Lopatcong Considers Ordinance for Electric Bikes and Scooters Amid Safety Concerns
- Meeting Overview:
During the Lopatcong Town Council meeting on October 7, 2025, several issues were deliberated, including the potential regulation of electric bikes and scooters, ongoing public works projects, and community concerns about infrastructure and safety.
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to addressing the growing use of electric bikes and scooters within the township. The police chief raised concerns about the safety issues these vehicles present, particularly when operated on sidewalks. He noted an uptick in their usage and the associated risks. The proposed regulation would require these vehicles to operate primarily on roadways, reducing the potential for accidents involving pedestrians. The council appeared receptive to this initiative, with plans to collaborate on drafting an ordinance aimed at enhancing public safety.
The police chief also provided a traffic report for September, revealing 370 motor vehicle stops, with a notable number of citations issued for overweight tractor trailers.
In the realm of public works, the meeting covered several infrastructure projects. The engineer’s report detailed ongoing repairs to Fox Farm Road and coordination with the Highlands Council regarding necessary permits. The council is preparing a scope of work to move forward with these permit plans. Notably, the demolition of the township pool was completed, with minor cleanup tasks remaining. Construction of new pickleball courts is nearing completion, though delayed by material shortages for fencing and gates.
Another project, the Stonehenge Drive Improvements, is set to commence, with a pre-construction meeting already scheduled. The contractor estimates a three-week duration for the work, pending weather conditions. Meanwhile, the public works garage pavement improvements are nearing completion, with only punch list items outstanding. The South Fifth Street curb improvements are expected to conclude a few weeks before Thanksgiving, with construction starting in early November.
The council also addressed issues concerning alleyway conditions, particularly in Del Park. The poor state of these alleys was noted, with garbage trucks contributing to the deterioration. A council member highlighted the lack of maintenance over the past two decades, emphasizing the need for future discussions and potential engineering assessments to explore repaving options.
In community matters, the council announced a tentative trick-or-treating schedule for October 31, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., advising residents to check the town’s website for the leaf pickup schedule. A recent yard sale fundraiser generated $680 for the fire department, though a planned 5K walk/run event was canceled due to low registration. The council intends to promote this event more effectively next year.
During the public comment period, residents raised various issues. Sam Joseph expressed concerns about a denied fencing permit due to its location within a drainage easement. The council discussed the potential risks to township infrastructure and agreed to review the situation for a possible exemption in the next meeting. Another resident, Pam Thomas, thanked the council for allowing her Girl Scout troop to use the park pavilion for a recruitment event, expressing appreciation for the support received.
Wright, William
City Council Officials:
Belcaro, Louis, Marinelli, Scott, McQuade, Richard, Palitto, James Council, Wright, William
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
10/07/2025
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Recording Published:
12/09/2025
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Duration:
25 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Warren County
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Towns:
Lopatcong
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