The council approved a resolution to extend Johnson Park’s closing hours from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM to accommodate evening soccer activities. This decision aims to provide more flexibility for residents to use the park for recreational purposes, particularly during the summer months when daylight extends longer into the evening.

Speeding issues dominated the public comment portion of the meeting, with residents from Kaplan Avenue and other areas expressing safety concerns due to fast-moving vehicles. Sam Allen, a resident, highlighted the dangers posed by speeding drivers, particularly with the influx of new families and children in the neighborhood. He suggested potential solutions like speed bumps, increased police presence, and permanent speed limit signs. Allen emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “It’s causing extreme inconvenience to the members of the neighborhood who have to play musical cars because we’re afraid to leave your car on the street for fear of damage.”

The discussion about speeding continued with suggestions for implementing speed bumps, despite concerns from the Department of Public Works about snowplow operations. Alternatives like rumble strips were also considered. Another resident, Ed Cabal, proposed a “no left turn” restriction during certain hours to reduce speeding on Kaplan Avenue, an idea the council showed interest in exploring further.

In addition to speeding, parking issues were a significant topic of discussion. Residents raised concerns about parking congestion on C Avenue and Campo Avenue, where current restrictions make it difficult for residents to find parking. A resident suggested allowing parking on both sides during street cleaning days to alleviate some of the congestion.

Infrastructure updates were also a focal point of the meeting. The city engineer provided updates on various projects, including the Poly Park project, which faced delays due to complexities involving county coordination and traffic control. The Anderson Street drainage project was highlighted as the sixth major initiative aimed at separating stormwater from the combined sewer system, with notable progress on tie-ins for streets like Clay Street and Berdan Place.

The engineer also discussed the commencement of work on the East Kennedy Pump Station generator, funded through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and part of a broader FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant initiative. This project aims to address stormwater management issues in the city. Additionally, updates were provided on the Prospect Avenue pedestrian safety project, slated to begin initial site work the following week.

During the meeting, a proclamation was declared, announcing October 6, 2024, as “Knockout Opioid Abuse Day” in Hackensack. The proclamation aims to raise awareness about opioid dependency and its associated risks, particularly the dangers posed by fentanyl. The mayor highlighted the seriousness of the opioid crisis, referencing a previous incident where multiple individuals were affected by fentanyl-laced substances, resulting in a fatality.

The council also discussed several resolutions, including the final adoption of an ordinance amending the city’s traffic code to address issues on Lyden Street and the authorization of capital improvements appropriating $611,000 from the city’s general capital fund. This resolution passed following a public hearing without opposition. Another resolution addressed the addition of a new handicapped parking space on Stanley Place, which was similarly adopted after a public hearing.

Public comments included concerns about traffic issues on Spring Valley Avenue, with suggestions to place signs directing traffic to Route 4 to alleviate congestion. One resident expressed frustration over the council’s responsiveness to issues raised in previous meetings, urging for a more effective city management approach.

A significant matter raised during the meeting involved an alleged recent racial incident involving a council member. The member expressed surprise at being informed through a news article about their removal from the election ticket without prior notice, emphasizing the importance of transparency and direct communication within the council.

The meeting also included updates on ongoing infrastructure projects, specifically addressing stormwater management and sewer separation projects in areas prone to flooding. The council acknowledged the complexities and duration of these projects while expressing commitment to improving conditions for residents affected by flooding issues.