Another resident echoed these concerns, citing his repeated, albeit unsuccessful, attempts to engage county authorities to address traffic issues. He shared statistics, pointing out that the fatality rate at 40 miles per hour could be as high as 85%. This resident stressed the need for immediate action to protect children, noting that safety concerns prevent families from allowing their children to play outside. A third resident, Thea Dvita, proposed holding a separate forum to brainstorm actionable plans for improving safety on Mount Prospect and Bloomfield streets.

In response to these concerns, a council member acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, noting multiple accidents at the intersection. While the requirement of county approval complicates the implementation of safety measures, there are examples of successful interventions at other intersections that could be pursued for Summit and Mount Prospect. The town manager confirmed that designs for improvements at Summit Road have been completed, addressing some of the residents’ frustrations about delays.

The meeting also addressed infrastructure improvements beyond traffic safety. Updates were provided on the police department’s remediation projects, including mold and lead paint remediation and HVAC replacements, with the department scheduled to move back into its building around November 10th. The council discussed ongoing efforts related to an age-friendly audit action plan and the inclusive healthy communities grant, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in these initiatives.

In terms of road infrastructure, the council reported on the progress of several projects. A contract for Lynen Avenue was awarded following the receipt of nine bids, while the Everfield retaining wall construction was nearing completion. However, projects related to Fair View Avenue well rehabilitation and Clarish Drive pump station faced delays due to material procurement challenges. The council also highlighted the necessity of a crosswalk on Bloomfield Avenue, described as “the holy grail” of traffic safety within the council, and emphasized the importance of continuous advocacy for county support.

The meeting included discussions on ordinance changes, notably the introduction of Ordinance H1, fixing salaries for township officers for 2025 and 2026, and Ordinance I1, restructuring regulations around massage parlors and other personal care establishments. The council debated fee alignments and the impact of these changes on local businesses, ultimately passing both ordinances without issue.

Public comments were invited, and a resolution regarding county assistance following catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Ida was reiterated.