Glen Ridge Council Approves $50,000 Grant Bid for Jitney Program, Reviews Storm Cleanup and Fall Event Roundup
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At its meeting, the Glen Ridge Mayor & Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution authorizing the borough to apply for a roughly $50,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' Transportation and Public Safety Modernization Program, which would fund capital purchases for the borough's Jitney shuttle program. Relatedly, a councilmember reported that the borough has received two bidder proposals connected to the Jitney program, one from a company to run the service and another to provide ticketing and location services.
Council members also reviewed recent public works activity, noting that during storm preparation and response, Department of Public Works crews had to clear a significantly large downed tree on Douglas Road, part of broader efforts that included sandbagging, checking sump pumps, and keeping chainsaws ready. Separately, the council adopted a routine resolution approving claims and warrants for payment described as a "relatively modest amount," which passed unanimously.
On other business, the council approved a special permit allowing the Glenridge Women's Club to hold a bingo fundraiser on October 15, 2026, benefiting the Women's Club and the Kiwanis Club, with wine and beer to be served; the measure passed with Councilor Turiano abstaining, though no reason was given in the meeting minutes. The mayor also noted a resident request from Oakwood Avenue concerning traffic speeds, which will be referred to the relevant committee for consideration of speed bumps.
Several updates touched on community life: Councilor Law thanked organizers, attendees, and donors for a successful fundraiser held the previous Thursday night benefiting the police union. Councilor Zimet and the mayor thanked staff and local organizations for the success of the borough's first-ever meet and greet event for residents, including newcomers, held the prior Friday and attended by a state assemblyman and Congressman Mia. Zimet also announced that the Kiwanis Club is assembling a one-stop community calendar of events from various Glen Ridge organizations, and reported that a pumpkin event at Freeman Gardens sold out the prior Sunday with 300 pumpkins left unclaimed, prompting a second "take two" attempt planned for the following Sunday. Separately, the Borough Administrator noted that the borough clerk has completed one year with the borough and will oversee a fourth election this year, with mail-in ballots already received.
The police department announced that on October 9th, the Rhino Rump/Ridgewood Avenue schools race will close that road from Bloomfield Avenue, roughly between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Commuters were also informed that starting October 11th, a Portal Bridge crossover will change New Jersey Transit schedules, with riders routed through Hoboken instead of directly to Penn Station.
What to watch
- The Oakwood Avenue speed bump request will go to committee for further consideration.
- The Rhino Rump race road closure on Ridgewood Avenue from Bloomfield Avenue is set for October 9th, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
- The NJ Transit schedule change rerouting riders through Hoboken takes effect October 11th.