Tag Archives: Hamilton Stage

Redevelopment Agency meetings back to City Hall

The Redevelopment Agency‘s monthly meetings will revert back to City Hall after several years of being held at the Hamilton Stage for Performing Arts.

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City unveils ‘parklet’ downtown

A pedestrian-only East Cherry Street? Check. A parklet/pop-up cafe? Check. Signage to offer up some inclination of development projects? Check. Rahway Rising seems to be ahead of the curve a bit when it comes to downtown initiatives. 😛

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State Comptroller requests documents

The Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) last month requested documents related to the Redevelopment Agency and Rahway Arts District (RAD). The state office asked for documents dating back to January 2009. The inquiry was included in the correspondence of last week’s Redevelopment Agency meeting agenda (Pages 14-15). Continue reading State Comptroller requests documents

Sculptures, mural lab jumpstart public art plan

 There’s one behind the Union County Performing Arts Center. Another pokes out of the shrubbery at Train Station Plaza and another is on loan in front of Hamilton Stage for Performing Arts.

The sculptures are considered “seeds” for a series of public art projects that Rahway Arts District is creating throughout downtown. The sculptures are by Woodbridge artist Glenn Murgacz, who also has pieces in Woodbridge, near the Avenel Train Station and the Avenue Fire House on Route 1.

There’s also the Rahway Mural Lab, a mural arts program for Rahway teens, that will be unveiled tonight at 6 p.m. at 1530 Irving St. The single-story former Public Service building was approved for a restaurant more than four years ago but later ran into a dispute with the city over sewer fees. It’s unclear what the status of the planned restaurant is today. The Arts District was granted permission to put the mural on the building facade until the owner is ready to start construction, Executive Director Rachael Faillace said.

Former Mayor James Kennedy hopes to get the public art initiative jump-started and eventually have 20 to 30 pieces in all. “With Glenn’s and J.D’s works kicking things off, we’re hoping to find more Rahway area sculptors who might be interested in contributing to the project,” he said.

Kennedy has talked about attracting more public art for years, including the idea of a sculpture walk downtown. The public art, he said, would be an ongoing process and might depend on what funding could be obtained. The Redevelopment Agency last month authorized $3,000 as partial payment for a piece inside Hamilton Stage featuring a ballerina, which is appropriate, he said since there are three ballerina troupes at the facility.

Another add-on for Hamilton Stage project

For the second time in as many months, the Redevelopment Agency approved an additional change to the Hamilton Stage for Performing Arts nine months after its opening.

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Noise edges above limits at Hamilton Stage

A chiller at Hamilton Stage exceeds noise limits to the extent that it will require the construction of a sound wall at a cost of almost $32,000.

The Redevelopment Agency last month awarded a contract to build a sound wall to KDP Developers, Inc., for $31,970, the lowest among three bids. Other bids were $38,000 by K&D Contractors and $42,341 by Gingerelli Brothers.

Noise readings confirmed that the level was above acceptable limits during the day and night. The city ordinance allows a maximum level of no more than 65 dBA during the day and 50 dBA at nighttime. Daytime and nighttime limits are exceeded at 344 Hamilton St. and night time limits are exceeded in all measure locations.

Tests were conducted at four points:
* 344 Hamilton, corner of property — 68.1 dBA
* In street, 50 feet away — 65.4 dBA
* 359 Hamilton St., 87 feet — 61.9 dBA
* 339 Hamilton St., 110 feet — 61.9 dBA

“Calculations show the presence of a barrier alone falls short of achieving nighttime compliance under all load conditions at the property boundary of 344 Hamilton, adjacent to Hamilton Stage and closest property to the chiller equipment.” Ambient conditions were measured between 48-50 dBA.

Redevelopment meetings shift to Hamilton Stage

The Redevelopment Agency has changed the venue for its meetings, moving from City Hall to the new Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts.

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