Traffic safety emerged as a primary issue during the meeting. Residents voiced apprehension about pedestrian safety near Route 322, with one attendee recounting a near-miss incident involving a distracted student. The resident emphasized the need for increased safety measures, stating, “I almost hit one because they are on the phone and just walk in the middle of the street.” In response, council members assured that public safety remains a priority and highlighted ongoing efforts such as improving street lighting and creating safer walkways to mitigate these dangers. The council acknowledged the issue of students crossing streets irresponsibly and stressed the importance of adherence to traffic laws by both pedestrians and drivers.

The rapid expansion of Rowan University and its impact on housing and traffic was another focal point. A resident expressed concern over projections that the university’s student population would nearly double by 2033, from 20,000 to 38,500. This growth has exacerbated challenges related to off-campus housing and traffic congestion. In response, council members acknowledged these issues and mentioned ongoing evaluations of potential solutions, including efforts to limit new housing developments to five-bedroom homes and petitioning for relief from parking standards that do not accommodate larger residences effectively.

Paid parking in certain areas of Glassboro sparked debate among attendees. A resident expressed dissatisfaction with the current system, arguing, “I should now have to pay to park to pay my tax bill. I mean that’s ridiculous.” They criticized the council for a perceived lack of transparency in implementing the paid parking policy and demanded more information on how it was enacted without a public vote. Council members explained that the decision was driven by the need to address overnight parking issues and ensure a turnover of customers for local businesses. However, some residents remain unconvinced, feeling that the solution complicates parking for local families and does not adequately address the core issues.

The meeting also touched on the contentious Route 322 bypass project. Residents questioned the funding, progress, and transparency of the project, with one individual citing discrepancies in past resolutions and payments to engineering firms. Concern was expressed over the community’s lack of information on the project’s implications for Glassboro, prompting council members to clarify that Taylor and McCormack remain the engineering firm involved. Despite assurances, skepticism persisted among residents who felt insufficiently engaged in the planning process.

Public comments underscored a broader frustration with communication from the borough. One resident highlighted the difficulty of staying informed about council meetings and developments. The council acknowledged these concerns and committed to exploring more effective communication strategies, recognizing that not all residents engage with social media.

In addition to addressing these concerns, the council recognized the retirement of long-serving Glassboro Highway Department employees Timothy Estus and Kevin Skidmore. The mayor and council members expressed gratitude for their decades of service, with Estus retiring after 30 years and Skidmore also stepping down.