Proposed Expansion Project Information

Yes, we hope to, if we can secure funds that are being granted by the New Jersey State Library. The Board has been discussing a potential expansion for several years.

From our research for the Library’s strategic plan and from conversations with patrons, we learned people are looking for more space for programs, additional programming, a space for quiet study and a larger area for our teen and children’s collections which are currently at maximum capacity. If this project is completed, all of these areas will be met

The grant is based on the referendum voted on by residents in NJ in the November 2017 election, which allowed for $125 million to be used to help libraries in the state to purchase a new building, expand an existing building, and/or to renovate or rehab existing spaces. The grant is a 1:1 match. Further information can be found here: https://www.njstatelib.org/services_for_libraries/new-jersey-library-construction-bond-act/

The second round of the grant was due by June 4th. The information as to whether the grant will or will not be awarded to the Denville Library is expected, at the earliest, in the Fall of 2021. If the Library is awarded the grant, construction will not begin until 2022 or later. The plans will need to go before the Township and the Planning Board for public hearing (with public comment) prior to being finalized and going out for competitive bid. The actual timing will be determined during the bidding process and in conjunction with the town

The Board of Trustees will need to decide how to proceed; however, any project without State Funds will be very limited in scope.

The computer renderings are on the website and the schematic plans are listed under #10 in the second round grant.

We have done our best to minimize the impact to the gardens. We appreciate the time and effort that residents have put into their plots. The Library kept Township Administrator Steve Ward, Recreation Director/Current Garden Administrator Nick Panetta, Previous Garden Administrator Bob Grant, and Mayor Andes involved during the entire planning process. The architect and engineers took the Library, Township and Mayor, and Council’s concerns and developed the drawings that would have the least impact on the gardens. Additionally, the architect left room on the side of the parking lot so that some garden spots can be relocated there. The township has been working to ensure anyone displaced will be moved to another plot. If needed, the Library has volunteered to move to a smaller plot if it will help a displaced gardener.

No, according to Mayor Andes, it is anticipated that with the additional plots being created there may be the opportunity for even more families to garden. However, a few gardeners will need to move to a different plot.

According to the Mayor, all communal items affected by construction such as the bulletin board, electric and water will be relocated by the Township. Please see the Mayor’s letter for more information.

The Mayor will have DPW work with you to move the fencing to your new plot. Other items you will need to discuss with the Township.

The engineer has designed a storm water runoff system that runs under the parking lot and will exit out to the back of the Library. The Department of Environmental Protection has these plans and has approved them and supplied a permit. Before the project is completed also the Morris County Planning Board, Morris County Engineering, Morris County Soil Conservation District, and the Denville Planning Board will all review these plans.

The runoff system for the parking lot includes a water quality device to meet the reduction of Total Suspended Solids. This project meets the standards of a major storm water project even though the size of the project did not require it.

The requirements for the fill will be in the bidding specs for the project. The fill will be of suitable materials and will meet industry standards for fill used in the construction of public spaces. The company that provides the fill will provide certification that it is clean.

The first layer is earth, then Dense Graded Aggregate (DGA), and then bituminous concrete. The curbing will be Belgian Block or Granite Block, held in place by concrete. The Library Board of Trustees and Staff are very excited about the plans to expand which will better enable the Library to meet the needs of the community. We understand there will be more