Borough considers support for library grant

Milford — Borough officials are trying to decide if they will approve a letter of support for a $1 million state economic grant application to help fund a new library That normally would be a no-brainer as just about everyone supports the library. But the current design for the new building on East Harford Street has met criticism and has yet to begin the borough’s permitting process. Maleyne Syracuse, the chair of the library board and the building task force, was on hand Monday as the borough council considered the action. Syracuse said the letter is “for a new facility, whatever it looks like,” adding her recognition that the approval process is yet to take place and that the library “understands it’s not a waiver.” She later explained that while the current design is included in the grant application package, it is there to show progress in the effort. “The design is not the focal point, the library’s impact on the local economy is.” Still, Borough President Matt Osterberg was frank in his concern that a letter could lay the groundwork for a later lawsuit against the borough and council members, should the design not be approved by the borough. “It’s no secret that I’m not in favor of the design. I don’t want a letter for future use, so someone could say, ‘you supported this library.’” As to the design, “The only relevant thing is whether the design complies with the ordinance,” Syracuse said. Osterberg agrees, but he believes the design doesn’t comply. After some debate, the council agreed that Solicitor John Klemeyer will draft a letter, which Osterberg will hand-carry to each council member, who after reading it, will then decide to sign or not. Syracuse said negotiated revisions to the design will be released to the public in late October and go before the borough in November.