[Ord. No. 2018-1773]
Public facilities are generally easier to identify by reference to adjacent street names, distinct geographic or environmental features, primary use activity, or historical precedent. Accordingly, the preferred practice is to give Borough-owned properties names of historical or geographical significance and to retain those names.
When considering the renaming of an existing public facility, proper weight shall be given to the fact that a name lends a site or property authenticity and heritage; existing names are presumed to have historic significance; and historic names give a community a sense of place and identity, continued continuity through time, and increases the sense of neighborhood and belonging.
[Ord. No. 2018-1773; amended 7-8-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-2004]
The Borough encourages the recognition of individuals for their service to the community in ways that include the naming of activities such as athletic events, cultural presentations, or annual festivals, which do not involve the naming or renaming of public facilities.
a. 
The naming of Borough facilities in honor of individuals will be a rare event and will only be considered under the following conditions:
1. 
The individual or family has made exceptional contributions to the Borough including one or more of the following:
(a) 
Donation to the Borough of the property to be named in honor of an individual or family;
(b) 
Public service as an elected official;
(c) 
Public service as a community volunteer;
(d) 
A person has risked his or her life to save or protect others.
2. 
There must be a well-defined connection between the contributions of the individual or family and the Borough facility.
3. 
No Borough facility shall be named after an individual for a period of at least two years after his or her death to afford perspective and an appropriate period of reflection.
4. 
A petition signed by at least 200 Borough residents has been submitted to the Governing Body requesting the naming or renaming of the facility.
5. 
The cost of design and installation of a plaque or monument for the facility that is being named or renamed pursuant to this section will be determined by the Governing Body and will be paid by the requestor. Moreover, the cost of the maintenance of the plaque or monument will be determined by the Governing Body and will be paid by the requestor.
b. 
The Borough is not responsible for damage or deterioration of the monument and may remove it at any time for any reason in the discretion of the Mayor and Council.
c. 
Monuments.
1. 
Monuments in honor or in memory of an individual or individuals may be permitted on Borough property in rare cases, with the permission of the Mayor and Council under the following conditions:
(a) 
The person memorialized is closely associated with the area or facility where the monument will be located and must be held in highest esteem by a significant number of Borough residents.
(b) 
The monument design is tasteful, discrete and unobtrusive and designed to blend into the surrounding area.
(c) 
The location of any monument will be determined by the Public Works Manager with the approval of the Mayor and Council.
(d) 
The cost of design, installation and maintenance of the monument will be determined by the Governing Body and will be paid by the requestor.
(e) 
The Borough is not responsible for damage or deterioration of the monument and may remove it at any time for any reason in the discretion of the Mayor and Council.
d. 
Benches or Trees.
Benches or trees in honor or in memory of deceased persons may be placed in Borough parks or other Borough spaces at the discretion of the Mayor and Council under the following conditions:
1. 
The bench design or tree species and the location of the bench or tree will be determined by the Governing Body or its designee.
2. 
A relatively small plaque (five inches by eight inches) with inscription or other written memorial information may be placed on the bench or near the tree with the approval of the Governing Body.
3. 
The cost of purchasing, designing, installing and maintaining the bench or tree will be borne by the requestor.
4. 
The Borough shall not be responsible for damage or deterioration of the bench or tree and may be removed at any time for any reason without replacement.
[Ord. No. 2018-1773]
a. 
The Borough Administrator shall refer any request for the naming or renaming of a public facility or the placement of a monument, a bench or a tree to the Mayor and Council who may, in their sole discretion, consult with appropriate Borough boards, commissions and committees, including but not limited to, the Planning Board, the Recreation Advisory Committee, the Open Space Advisory Committee and the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee.
b. 
The Council shall hold a public hearing on any request received pursuant to this Chapter and, in the case of a requested naming or renaming of a public facility, may notify the general public of any discussions regarding the request.
[Ord. No. 2018-1773]
In considering requests submitted pursuant to this section, the Borough will not discriminate against any person because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex.