Full Notification

Sadly, due to misinformation that has been posted on social media, please read the facts below:  

On March 13, 2026, Peter Dunsay of the Cultural Center contacted the Mayor and Council via email to report the handicap ramp was in need of repairs. (The letter from Cultural Center can be obtained upon submission of an Open Public Records Act request to the Borough Clerk on Monday, May 11th.)

Based on the condition of the ramp, an evaluation of the entire Borough owned structure was required. The DPW Superintendent had the building inspected by the Construction Official, Joint Insurance Fund Safety Inspector, Fire Official, and Health Official.  (The reports regarding the Borough Building located at 201 Continental Avenue can be obtained after the governing body has reviewed and discussed them, by also submitting an Open Public Records Act request.)  On Friday, May 8th, a final evaluation was performed with the Borough Engineer. As a result of the condition of the structure, the Construction Official placed the unsafe structure sticker on the Borough owned building as permitted by law. The DPW DID NOT close down the building. The closure is an immediate emergency as a matter of public health, safety and welfare. Failure to do so would be a matter of negligence as the safety of the members of the Cultural Center and public would have been in jeopardy. 

The Mayor and Council will review the reports of this Borough owned building in Closed Session on Thursday, May 14th with the Borough’s professionals to determine the safest and best course of action. After a decision is made, then further information will be provided to the Cultural Center and general public. 

This is not a decision taken lightly. Earlier this year, the Borough closed the steps of the pedestrian bridge over Route 4 due to the deterioration of the steps until the state undertook the necessary repairs. Safety always takes precedence even when it appears as inconvenient. 

In conclusion, thorough steps were taken by the Borough upon receipt of notification of the ramp by the Cultural Center on March 13, 2026.   Thorough steps will continue to be taken in order to comply with state and federal codes concerning public structures.