South Orange Village, Seton Village Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP), Essex County Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and New Jersey Department of Community Affairs are pleased to announce building upgrades to the Vincent Monella Community Center at 133 Fairview Avenue in South Orange. The first phase of construction will include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements to the building including accessible parking, installation of ramps and chair lists, and the installation of a four-stop elevator as well as other building updates and enhancements. Plans for building use and functions will continue with public feedback sessions scheduled in 2022-2023.

We are thrilled to partner with the Community Coalition on Race to celebrate building improvements as well as the CCR community public art program that led to the “Gather” installation. Our community has indeed gathered this past summer in front of the gorgeous installation. Whether it was outside yoga, neighborhood block parties, local merchant flea markets or live music, “Gather” was the perfect backdrop to evoke exactly what the Vincent Monella Community Center is about - a place for folks to congregate and enjoy community.