The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) and New Jersey Business magazine recently honored the Elizabeth Fire and Command Center in Elizabeth with a 2006 New Good Neighbor Award.

NJBIA President Philip Kirschner presented the award to John Papetti Jr., director of public works for the City of Elizabeth, at the 46th Annual New Good Neighbor Awards luncheon, held June 2 at the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place in Iselin.

“In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Elizabeth changed its plans to build a traditional firehouse, and instead designed a command center that can effectively respond to any citywide emergency – and then some,” Kirschner said.  “Elizabeth’s commitment to the safety and security of its people is truly honorable.”

The $5-million Fire and Command Center located at the corner of Irvington and Prince Street is a comprehensive facility that can respond to city emergencies as well as dangers at nearby vital transportation and commerce links, such as Newark Liberty International Airport and Port Elizabeth—one of the largest container ports in the U.S. and a crucial supply line for the entire Northeast.

The three-story, 30,000-square-foot building incorporates high-end security and communications capabilities, emergency power and fortress-like construction. A vertical tower is visible for miles and acts as a light beacon. 

The Command Center employs 60 full-time workers and houses three fire fighting companies and one rescue company. These workers handle 9-1-1 calls and responses.  The facility serves as the Emergency Communications Center for the entire urban area.

The facility was designed by Ronald Schmidt & Associates, P.A., Englewood, and built by W.D. Snyder of Kenilworth.  The project was nominated by Chip Hallock, president and CEO of the Regional Business Partnership.

The New Good Neighbor Awards Luncheon annually brings together a dynamic group of builders, architects, engineers and others in the development community to honor those responsible for the State’s most impressive new commercial construction and renovation projects. An independent panel of 23 judges selected the 12 winners based on economic impact, architectural merit and community involvement.   In all, 29 applications representing more than $600 million in construction costs and 7,000 jobs were submitted.

With more than 23,500 members, NJBIA is the nation’s largest state-level employers association.  New Jersey Business magazine is NJBIA’s flagship publication.