Local heritage group asks borough to consider small contribution to a $9,900 feasibility study

At the start of Monday’s meeting a representative of New Freedom Heritage (Speaker 3) asked the council to consider helping fund a $9,900 architectural feasibility study the group retained to assess options for expanding the borough-owned museum.

Speaker 3 said the study would document recommended building size, costs and accessibility upgrades (including additional restrooms and a handicap‑accessible restroom), and would strengthen future grant applications. The commenter identified Rodney Stone (Professor Emeritus, Towson University) as a new Heritage board member who will prepare grant applications and noted a recent donation of 25 historical items from 95‑year‑old resident Al Smith. The Heritage representative asked primarily for a letter of support and suggested the borough consider a modest financial contribution but did not request an immediate decision.

Speaker 2 and other councilors responded with procedural guidance, suggesting the group work with the recreation director or apply for grant partnership; the council did not take formal action on the request during the meeting, but the item was noted in public comment for future consideration.