Archbishop's Retirement Home Undergoing Expansion

Beaumont Enterprise
February 17, 2014

http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Archbishop-s-retirement-home-undergoing-expansion-5242349.php

A major expansion is under way at the northwestern New Jersey home where the Archbishop of Newark will live once he retires.

The Star-Ledger reports the new three-story, 3,000-square-foot wing at the Franklin Township residence will include an indoor exercise pool, a hot tub, three fireplaces, a library and an elevator, among other amenities.

The 4,500-square-foot home sits on 8.2 wooded acres and is valued at $800,000. It now serves as Myers' weekend residence and has five bedrooms, a three-car garage and an outdoor pool.

The expansion will cost at least $500,000 — an amount that doesn't include architectural costs, furnishings and landscaping.

The construction comes as the 72-year-old Myers asks the Roman Catholic archdiocese's 1.3 million members to donate funds for the "archbishop's annual appeal." The fundraising effort that supports an array of initiatives, including religious education, the training of future priests and feeding the poor.

Myers' spokesman, Jim Goodness, told the newspaper the expansion was needed because Myers will remain involved in church activities during retirement and will need office space.

Goodness also said the addition will have no impact on archdiocese finances. Goodness said the cost will be largely borne by the sale of other church-owned properties, and donors also have contributed to the project.