Brook Park remains a place of community and recreation for all in the region, from neighboring Franklin Elementary School to families visiting from Plainfield,” Dr. Bibi Taylor, Director of UCIA, said.

The grounds are now home to a synthetic turf field, basketball court with bleacher seating and lights, restrooms, and a 50-space parking lot. There is also a new playground, splash pad, and multiple open and shaded play areas.

“We’re creating a welcoming, accessible, and dynamic park that will serve our residents and future generations,” added Sergio Granados, Union County Commissioner and liaison to the UCIA.

The renovations were supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan. The park is located at 1596 Union Ave.

The Union County Improvement Authority works with and provides professionals to create and operate projects within the County and its municipalities. The organization plays a variety of roles, including planning and permitting, selection and oversight of design teams, contract and proposal administration, contractor oversight, and post-construction assessment.

Groundbreaking on UCNJ’s New $35 Million PECK Building

Officials from the Union County Improvement Authority and Union College of Union County, NJ, broke ground on a transformative $35 million renovation of the Physical Education Center (PECK). The project will create a modern, high-tech hub for athletics, academics, and community connection. Read More