The meeting opened with a detailed presentation by Rajna Shett, the deputy director of planning at NV5, and her team, including Bill River from NJ DOT and James Cleavelli from NV5, who are spearheading the Hackensack Comprehensive Bicycle Plan. The plan, which began in February and is scheduled for completion by December, is designed to address inadequate bicycle infrastructure and enhance safety for cyclists. The initiative is part of NJ DOT’s longstanding local technical assistance program. Shett emphasized the plan’s reliance on community input and data analysis to identify unsafe areas and prioritize infrastructure improvements. The project includes a steering committee with local representatives and a robust public engagement strategy.

Cleavelli highlighted the significance of public outreach, noting their participation in events like National Night Out and future engagements at local coffee shops and libraries. The team is collecting community feedback through surveys and interactive maps available on the project’s website, which allow residents to pinpoint dangerous biking locations and suggest desired improvements. A critical component of the project involves analyzing crash data and assessing the “bicycle level of stress” on various roadways to inform a bicycle demand map. The plan aims to culminate in a pilot bike lane demonstration program that will test proposed improvements in real-life settings.

The meeting also featured a presentation from Laura Ariasa of Northeast New Jersey Legal Services, who outlined the organization’s free civil legal services for residents, covering areas such as housing, public benefits, consumer law, and immigration. Ariasa stressed the importance of raising awareness about their services, noting that many are unaware of the legal help available to them. She detailed their work in assisting tenants facing eviction, homeowners with foreclosure issues, and individuals dealing with debt and bankruptcy, among other legal challenges.

Public comments during the meeting brought attention to various local concerns. Residents expressed frustrations over parking shortages, particularly on streets with high numbers of rooming houses, and called for stricter enforcement of parking regulations. The proliferation of rooming houses was linked to parking problems, with one resident voicing discomfort with unknown individuals frequently in the neighborhood. Another resident emphasized the need for permit parking to alleviate congestion caused by non-residents parking in residential areas.

Community safety was another prominent topic, with Sergey Toltoy advocating for regulations on electric scooters and bicycles following a recent fatal accident. Toltoy called for helmet requirements and increased enforcement of safety rules. The conversation also touched on the broader need for dedicated bicycle infrastructure to protect cyclists and encourage safe commuting.

Concerns about airplane noise were raised by Bill Wasley, who criticized the city’s noise management efforts, while Karine Jacobson requested updates on permit parking and suggested speed bumps to address speeding vehicles. In contrast, Randy Glover urged patience with the new council members, who had only recently taken office, and expressed confidence in their ability to address longstanding community issues.

The meeting concluded with discussions on municipal projects and upcoming events. Updates were provided on the progress of roadworks and infrastructure improvements, including the completion of the punch list for Anderson Street and ongoing utility work at Johnson Park. The council also discussed upcoming efforts to enhance pedestrian safety on Grand Avenue, with improvements funded by a local aid grant. Additionally, plans for a street naming ceremony, a townwide garage sale, and Hackinacktoberfest were announced, inviting community participation.