At the heart of the meeting was the presentation by the Neglia Group, which emphasized a collaborative design approach for Bloomfield Avenue, a major thoroughfare in town. The representatives stressed the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of the area, balancing aesthetic enhancements with practical needs like traffic flow and emergency access. The design strategy included integrating community feedback into the project while maintaining realistic expectations. One representative mentioned, “We can’t promise pie in the sky,” reflecting their pragmatic approach to the complex project.

The Neglia Group also highlighted past experiences with similar projects and their commitment to stakeholder communication. They noted the necessity of accommodating existing traffic patterns, given Bloomfield Avenue’s status as a vital corridor. The firm’s representatives suggested that aesthetic improvements could include street trees and landscaping, provided they did not impede pedestrian walkways or traffic.

A significant portion of the council’s discussion focused on the area’s drainage issues, exacerbated by recent heavy rainstorms. Representatives from TNM Associates addressed the ongoing flooding problems, proposing potential solutions like rain gardens to mitigate water flow along the corridor. They acknowledged the limitations of the streetscape project in providing a comprehensive solution to the area’s broader drainage challenges, particularly the significant water flow from Essex County.

The engineering firms collectively underscored the importance of incorporating stormwater management practices into the streetscape design, despite existing constraints. Strategies such as permeable pavements and adequate drainage systems were discussed, with an understanding that collaboration with county authorities would be necessary for approval and implementation.

During the meeting, the council also explored the impact of streetscape changes on traffic flow, particularly at the intersection of Route 23 and Bloomfield Avenue. The council expressed concerns about the feasibility of extending improvements beyond the town center, given historical congestion issues and potential resistance from the county to lane reductions.

The condition of existing streetscape elements, such as deteriorating stamped brickwork, was another concern. The council discussed the varying sidewalk widths in downtown Verona, with some areas lacking the minimum width for wheelchair access. Suggestions for improving walkability and accommodating future redevelopment included utilizing dead space for planters and movable features.

Further, the meeting addressed the need for cohesive parking management and the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the project. The council discussed creating a consistent line for the streetscape to enhance visual appeal and functionality, proposing an increase in sidewalk buffer space for planting areas to improve environmental resilience.

As the meeting progressed, design firms like Strand Engineering and Laurel Hill Engineering presented their qualifications, emphasizing their experience in transforming public spaces. They highlighted the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the streetscape project, considering existing infrastructure and future utility work. The importance of public outreach and stakeholder input was reiterated, with suggestions to create a website for community interaction and feedback.

The council also considered the potential for future redevelopment along Bloomfield Avenue and the need for a cohesive design that accommodates variable sidewalk widths. Bicycle infrastructure was discussed, with suggestions to install bike racks parallel to the road to minimize sidewalk obstruction.