Glen Ridge Council Reviews Sunset Avenue Speeding Data, Opens Cooling Centers Amid Heat Wave
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Glen Ridge's Public Safety Committee has received a new traffic consultant report on speeding and traffic concerns along Sunset Avenue, with particular attention to the areas near Forest and Stonehouse. The committee plans to review the findings in more detail before making any recommendations.
On financial matters, the council unanimously passed Ordinance 18-10 on first reading, which appropriates Capital Improvement funds for various capital projects and equipment; it now goes to the municipal clerk for standard publication and posting. Council members also unanimously adopted Resolution 116-24, a corrective action plan addressing two relatively minor issues flagged in the annual audit involving internal controls and purchase order/supply chain procedures, and unanimously approved Resolution 115-24, certifying the governing body's receipt of the annual audit. A resolution authorizing payment of the town's bills, Resolution 114-24, also passed unanimously by a 6-0 vote. Separately, a council member praised the town's strong Moody's bond rating as a sign of solid financial management and sustainable fiscal priorities, though no specific rating number was cited.
In other business, the council unanimously approved a raffle license, Resolution 117-24, for a 50/50 raffle to be run by the Metro/Meals Area YMCA on October 7th at the Country Club in Bloomfield. Minutes from the June 25th meeting were approved, though Councilmember Hughes abstained from that vote.
Due to extreme heat and possible delays in air conditioning repairs, the borough has opened two cooling centers: the library (open Monday through Wednesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and the train station community center (open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), both offering Wi-Fi, with additional support planned in case of power outages. The borough also announced it received a Gold Safe Routes to School award from the New Jersey Safe Routes to School program, with credit given to Police Chief Eric Dine, Chief Quinn, Lieutenant Sardellis, and "Fanda."
Two community events were announced: a "Community Night Out" at the pool on Thursday, August 8th, featuring police, fire, and rescue squad participation, and a new pilot "summer popup party" at the Glen, with food provided by Fitzgerald's, intended to combat social isolation. Finally, the mayor responded to a written suggestion from a resident proposing electric vehicle charging stations in street parking lots, noting the town had previously researched the idea and tried unsuccessfully to secure grant funding for it.
What to watch
- The Public Safety Committee's further review of the Sunset Avenue traffic and speed study, which could lead to future recommendations.
- The "summer popup party" at the Glen, with a rain date planned for the following Thursday if needed.