Borough's library review begins

MILFORD — Milford Borough’s Architectural Review Board accepted Pike County Public Library’s new construction application for review Monday and heard a presentation of redesigned plans for a proposed central library. At the Nov. 24 review board meeting, library architect, Fred Schwartz presented details of a revised layout for the new building. Library building committee member Ed Brannon gave a short introduction, suggesting the new construction is not a question about historic preservation, but compatibility. Brannon added the project has a septic permit, and will soon apply for a zoning application. During his slide show presentation, Schwartz emphasized the “green” components of the library, noting its energy efficiency and use of natural light, and his desire to incorporate local materials into the building process. The architect also reminded the review panel and public that new buildings should “compliment and be compatible with other buildings,” rather than “duplicate or pretend to be historic.” “So you don’t become a Disneyland,” he said. Resident Deny Wagner says her uncle was the owner of the Coachman’s Inn, which occupied the site on 221 East Harford Street until it burned down, and she grew up on that piece of land. She is in favor of the new library design. “This is a very positive direction for Pike County,” she said. “Twenty years from now, we’re all going to wonder why we made it so hard to get this library.” According to review board vice-chair Don Quick, the library presentation and plans will be forwarded to the board’s consultant, who is an expert on new construction, and will then be discussed by board members at the board’s next meeting. Quick says a vote will be taken on the application at the next meeting. He had no comment on the library plans, saying he was viewing them for the first time that night.