FORMER PSE&G SITE WILL BE FIREFIGHTER TRAINING GROUND

Before the former PSE&G site on Boyden Avenue is knocked down to make way for 235 apartments, it will be something of a training ground for Maplewood's Bravest.

Fire Chief Michael Dingelstedt said the Township has procured the site for at least one training exercise before it is reduced to rubble.

"At my request, Mayor Deluca spoke with the new owners of the PSE&G property about the possibility of the FD conducting training exercises prior to demolition of the building," the chief said via email. "The owners agreed and the township attorney is in the process of completing an agreement for use to do so. This is similar to an arrangement we made with Elite Properties for the use of a building when Maplewood Crossing was being built on Burnett Ave."

He later added, "Training in a building such as this affords the department the opportunity to conduct a variety of evolutions that we would be unable to do in an occupied building."

We will update when the date is chosen.