Council Pulls School Drop-Off Parking Ordinance After Resident Pushback
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Facing objections from residents about a proposed no-parking amendment on the north side of Woodland Avenue, the council withdrew Ordinance No. 1764 (the school drop-off/time-limited parking amendment) at its scheduled final-reading hearing, sending it back for revisions rather than adopting it. By contrast, three other ordinances did clear final reading and were adopted without opposition: No. 1763 (non-union employee salary titles), No. 1762 (amending the chapter establishing the police department), and No. 1765 (appropriating capital improvement funds). On the vote to approve the minutes of the May 23 meeting, Councilor Hughes — who had seconded the motion — abstained, while the rest of the council voted to approve.
The council also adopted a resolution authorizing estimated third-quarter property tax bills for 2022 (an estimated levy of $56,545,378 at a rate of $3.291) due to COVID-related delays in receiving a certified tax rate, approved joining the Somerset County Cooperative Pricing System for shared purchasing, and passed a resolution affirming the borough's commitment to equal and dignified treatment of all people and to fostering an inclusive community. A second NJDOT Municipal Aid grant application (priority #2) was also approved.
Several residents used public comment to press traffic and safety concerns: Lauren Johnson asked the council to reconsider the Woodland Avenue parking change; Gordon Levitt said delivery trucks can't see existing clearance signage before hitting the Hillside Avenue underpass; and both Mark Holzappel and Phil Johnson called the newly painted crosswalk at Ridgewood Avenue and Reynolds Road a hazard without proper signage, asking that it either get signage or be removed. Committee reports noted a new Benson Street food-scrap drop-off program and pollinator garden, and rising pool and summer camp attendance compared to 2021.
What to watch
- Ordinance 1764 (school drop-off/no-parking amendment) withdrawn for revision and expected to be reintroduced
- Response from Essex County on signage or removal of the Ridgewood Avenue/Reynolds Road crosswalk
- Outcome of the second NJDOT Municipal Aid grant application