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The basics:

• Four major projects underway under Middlesex County‘s CIO plan
• Includes new student center, magnet school & athletic complex
• Initiatives aim to boost education, workforce development and community life
• Future phases will add workforce center and community park

A major set of projects is taking shape in Middlesex County.

Officials held a behind-the-scenes tour Aug. 13 of the construction sites and also gave an update on their progress. The work, part of Middlesex County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan, includes:

• Multipurpose Community Venue broke ground January 2025
• Middlesex College Student Center broke ground January 2025
• Middlesex County Innovation Magnet School broke ground March 2025
• Destination Athletic Complex at Thomas A. Edison Park will feature 14 multi-sport synthetic fields; 16 tennis courts; and a state-of-the-art recreational cricket field

Building something bigger

NJBIZ has extensively reported on the CIO Strategic Investment Plan, first announced in November 2022. It lays out an ambitious vision to transform Middlesex College into dynamic hub for education, workforce development, recreation and arts as well as community engagement.

A slew of local, state and federal officials joined county leaders – along with a number of community and labor partners and stakeholders.

The Wednesday event also included a ceremonial steel beam signing.

Officials say these projects represent a bold investment in the county’s future. The work aims to position the college and the surrounding area as a regional hub. “This is more than steel and concrete – it’s about building a future where education, innovation, and community come together in one place,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald Rios.

“These transformational projects are the result of collaboration between county government, Middlesex College, Middlesex County Magnet Schools, the Building Construction Trades Council, Rutgers University, our partners at the state and federal levels, and many more,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, chair of the Economic Development Committee. “Together, we’re delivering on a bold promise to build a stronger, smarter, and more inclusive future for everyone who calls Middlesex County home.”

More to come

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-22nd District, said he was honored to be on-hand for the “momentous construction milestone.”

“Standing here, watching this all take shape, you cannot help but feel excited about what it will mean for the community,” said Coughlin. “From the state-of-the-art new high school to the vibrant new venues for athletics, culture, and student life, we’re preparing young people for the jobs and opportunities that will shape the future and creating a space where families, neighbors, and students can come together and build lasting connections for generations to come.”

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th District, said, “It is exciting to see Middlesex County continue to create opportunity for our residents through expanded education, innovation, and recreation.

“I look forward to continuing our strategic partnership between local, county, state, and federal governments to provide the best future for Middlesex County residents.”

Future phases of the county’s CIO Strategic Investment Plan will include:

• Workforce Development and Conference Center
• Community Park featuring an educational children’s amenity
• Enhancements to existing outdoor spaces incorporating public art, seating and water features

Rios added, “With over 100,000 hours of 100% union labor already invested, we’re not just building infrastructure – we’re creating opportunity, access, and pride for every resident of Middlesex County.”

See more about the Community Innovation & Opportunity Strategic Investment Plan here: