Red Bank Library Could Become Site of Living Shoreline

Red Bank Councilwoman Kahtleen Horgan has been working with the Red Bank Library Board on a potential living shoreline restoration project for the library bulkhead. 

The American Littoral Society and the Stevens Institute of Technology have offered to draw up a concept design this summer at no cost to Red Bank.  The design would be available for review by the public in the Red Bank Library at the end of the design process at the summer’s end.  Funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would be used to pay for the design.   A Living Shoreline uses natural features and water flow to buffer interior lands, protect habitat, limit direct runoff into the adjacent waterways and increase public access to the shore and waters.

Consensus appears to be forming across the borough for such an approach according to last night’s discussion, but ultimate responsibility for any eventual bulk head replacement rests with the Red Bank Library Board.  One concern remains with the 1930s deed from the Eisner family, which donated the building and property to the borough for public use. Councilwoman Horrigan reported that the deed calls for the borough to maintain the grounds and bulkhead in good condition and there is some question as to whether a Living Shoreline replacement would meet the conditions of the deed.  Horgan stated the Eisner family has been contacted to see if they would be comfortable with replacing the deteriorating bulkhead with a living shoreline.

 Sigmund Eisner was the great-grandfather of former Disney CEO Michael Eisner and ran a manufacturing company based in Red Bank in the early part of the twentieth century. At one time the Sigmund Eisner company held an exclusive manufacturing license for Boy Scout uniforms nationwide.