Linden council hears residents’ concerns over Mill renovation and the future of library and museum

At a Linden City Council work session on Aug. 12, residents pressed elected officials to guarantee that the Linden library and the local museum will remain in the Mill as the city moves forward with state-funded renovations.

City Manager Ellen Glass told the council and the public that council and staff “have not said we’re getting rid of” either tenant and reviewed how the renovation funding and project phasing operate. Public Works Director Don Grice explained the meaning of a “white box” phase—an early construction stage in which interiors are prepared for later tenant decisions—and described sequencing that affects whether items can remain in place during work.

The dispute centers on community preserve-and-use concerns. Several residents, speaking during the public-comment period, described family history tied to Linden, the museum’s approaching 50th anniversary and the library’s more-than-60-year presence in the Mill. Commenters asked for transparent updates, community meetings to review plans, help with moving and storage costs if relocation becomes necessary, and the option of a public vote or petition to guide any major decisions.

Council members and staff said they plan additional outreach. Councilmember Ray Culbert suggested scheduling community meetings specifically about the Mill so residents can view plans and ask questions. Mayor Danielle Cusson said the Mill Advisory Committee’s work and subsequent council approvals would guide any changes and reiterated that “no final decisions have been made.”

Glass also addressed funding and grants connected to the Mill: the City has pursued ADA grants and other state funding and has applied for federal or state grant opportunities. She said some grant applications were unsuccessful because the building’s usage and related benchmarks did not meet program requirements; she noted a committee member, Joe Kimble, funded a grant writer previously to support applications.

Residents raised a rumored $3 million renovation figure reported in local media and questioned the disposition of any funds beyond stated project needs. City staff responded by explaining which state funds can be used for the current renovation scope and that long-range interior plans will return to council for approval.

The council’s broader strategic-plan discussion at the same meeting touched on related topics including city facility needs (public works, fire and police), historic-district survey updates and cemetery maintenance concerns. Councilmember Pam Howd emphasized environmental precautions for cemetery maintenance and a long-term sidewalk plan to reduce trip hazards.

Votes at a glance: The council approved the July 22 consent agenda (motion by Ray Culbert; second by Brenda Simons) 6-0 and later approved bills totaling $1,092,433.05 on a 6-0 roll call.

The council will continue outreach through the Mill Advisory Committee and staff said construction drawings for exterior work were not expected to be complete until December; no interior renovation plan has been finalized and any steps affecting tenants would return to the City Council for approval. The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.