During the council meeting, the NJDOT outlined the need for the pedestrian and bicycle safety project. It was noted that there is a history of pedestrian crashes along Route 130 north of Mainline Drive and the intersection with Taylor’s Lane, necessitating improvements. The proposed solution is a 10-foot wide shared use path for bicyclists and pedestrians that would be located outside of the roadway, aimed at reducing the likelihood of accidents.

The construction process, expected to begin in 2029, will involve staged construction, detours for ramp traffic at Creek Road and Bridgeboro Road during intersection modifications, and necessary environmental permits and stormwater management measures. Soil testing is to be carried out in the final design phase. Questions from council members and attendees during the presentation covered various aspects of the project, including the impact on driveways and entrances/exits, the proposed “lead left” phase for cars turning from Taylor’s Lane to Route 130 Northbound, and overall improvements for Taylor’s Lane.

Traffic operations at the intersection were also a point of discussion, with recommendations to adjust eastbound left turn timings onto Route 130 Northbound. The potential addition of a right turn lane at an intersection was acknowledged as challenging due to real estate requirements. The importance of considering public input was stressed.

Public comments from residents and committee members further delved into the project’s specifics. The widening of the turn at 130 and Union Landing was suggested for safety reasons, and the difficulty of making a right turn on Taylor Lane was brought up, especially concerning emergency vehicles.

In terms of fiscal matters, the proposed 2024 Municipal budget, which includes a zero tax increase for the municipal portion of the tax rate, was discussed. Public Works updates were provided, including the depletion of leaf mulch and the announcement of a spring cleanup day. The March 2024 activity report for Public Safety was presented, detailing incidents and arrests. Plans for a Memorial Day ceremony and Parks and Recreation events were also shared.

The meeting addressed an urgent tree ordinance with a looming deadline, mandating action by May 1st to avoid fines. The council debated whether to postpone the ordinance due to its impact on Lake View Memorial Cemetery and the potential consequences of non-compliance. In the end, it was decided to table the ordinance until the May meeting. Another proposal, to vacate a portion of Berry Street for future site improvements, was approved following public comment.

The consent agenda included several approvals: a contract for shade structures, cancellation of taxes for a totally disabled veteran, a raffle permit, and the minutes for the April 1st, 2024 meeting. Concerns about a towing company’s operations and suggestions for overnight parking restrictions on Whitmore Street were raised during the public comment session.