Red Bank Planning Board recommends digital sign for public library

The Red Bank Planning Board on Aug. 13, 2025, voted to recommend that the mayor and council approve the Red Bank Public Library's plan to replace its existing lighted sign with a digital, programmable display.

Candace Valor, director of the Red Bank Public Library, told the board the proposed sign would be the same size, layout and location as the current sign and that the library foundation has raised funds to sponsor the project. "We're looking to replace our existing sign that's lighted with ... a digital sign that can be programmed," Valor said.

Valor said the sign is about 13 to 14 years old and that the new display would use the same logo at the top. When asked whether the digital display would run around the clock, she said, "Yes, unless there's an ordinance that prevents that." Valor also relayed that the vendor stated the proposed sign was not brighter than the town's existing lighted sign and that specific brightness and fixture details could be handled during the permitting process.

Board members asked about lettering, color options and light throw toward neighboring properties. A planning board member noted concerns about light spillover to nearby homes and asked the library to ensure the project complies with any applicable lighting ordinances. Valor said the project specifications and permit review should clarify brightness and shielding requirements.

The board moved to recommend approval of the proposal to the mayor and council; roll-call responses recorded affirmative votes from multiple members and the motion passed. Barbara Boaz, who identified herself as an employee of the library, stated she would recuse herself from the matter and did not vote on the recommendation.

Next steps: The planning board's recommendation will go to the mayor and council for final action, and the library will proceed with permitting and vendor coordination, including compliance with local lighting rules before installation.