TOMS RIVER - Noting the successful fund-raising efforts that have been undertaken so far to upgrade and renovate the Robert
J. Novins Planetarium at Ocean County College, the Board of Freeholders is poised to follow through on its commitment to
fund the building's renovations.
"The Ocean County College Foundation, under the leadership of Steve Leone and Robert Fall, has been very successful in its
fundraising efforts to purchase new equipment for the Novins Planetarium," said Freeholder James F. Lacey, who serves as
liaison to the college. "The 'Reach for the Stars Campaign' has brought in pledges totaling $375,000 which certainly helps
the efforts to upgrade this very popular facility.
"This effort is also being helped by the Save the Planetarium Fund, a community effort which is also raising money for the
facility," Lacey said.
And, the OCC Foundation has pledged its proceeds - about $250,000 - from its annual gala to the fundraising efforts.
Lacey asked his colleagues on the Board of Freeholders today to join him in supporting appropriating $2 million to renovate
the planetarium building on the college campus off Hooper Avenue.
"This is really more than just bricks and mortar," said Freeholder Director John P. Kelly. "This is a facility that has
served generations of school children in the County. Making it the best facility possible is our goal and we are on the
road to doing just that."
Ocean County has received a preliminary budget from the College administration outlining what will be needed to renovate
the building.
An initial budget for the planetarium building renovations is approximately $1.5 million and includes the cost of upgrading
the theater and support rooms, upgrades to the lobby, bathroom facilities, building façade and support spaces in addition
to mechanical and electrical improvements.
"These renovations will improve the Planetarium's programs and events as well as expand the educational use of the building
for College students," Lacey said. "To insure sufficient funding, I would request that this Board introduce an
appropriation ordinance of $2 million to put the funds in place that will be required to make these necessary
renovations to the Novins Planetarium."
Once the ordinance is in place, the funds can be formally used by the College to begin renovations.
"This Board is pleased to be able to provide the funding for this important program to continue at our community
college," Lacey said. "We applaud the college Board of Trustees, the college Foundation members and especially the
Ocean County community for their outpouring of financial support for the planetarium."
The planetarium has been part of the college community for more than 30 years and provides cultural and educational
programs for more than 30,000 visitors each year.
Age and time however has taken its toll on the facilities resulting in the need for upgrades and renovations.
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