Woodbridge May Permanently Move Colonia Library Location

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — On Wednesday, we told you that the Colonia branch of the Woodbridge library will remain closed until next year, due to flood damage it suffered in Ida.

And on Thursday we learned that Woodbridge Township may decide to permanently close down that building altogether and relocate the Henry Inman branch, if it ends up costing too much to repair the building. Another factor in the Township's decision is whether or not the building has to be elevated per FEMA flood zone regulations.

Tropical storm Ida hit New Jersey on Sept. 1 and 2; in Woodbridge, Colonia sustained the worst of the flooding. All of the floors of the Henry Inman branch were damaged, four feet of wallboard around the building flooded, and some of the furnishings, shelves and more than 3,000 books ruined by flood water.

But because the Colonia branch is located next to Pumpkin Patch Brook, it runs the risk of flooding again in future storms.

Woodbridge spokesman John Hagerty told MyCentralJersey the town is considering just relocating that library location entirely, depending on what the flood insurance companies say.

According to FEMA's new flood insurance rules, if the library building sustained 50 percent or more in structural damage it would have to be elevated above the flood zone, a very costly process.

Hagerty said Woodbridge is currently waiting to hear back from the insurance companies. If the Henry Inman branch has to be moved, it will be to a location still convenient for Colonia residents, he said. It also remains unknown what Woodbridge Township will do with that property, or whether the town will sell it.

Right now, library services for Colonia residents are being offered out of the Evergreen Senior Center.

"It is too early in the process to make a determination regarding any permanent closure and/or relocation of the Inman Branch Library," said Hagerty. "We are waiting for the insurance appraisal to complete, which will estimate the costs to renovate, etc."

*Note: This story was first reported in the Home News Tribune, but independently confirmed by the Woodbridge Patch. Initial Patch report: Colonia Branch Of Woodbridge Library Will Be Closed 'Til 2022

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