Hawthorne Borough Council Tackles Traffic Congestion and Housing Challenges
- Meeting Overview:
The Hawthorne Borough Council meeting addressed issues facing the community, including traffic congestion, affordable housing obligations, and municipal infrastructure projects. Discussions highlighted the challenges and proposed solutions for improving traffic flow, while also addressing the borough’s responsibilities under state affordable housing legislation.
48:29Traffic management emerged as a central theme during the meeting, with discussions on the congestion issues at major intersections, particularly along Goer Road and Gol Hill Road. Residents and council members expressed concerns about the effectiveness of proposed solutions, such as altering traffic signal timings and prohibiting certain turns during peak hours. One resident highlighted the inadequate consideration of uphill traffic in the current study, noting that approximately 300 cars make a left turn from RAV onto North Watchung during morning peak hours. This omission raised questions about the report’s ability to address real-world conditions.
1:04:33The council debated potential adjustments to traffic signal cycle times, with suggestions to increase the duration to allow more vehicles to clear intersections. However, there was hesitancy to confirm that such changes, particularly a one-second adjustment, would yield significant improvements. Further consultation with traffic engineers was deemed necessary to explore whether existing equipment could accommodate peak hour programming. A council member posited that a 20-second increase might alleviate congestion, but acknowledged the need for further investigation.
48:29Concerns also arose about the potential redirection of traffic into residential areas if changes were implemented without proper consideration. The sentiment among council members and residents was to avoid transferring problems from one area to another, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that maintains residents’ quality of life while addressing congestion. A historical reference to a previously removed traffic triangle underscored the importance of learning from past decisions to avoid repeating mistakes.
1:04:33The council ultimately voted to table the proposed traffic measures, opting to revisit and refine the proposals.
0:28In parallel to traffic management, the council faced the ongoing issue of affordable housing obligations. Legal advisor Michael Pasqua reported that a complaint had been filed regarding the borough’s fair share housing plan, with a deadline for adoption set for the end of June. Pasqua discussed a bill proposed by Senator Bucco, which could potentially reduce the borough’s required housing numbers by adjusting how fair housing obligations are calculated. Currently, the borough is working towards developing a plan to accommodate 186 affordable housing units, a reduction from the initial estimate of 300 units.
The meeting also touched upon various municipal projects, with updates provided by Borough Engineer Joe Burn. Key projects include the replacement of galvanized water service lines and ongoing road improvements, with weather conditions influencing the timing of work on Diamond Bridge Avenue. Concerns were raised about the logistics of digging in concrete streets and the potential need to navigate old trolley tracks, which could incur additional costs.
Mayor John V. Lane reported on several municipal matters, including ongoing communication with PSNG regarding the malfunctioning lights on the Lincoln Avenue Bridge. Efforts to alert residents about delayed water bills were also noted, with communication through Nixel and Facebook.
Legal issues concerning a property on Diamond Bridge Avenue were also addressed, with Pasqua expressing frustration over a junkyard situation due to the owner’s failure to appear in court. Efforts to consolidate cases and pursue cleanup through civil and criminal courts are underway.
In terms of community engagement, the council highlighted initiatives such as AARP’s tax aid program for seniors and the police department’s Junior Police Academy application process. The Pell Committee was mentioned, with solicitations for donations to support the summer performance series.
Personnel updates were also discussed, with the introduction of Officer Jim Counselor as a permanent officer effective December 26, 2024. The council granted advice and consent, followed by a moment of celebration as Counselor was sworn in.
Finally, the council addressed staffing changes in the finance department and the implications of a flood at the Gole Road water pump station, with estimated repair costs around $255,000. The meeting concluded with the opening of the floor for council questions, transitioning to the next phase of the agenda.
John V. Lane
City Council Officials:
Frank E. Matthews, Bruce A. Bennett, Rayna Laiosa, Dominic Mele, Joseph R. Wojtecki, Mike Sciarra, Anna Marie Sasso
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
02/19/2025
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Recording Published:
02/20/2025
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Duration:
82 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Passaic County
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Towns:
Hawthorne
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