Public Library Proposal Taking Shape In West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — More details have emerged for a proposal to build a new public library in West Orange, which would be tied into development on Executive Drive near the Essex Green shopping center.

On Tuesday, Mayor Robert Parisi released a statement about the proposed project, which he said is not a new idea.

Read the full statement and see plans for the proposed library.

“The original plans of Main Street redevelopment included a new 40,000 square foot library but was removed from the plan because the property was not big enough and that concept did not work financially,” Parisi wrote.

“A charitable foundation was created at that time, the precursor to the Friends of the Library, to raise funds for eventually building a new library,” Parisi continued. “Library boards and library supporters have expressed interest in a new library from time from time for more than 30 years.”

The mayor added:

“The township would not be proposing this project without support of the library executive director and the library board. All involved parties have been part of the planning and discussion and the township has counted on them for developing plans and costs for a proposed library space. The current location has limited space and no room for expansion or modernizing. The proposed new location provides space for expanded indoor uses as well as potential space for utilizing outdoor spaces for programming.”

The West Orange Town Council heard details about the library proposal at their Tuesday meeting. A resolution to approve the redeveloper for both the library site and the Executive Drive redevelopment zone was approved, a town spokesperson said.

• Learn more about the proposal
• See artist renderings of the proposed project

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