In a detailed exchange, council members and participants debated various configurations of the road diet. The Department of Transportation (DOT) put forth two main proposals: one featuring a six-foot bike lane with a four-foot buffer but lacking a center turn lane, and another including a center turn lane with narrower bike lanes to improve traffic flow. Concerns were raised about vehicles using bike lanes to bypass turning cars, posing risks to cyclists. The DOT’s preference for a center turn lane reflects these safety considerations.

A visual presentation highlighted the current road layout, which includes two lanes of traffic in each direction. Adding bike lanes would alter this configuration, necessitating a transition plan at critical junctions like 6th Avenue and Raritan. Short-term improvements, described as “quick fixes,” were also proposed. These include higher visibility crosswalks and new signage, with promises to expedite striping by next summer.

Community input played a vital role in shaping the council’s considerations. The Safe Walking and Cycling Committee (SWACK) presented mixed views on the road diet options. Some members stressed the necessity of the center turn lane, while others worried about creating a suboptimal biking environment. Raised bike lanes were suggested for additional separation, though not currently included in the proposal. The impending rise in electric bike usage underscored the urgency of enhancing bike lane safety.

Public comments further enriched the discussion. Suggestions included consolidating existing five-foot bike lanes into a single ten-foot lane to provide a larger buffer. Concerns about the traffic light at Washington and Route 27 were voiced, highlighting safety issues, particularly during high pedestrian traffic times like the Sabbath. A speaker with traffic management experience advocated for considering all three road diet alternatives, including a no-build option, and urged for a brainstorming session with SWACK to gather comprehensive feedback.

The council also addressed the implications of the proposed changes on emergency vehicle access, emphasizing the importance of maintaining quick response times. The Orthodox community’s unique needs for safe walking routes during religious observances were acknowledged.

In response to these multifaceted concerns, the council recognized the urgency of endorsing a design while ensuring thorough community engagement and analysis. Discussions about lowering the speed limit from 35 to 30 miles per hour to align with the rest of the town were also prominent.

Shifting focus, the council discussed an ordinance concerning sump pump drainage. The proposed regulation would require homeowners to direct sump pump discharge to designated areas on their property. The ordinance seeks to reduce roadway wear and tear, particularly during winter, and improve public safety. Existing setups would be grandfathered in unless they posed significant problems. The Environmental Commission highlighted the ordinance’s role in updating outdated regulations, with plans to delay its introduction until further deliberation next year.

The meeting also covered leadership dynamics within the council, specifically concerning the council president’s role. A tradition of a two-year rotation for the presidency was discussed, with some members advocating for broader changes in the leadership structure. The absence of a key council member during the discussion was noted as a concern affecting the democratic process. Future meetings were proposed to resolve these leadership issues, emphasizing the need for clear communication and collaboration among council members.