One resident highlighted the dangers at the intersection of Chosen Few Way and Goldsboro, citing the approval of the new high-rise as a contributing factor to traffic congestion.

In response to the public’s apprehensions, a city planner outlined measures being taken to manage traffic, pointing to the involvement of local law enforcement in monitoring problematic areas. The city planner noted that the police department had identified intersections, including the left turn into Costco, as significant accident sites, and mentioned efforts to collaborate with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) for potential traffic flow improvements. Upcoming discussions with the DOT were anticipated to explore alternative solutions.

Despite these assurances, some council members expressed doubts about the city’s approach, urging for more proactive measures amid increasing development. A council member remarked on the need for foresight in planning. They stressed, “If there’s going to be more of that super-size type construction, then we need to be ahead of the game, not waiting for the accident lists to pile up.”

The discussion progressed with additional public comments, including a speaker who criticized the council’s communication efforts regarding the 50-story building project. They lamented the lack of engagement from council members, despite repeated attempts to reach out. Another resident underscored the severity of the situation by revealing that Goldsboro Drive had experienced 242 reported accidents since January 1, 2023, calling into question the city’s readiness to handle the implications of further high-rise developments.

Council members engaged in a debate about the accuracy of these accident reports, highlighting discrepancies between the resident’s figures and those provided by the city’s traffic department.

Further into the meeting, discussions turned to the topic of affordable housing in Bayonne, a matter intertwined with the city’s ongoing development initiatives. The council reviewed the status of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, with over $113 million reported from non-residential affordable housing fees. These funds are earmarked for rehabilitation projects, as Bayonne qualifies as an Urban Aid municipality, thus exempt from new build obligations but required to focus on existing housing improvements.

A council member raised concerns about the necessity of workforce housing, emphasizing that while current rents align with area median income levels, stability in these rates cannot be guaranteed for tenants once they move in.

The council also tackled procedural matters, including several ordinances and resolutions related to city infrastructure and services. Notably, a bond ordinance was passed to allocate funds for acquiring vehicles and equipment for the city’s parking utility, amounting to $250,000. Additionally, resolutions were approved authorizing agreements for solid waste disposal services and legal services for the upcoming year, among other routine approvals.