Maher Charitable Foundation
Early Learning Center
Dresdner Robin worked with the Maher Charitable Foundation to develop an Early Learning Center on land purchased from the New Jersey School Development Authority (NJ SDA) in the South Ward of Newark. The project consists of about 20,000 square feet building footprint with associated site improvements.
The primary site elements include a dual-purpose playground area for young children and toddlers, a stormwater runoff conveyance system as well as two underground stormwater management systems. Dresdner Robin was responsible for all aspects of site development including site analysis and feasibility studies, conceptual layout, zoning analysis, survey, layout and design, grading, drainage, stormwater management, lighting, landscape design, environmental assessment and remediation, professional engineering and planning testimony during the public hearing for the necessary site plan approval.
Dresdner Robin provided design recommendations along Demarest Street to provide a safe vehicular and pedestrian drop-off and pick-up area for the facility. Demarest Street design along the property frontage consists of the latest I.T.E. Traffic Calming measures including speed table/raised crosswalks, bulb-out, and on-street parking.
Prior to receiving a Certificate of Occupancy, the Department of Children and Families requires that an environmental review be conducted of the property which is to be overseen by a Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP). In order to comply with this requirement, Dresdner Robin provided environmental services which include the preparation of a Preliminary Assessment Report, soil and groundwater remediation utilizing engineering and institutional controls.