Jamesburg SERV Center Construction Project

Early in 2003 the empty lot behind Fiddleheads Restaurant on East Church Street was stripped of trees and leveled out. A trailer was brought in. A controversial fifteen bed residential health care facility was about to be constructed after much opposition from the community of Jamesburg. This SERV facility is 25 feet above grade and features three levels. The basement contains storage, a recreation room, and central laundry area. The ground floor contains areas such as, but not limited to, a living room, TV room, conference room, craft room, and counseling areas. The second floor contains bedrooms and a bathroom for every two residents. The site has nine parking spaces, a fenced in yard, small deck, and landscaping.

The clients of this SERV facility suffer from ailments ranging from depression to schizophrenia and come from other SERV centers or state hospitals. They range in age from 35 - senior. All clients with a history of criminal or sexual offenses will screened out. All clients take medications and a nurse will be on staff part time. Two staff members will be at the site during the nighttime hours and three or four staff during the day. A chef and cleaning staff member also work there. All residents earn the privilege to leave the building and must sign out and back in. A 10:00 P.M. curfew is in effect. A $5,250 donation will be paid to the town in lieu of taxes since SERV is a non-profit organization. SERV claims that their other facilities have not resulted in a decrease in property tax values.

The facility was expected to open in April 2005 but was postponed by two strikes; Schnieder Elevator and Jersey Central Power and Light. The facility finally opened in September 2005 after a public walkthrough and reception.

Below is a month by month synopsis of the construction process:
October 2003: Electric Lines brought over to trailer.
November 2003: It has come to our attention that the site was once home to a landfill. This explains why construction was halted and the site lie untouched. We are waiting further word on whether or not SERV will be allowed to build on the site.
May 2004: A hole has been dug for a foundation. Construction is going ahead.
June 2004: Construction fence finally erected.
July 2004: Foundation Set.
September 2004: First floor erected.
October 2004: Second floor erected.
Week of October 11, 2004: Roof erected.
December 2004: Outer shell and parking lot constructed.
January 2005: Siding put on, grounds leveled, parking lot ready for paving.
April 2005: Anticipated opening is slated for late June.
May 2005: Parking lot and landscaping completed.
July 2005: Facility set to open in September 2005.

Below are pictures of the construction process.
Click each image for a full size version: