Library plan is topic for Tuesday

Last Updated on Monday, 06 February 2012 13:14 Written by Alex Davis Monday, 06 February 2012 11:00

STONE HARBOR – Freeholder Susan Sheppard will discuss the future of a new library in Stone Harbor during a meeting Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Cape May County Board of Freeholders rescinded a resolution during its Jan. 24 meeting that would have awarded a contract for the construction of the Stone Harbor’s new branch of the county library at the 95th Street beach location.  Building a library at the site had been in the works since late 2007 but had hit roadblocks with permitting.

Sheppard will discuss questions dealing with the statutory requirements for a county or local library and how the funding must occur.  Various state CAFRA permits to build the library at the 95th Street beach site have been secured by county officials.

The Stone Harbor Borough Council meeting will start at 4:30 p.m. at 9508 Second Ave.

Many residents have had problems with the 95th Street beach location, and said building a beachfront library would restrict beach access, for example.

Borough Council unanimously approved a resolution Jan. 3 for the formation of a committee to study the potential location of a county branch library.

The committee is soliciting public input on the project for a six-month period. No formal action will be taken by Borough Council on the library initiative until summer, at the earliest, officials say. The committee is expected to submit a report at the July 3 council meeting.

The committee includes three members of the Stone Harbor Borough Council: newly elected councilmember Joselyn Rich as chairwoman, and council members Barry Mastrangelo and Judy Davies-Dunhour.

The public is encouraged to submit their opinions on the proposed location to borough administrator Jill Gougher at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 9508 Second Ave., Stone Harbor, 08247 or 368-5102.