Washington (Bergen) Town Council Faces Backlash Over Proposed Vehicle Ordinance
- Meeting Overview:
During the recent Washington (Bergen) Town Council meeting, a wave of public discontent emerged over a proposed ordinance regulating the parking and storage of commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles (RVs), and boats within residential areas. Residents voiced strong opposition, citing the ordinance’s potential to disrupt livelihoods and community traditions. This ordinance, labeled as 25-02, was a focal point of the meeting, with several residents attending to express their concerns and seek clarification from council members.
The ordinance proposed specific regulations, including a six-foot buffer and fencing requirements for storing these vehicles. Residents argued that these provisions could create visual obstructions and hinder sightlines, posing safety risks for pedestrians. Concerns were raised about the practicality of these requirements, especially for tradespeople who rely on their vehicles for work. One resident highlighted that this ordinance would unfairly burden responsible residents who contribute to the community through volunteer efforts. Another resident, reflecting on the ordinance’s potential impact on volunteer firefighters, warned that enforcement could delay emergency responses and endanger lives.
The council engaged in a discussion about the ordinance, with some members expressing their personal disapproval. They articulated a preference for observing multiple cars parked outside rather than a single, large box vehicle, reflecting on aesthetics and community standards.
A point of contention was the practicality of the ordinance, particularly the requirement for vehicle removal within five days without offering viable alternatives. Residents emphasized the need for more flexible enforcement, highlighting the lack of practical options for compliance within the set timeframe. The ordinance’s failure to advance, as it was not seconded during the vote, marked an outcome of the meeting. The council expressed gratitude for public engagement, recognizing the importance of addressing community concerns.
In parallel, the council also addressed several other community-centric issues. Reports from the Department of Public Works (DPW) detailed ongoing activities, such as the final household debris pickup and improvements at Memorial Field. The field saw new mulch installation and well repairs, reflecting efforts to enhance safety and usability. Discussions about the DPW also touched on the temporary relocation of facilities, with a lease agreement for the Bethany Community Center as a temporary site during construction. While some residents questioned the site’s suitability and zoning compliance, the council noted the challenges in finding alternative locations due to financial and zoning restrictions.
The meeting also highlighted upcoming community events, notably the Halloween 5K run and kids’ fun run, scheduled for October 26. The event has garnered increased registrations, with encouragement for participants to wear family-friendly costumes and for residents to decorate their homes. This festive atmosphere aims to foster neighborhood pride and community engagement. Furthermore, the council acknowledged the success of recent community events, such as Town Day, which attracted approximately 3,000 attendees, and a picnic hosted by OLGC. The mayor praised the quick response of police and emergency services during a medical emergency at the picnic.
Peter Calamari
City Council Officials:
Michael Desena, Steven Cascio, Tom Sears, Michael Ullman, Daisy Velez, SIOBHAN SPILLANE BAILEY (Twp. Attorney), MARK DICARLO (Twp. Administrator), GLEN BECKMEYER (Twp. Engineer), SUE WITKOWSKI (Twp. Clerk)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
10/06/2025
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Recording Published:
10/08/2025
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Duration:
105 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Bergen County
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Towns:
Washington (Bergen)
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