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High Bridge council weighs library lease options as owner, residents raise concerns
Summary
Mayor Michele Lee and the borough council discussed draft lease terms for the High Bridge library and a proposed parking lot lease on Oct. 26; owner Rachel Yu described costs and operations at the Solitude House and residents raised concerns about library access if the local branch closes.
Mayor Michele Lee and the Borough of High Bridge Council discussed the borough’s library lease and a proposed library parking lease during their Oct. 26 meeting at the Fire House.
Lee summarized draft lease agreements, the process for closing the library if a lease is not reached, and said alternate library locations in nearby towns were limited. Rachel Yu, the owner of the property used by the library, described the history of the lease, the costs of managing the property and her willingness to continue activities on site, including seasonal traditions such as the Santa mailbox. Yu asked the council and community to maintain open communication about next steps.
Councilmembers and residents debated possible interim solutions. Karyn Gove suggested using the historic Solitude House to store or stage library materials; Fire Official Rick Roll and other councilmembers raised safety, logistical and regulatory concerns about converting that building for library use. Councilwoman Ferry provided an overview of Solitude House finances, including recent grant awards and preservation fundraising, and said the historic-district status will be reviewed by council.
Residents attending the meeting, including Sally Ward, emphasized the small size and community value of the High Bridge library and asked about options for book pickup and access during any closure. Mayor Lee and members of the council said the Library Board supports the closure and that the borough will work to communicate closure plans and alternatives to patrons.
No formal council action was taken at the meeting on the library lease or parking lot lease; the discussion focused on next steps for communication, potential space options and constraints identified by the fire official and borough staff. The council did not set a formal vote on a lease during the Oct. 26 meeting.
