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Library advocates warn redevelopment study could threaten downtown parking
Summary
Library staff and community members told the planning board that the Church Street study’s inclusion of the library parking area could reduce available spaces and harm library operations; they asked the board and council to protect access and consider more traffic and usage data.
Members of the Burroughs Public Library staff and friends group told the Bernardsville Planning Board they rely on downtown parking and asked that the study not remove access. A library representative said the building draws large daily attendance and that losing 11 parking spaces "would be damaging to our community." Advocates described daily peaks during story times and events and urged the board and council to preserve parking access.
Resident speakers asked for traffic counts, time‑of‑day parking studies and infrastructure assessments before any decision that could change access. The planner acknowledged site visits and multiple aerial imagery dates used in the study but the public asked for more granular and current counts tied to high‑use events. Board members repeatedly said the planning board’s recommendation is advisory and that any redevelopment plan would allow further public review of parking and access arrangements.
