A key highlight was the presentation by Zach McHugh from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey regarding the Midtown bus terminal replacement project. This plan aims to modernize the outdated facilities that currently serve around 260,000 passengers daily, pre-pandemic. Passaic County is notably the third largest contributor to the terminal’s commuter traffic, with roughly 6,600 monthly users. The new terminal will feature advanced bus storage and staging facilities, which are expected to reduce congestion and improve reliability. The project is being executed in phases, with an expected completion date in 2032. Initial work on deckovers has commenced and is slated to continue until 2027, followed by the construction of ramps, storage, and the main terminal.

The new terminal’s design will prioritize efficiency and user-friendliness, with modern bus gates, increased retail spaces, and improved accessibility adhering to ADA standards. Additionally, the project includes a ramp structure to the Lincoln Tunnel and the creation of green open spaces over Dyer Avenue, totaling about three and a half acres of public space.

In tandem with these developments, local road safety emerged as a issue, particularly in Wayne. Residents voiced urgent concerns about dangerous intersections, specifically at Valley Road and Ratzer Road, and Valley Road and McDonald Drive. Residents called for immediate improvements, emphasizing the risks associated with high-speed traffic and the need for broader walkways and enhanced visibility.

The discussion of road safety expanded to include Hamburg Turnpike, where residents like Hillilary Caruso criticized the county’s patching approach to road maintenance. Caruso advocated for a complete repaving to address potholes, especially problematic in winter, and stressed the absence of sidewalks, forcing pedestrians onto the road. The commissioners acknowledged these concerns, revealing that the engineering department is monitoring accidents in these areas. A $15 million federal grant has been secured to address these issues, but progress has been slow due to the federal process’s complexity.

The board responded to public comments by emphasizing ongoing consultations with traffic engineers and exploring potential temporary solutions, such as flashing crosswalks and speed-calming measures. These initiatives aim to alleviate immediate concerns while more permanent solutions are developed. The board underscored the importance of community input in shaping these projects and maintained that the sheriff’s department would continue to play a role in enforcing traffic safety.

Another topic was the allocation of more than $14 billion in federal funding for transportation infrastructure projects in North Jersey, with $260 million earmarked for Passaic County. This investment will support projects like the Paterson park plaza on Main Avenue and improvements in pedestrian and bicycle safety. The funding includes $25 million previously secured to enhance local transportation infrastructure.

Environmental concerns were also on the agenda, with Jennifer Shu of Sustainable Ringwood urging the board to reconsider chemical spraying along county roads adjacent to Wanakua Reservoir. Shu highlighted the negative impact on plant life and the potential risk to the reservoir, which supplies drinking water to communities including Newark. She suggested alternatives like mowing or allowing natural vegetation to flourish.