Berkeley Heights Council approved a $147,303.90 change order for coping-stone repairs at the Municipal Complex, a building that still lacks a final certificate of occupancy nearly six years after the township moved in.
An investigation by NJ21st, first reported Monday, traced the complex's construction problems back years through public records. The records show the township issued two default notices to builder Epic Construction in 2022, citing ongoing roof leaks, safety violations and unfinished work under the $25.8 million redevelopment contract. Epic was given up to 120 days to cure the alleged defaults.
The township, Epic and surety Travelers reached a settlement effective Jan. 28, 2025. Epic had claimed the township owed more than $1.73 million; the township filed a counterclaim of at least $1.7 million. The deal called for Berkeley Heights to release $560,336 in retainage in three installments tied to completed repairs and sign-offs.
The settlement said remaining punch-list work would be attached as Exhibit 1 once the parties agreed on it. The signed copy obtained by NJ21st contains a final page labeled "Agreed Upon Punch List." It is blank. NJ21st reported none of the other records included a completed version. That does not prove a list was never created separately.
No response from Epic Construction or the Berkeley Heights administration appears in the records NJ21st reviewed.
Inspections in 2025 and 2026 uncovered new defects. Architect Arcari + Iovino reported on March 17, 2025, that installation problems had been found at every masonry-wall location investigated, including missing step flashing and failed water-resistive barriers. A June 2026 water test of library windows revealed improperly fabricated sill flashing, and water entered through a rear exit door and pooled in the hallway. An H.J. Cannon Group report dated July 28 documented multiple issues after workers opened masonry around two windows, and called for further investigation at the remaining windows.
Former Councilwoman Jeanne Kingsley pushed for answers at the July 28 council meeting, as reported by TAPinto. Kingsley, who said she voted to authorize the building's construction during her prior council tenure, said residents continue to report "roof leaks, odor issues in the lower level, flooring problems and damaged finishes." She asked the council to schedule a public session with the township administrator, engineer and attorney on the status of the certificate of occupancy and outstanding deficiencies.
A certification of funds for the Aug. 11 council action listed the $147,303.90 as "hard cost" but did not specify which repair items the money covers. Whether the amount is the final cost remains unclear.
