Garwood Council Debates Myrtle Avenue Parking Regulations

The Garwood Borough Council meeting ignited a debate regarding the potential rollback of parking regulations on the 300 block of Myrtle Avenue, with council members divided on the issue. The controversy arose from a petition by residents to remove a 24-hour residential parking permit requirement that they claim limits parking availability and is enforced inequitably. The topic spurred a broader discussion on parking within the borough, including the implementation of 15-minute parking spaces, conversion of business parking spots to paid parking, and the granting of free parking to veterans in public park mobile spaces.

The council conducted a straw poll on the Myrtle Avenue parking issue, resulting in a tie. Some council members supported the residents’ petition, referencing the adamant refusal by locals to the parking regulations and the organized frustrations expressed. In contrast, others called for more data and adherence to the democratic process that originally established the ordinance. The Chief of Police weighed in, expressing concern about the timing of the change and its potential impact on parking. Despite the impassioned discussion, the council agreed to allow more time for observation before reaching a decision, especially considering that any change would not be immediate and would be observed throughout the summer months.

Beyond parking, the council addressed several other ordinances for adoption and introduction. One new ordinance concerned the amendment of the borough code regarding contractors, and another focused on privately owned assault storage. These ordinances passed with little contention.

Public comments presented during the meeting varied in topic, but several residents voiced concerns over public safety and public transportation. One individual called for strong community support for police officers, firefighters, and rescue squad personnel, as well as military members, and inquired about the implementation of veteran parking. Another resident raised issues with New Jersey Transit. This comment came in the wake of council concerns about New Jersey rail disruptions and subsequent support for resolutions aimed at addressing transit issues.

The meeting also touched on updates from various committees, including the selection of a Zetron system for 911 equipment by the police committee, endorsed for its cost-effectiveness and functionality. The finance committee was tasked with a budget review of this recommendation. Summer activities and historical preservation efforts were on the agenda as well, with the recreation committee discussing events like the Step Into Summer walking challenge and an ice cream social, while the historical committee planned to digitize more of their collection.

The council acknowledged the opening of Urban Cone, a new business. In planning and development, the council discussed fair share obligations, potential rezoning, and ongoing projects, while the Public Works department highlighted street sweeping and bulk pickup schedules. The Chief of Police presented the monthly reports for May 2024, which were accepted by the council.

Lastly, zoning violations and noise complaints were among the concerns raised by community members. A resident brought attention to a local establishment, Crossroads, and its expanded outdoor area, which affected the neighborhood’s noise levels. Additionally, some residents questioned the council’s decision to back a resolution to protect New Jersey Transit without first supporting an independent audit of the organization.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Mayor:
Jen Blumenstock
City Council Officials:
Karina Boto, Sean Foley, Vincent Kearney, Marc Lazarow, Clarissa Nolde, Kimberly Salmon

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

Trending meetings
across the country:

Meeting Date
Filter by bodytypes
Agricultural Advisory Committee
Airport Advisory Board
Art and Culture Board
Beach Committee
Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Board of Elections
Board of Health
Borough Council
Building Committee
Cannabis Control Board
Cemetery Commission
Charter Revision Commission
Child and Family Services Board
City Council
City Identity Committee
Code Enforcement Board
College Board of Trustees
Community Appearance Board
Community Preservation Committee
Community Redevelopment Agency
County Council
Disability Advisory Committee
Economic Development Board
Elderly Affairs Board
Electric Advisory Board
Environmental Commission
Financial Oversight Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Committee
Human Resources Committee
Insurance Fund
Land Use Board
Library Board
Licensing Board
Mental Health Commission
Municipal Alliance
Open Space Commission
Oversight and Review Committee
Parent Advisory Board
Parking Authority
Parks and Gardens Commission
Parks Commission
Pension Board
Planning Board
Police Review Board
Port Authority
Property Assessment Board
Public Safety Committee
Recreation Commission
Redevelopment Agency
Rent Control Board
Rent Leveling Board
School Board
Sewerage Authority
Shade Tree Commission
Special Magistrate
Taxation & Revenue Advisory Committee
Tourism Board
Trails Committee
Transportation Board
Utility Board
Value Adjustment Board
Veterans Committee
Water Control Board
Women's Advisory Committee
Youth Advisory Committee
Zoning Board
Filter by County
FL
Bay County
Bradford County
Brevard County
Broward County
Clay County
Duval County
Escambia County
Gulf County
Hendry County
Highlands County
Hillsborough County
Indian River County
Lake County
Lee County
Leon County
Levy County
Liberty County
Manatee County
Marion County
Martin County
Miami-Dade County
Monroe County
Okaloosa County
Orange County
Osceola County
Palm Beach County
Pasco County
Pinellas County
Polk County
Putnam County
Santa Rosa County
Sarasota County
Seminole County
St. Johns County
Taylor County
Volusia County
Walton County
MA
Barnstable County
Berkshire County
Bristol County
Essex County
Franklin County
Hampden County
Hampshire County
Middlesex County
Norfolk County
Plymouth County
Suffolk County
Worcester County
MN
Anoka County
Becker County
Beltrami County
Benton County
Blue Earth County
Brown County
Carver County
Cass County
Chippewa County
Chisago County
Clay County
Cook County
Crow Wing County
Dakota County
Freeborn County
Goodhue County
Grant County
Hennepin County
Isanti County
Itasca County
Kanabec County
Kandiyohi County
Koochiching County
Lac Qui Parle County
Lyon County
Mcleod County
Morrison County
Mower County
Nicollet County
Olmsted County
Pipestone County
Polk County
Ramsey County
Rice County
Scott County
Sherburne County
Sibley County
St Louis County
Stearns County
Steele County
Waseca County
Washington County
Wright County
NJ
Atlantic County
Bergen County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Essex County
Gloucester County
Hudson County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
Monmouth County
Morris County
Ocean County
Passaic County
Somerset County
Sussex County
Union County
Warren County
NY
Bronx County
Kings County
New York County
Queens County
Richmond County
TN
Shelby County
Filter by sourcetypes
Minutes
Recording