Library will face review board first

Milford — Milford Borough will allow a change in the permitting process to allow a formal review of new library plans by the architectural review board (ARB) as a first, rather than a last, step. The decision came after the task force working to build the controversial new central Pike County Library decided to get the hard part out of the way first. Chair Maleyne Syracuse wrote on Jan. 14, noting that other preliminary engineering and site work would likely cost some $200,000: “If, after we completed the work for the first set of permits, the ARB required changes to the building design, (the library) would be forced to redo substantial portions ... This would create an enormous financial hardship for the library.” Council President Matthew Osterberg noted that Rite-Aid had been granted a similar procedural change for a proposed new store. Solicitor John Klemeyer noted the review board provides informal review and that applicants are invited to bring their plans in early. “If substantial changes (to the exterior appearance) have to be made, they have to come back to the ARB anyway,” he said. In other business, the council endorsed a letter to the Postal Service, authored by Councilman Ed Raarup. Raarup quoted comments from local residents, officials, and the media endorsing the retention of local postal services. Raarup asked for retention of the Milford office, concluding that a larger distribution center could be located elsewhere, “if necessary.” In November, postal officials, who have complained of cramped quarters on West Harford Street, asked for a poll of residents.