A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a proposal to improve a half-mile stretch of road within the borough, addressing safety concerns and traffic conditions. The council is considering a “road diet” that would potentially reduce the number of traffic lanes in either direction. This plan is based on the council’s goal to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and reduce crashes. Current road conditions were labeled as dangerous, with a high crash count and poor sidewalk conditions. However, concerns about increased travel times, the impact on traffic flow, and potential congestion were voiced.

The redevelopment plans discussed during the meeting included a project on North Second Avenue and another addressing the Upper Ron plan development. The former involves the adaptive reuse of an existing structure with a requirement for at least one affordable housing unit and bike parking. The latter aims to transform an area into a multi-family and commercial space with improved street landscaping. The council stressed the need for affordable housing and the desire to prioritize current residents for new apartments. They also mentioned the importance of having flexible ground floor space that could accommodate both commercial and residential use.

Furthermore, the council debated the number of rental units within the development projects, with a range of 15 to 20 units being proposed. They also discussed the necessity of balancing the introduction of commercial spaces with the potential competition it might pose to downtown businesses. The inclusion of bike parking emerged as a issue, with suggestions for outdoor racks and shared bike rooms.

An additional point of discussion was a vacant property in the town, raising concerns over its cleanliness and environmental impact. The property owner had conducted phase one and two environmental testing, but the council questioned the thoroughness of the cleanup efforts.

During the meeting, a resident voiced support for the development plans, particularly the need for commercial establishments to rejuvenate the area. However, concerns were also raised about the safety of proposed bike lanes and the need for a clear communication strategy to inform the public about the plans. The council acknowledged these issues and pointed to upcoming opportunities for public engagement, including a charrette and developer presentation.

In the realm of public discourse, traffic delays were a focal concern, with fears of a 20-30 car backup on Route 27 causing contention. Different perspectives emerged regarding the balance between traffic flow and safety, with some advocating for the installation of additional traffic lights. The council reassured that the redevelopment plan was a result of a public process, not a sudden decision.