Sprinklers delay programs for blind in Denville

DENVILLE – One day after welcoming students to its new location, the New Jersey Foundation for the Blind had to suspend student access due to building issues that delayed its certificate of occupancy.

Classes and programs began Thursday at its new facility adjacent to the Church of the Savior on Morris Avenue, which had housed a preschool for many years. But the next day, student activities there were suspended when a township construction official informed them they did not have a certificate of occupancy.

“We are not closed, I am in my office,” said foundation Executive Director Kris Marino. “But there was an issue with how the contractor worked on the sprinkler system and they said not to have the students in until it was done.”

Marino said the contractor will return next week to complete the work and she hopes classes and other student offerings will resume there some time next week.

“We are caught between a rock and a hard place because the inspector does not work every day of the week,” she said. “But we are hopeful for next week.”

Township Administrator Steven Ward said he had spoken to the construction official who made the inspection last week.

“He noticed students had already occupied the building, but they still had to bring the sprinklers and fire-rated walls up to code,” he said. “We felt is was particularly important given that they cater to the seeing-impaired, and it is really important to complete that work in the interest of safety.”

Ward said the contractor been issued a notice of violation for the inadequate work that had been done.

“He acknowledged it and immediately paid the fines,” Ward said. “And as soon as he completes the work, they can continue.”

The nonprofit foundation was established in Newark in1943 before moving to Denville in 1955. Operating out of a large building on 26 acres off Diamond Spring Road that included a lodge, the foundation worked to help adults adapt to vision loss or impairment, acquire independent-living skills and regain physical and emotional wellness.

The foundation, determining that property was too large for its present needs, sold it in 2013.

“A large building is not necessary since technology has become smaller and more portable, and people haven’t stayed at the lodge for years,” the foundation wrote in a release last month announcing the physical relocation it completed earlier this year.

When it is fully up and running, the foundation will use its new address to host a variety of programs and activities. The new facility offers a single-level floor plan with a large central hall where student dining and group programs such as yoga, low-impact aerobics, horticultural therapy and drumming circles can take place.

Programs also will include a popular technology program where individuals with vision loss can learn iPad and iPhone skills, while a commercial kitchen will be used for learning cooking skills. The facility also includes a large art studio for art and pottery programs.

Programs will take place outside as well.

“One of the nicest features of the new facility is having accessible outdoor space where participants can eat lunch outside or just enjoy fresh air when the weather permits,” said program manager Linda Groszew. “We are planning to do some horticultural programs outside to beautify our environment since many of our students no longer are able to garden as they once did.”

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-428-6627; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.