The most heated topic involved proposed changes to traffic patterns on Greenwood Terrace and Bradley Terrace. The council discussed converting Greenwood Terrace to a southbound one-way street and Bradley Terrace to a northbound one-way street. This proposal, aimed at improving safety and traffic flow, faced strong opposition from residents.

One resident, who has lived in the area for over a decade, expressed frustration, stating, “We don’t see the reason to change our street into a one-way other than 20 or 25 days a year.” Another echoed this sentiment, concerned that the change could lead to more significant challenges, saying, “When we’re boxed in, people end up making K turns in the middle of the street.” The residents highlighted that the seasonal increase in traffic did not justify permanent changes.

Concerns about the proposed traffic changes were not limited to Greenwood and Bradley. Discussions also included the impact on 18th Avenue, where recent adjustments already altered traffic flow. One resident shared a positive experience with the changes on 18th Avenue, noting improved access without extensive detours, while others worried about increased speeding and driver frustration resulting from the one-way system.

Council members explained that the changes were intended to enhance safety and manage traffic more effectively, especially during peak times. However, residents requested more comprehensive data to support these claims, questioning whether the council’s approach considered the broader impact on daily life. One individual emphasized the need for transparency, asking the council to provide detailed traffic incident data to justify the proposed modifications.

Another prominent topic at the meeting was the introduction of Ordinance 24-10, which pertains to bond financing for improvements to Bman Park. The ordinance, totaling $475,000, includes a grant from the Monmouth County Open Space Fund. Residents and council members alike raised questions about the financial impact and tax implications of this bond ordinance, particularly the repayment terms over 20 or 30 years.

Ordinance 24-11, addressing road improvements within the borough and incorporating a grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, was also introduced. This ordinance faced scrutiny, with discussions focusing on the necessity and scope of the proposed roadwork. The council emphasized that these improvements were essential for maintaining infrastructure and ensuring safety, but residents sought assurances that the projects would be executed and without undue financial strain.

Tax assessments and municipal budget rates were another area of concern. A participant highlighted disparities between Lake Como and neighboring Spring Lake, noting that Lake Como paid $20,000 for a specific program while Spring Lake contributed only $14,000. The participant called for clarity in how assessments are determined, pointing out inconsistencies in property valuations, especially near the beach. They argued that opting out of the Assessment Demonstration Program (ADP) without a review could lock residents into unfair rates, urging the council to ensure transparency and fairness in tax assessments.

Public comments extended to other traffic-related issues, with Janice Beer thanking the council for addressing no-parking regulations on the south side of 18th Avenue. She shared her positive experience during an emergency incident. Beer also questioned the enforcement of parking regulations, noting an increase in violations without apparent repercussions.

Rob McKenzie, another resident, opposed the one-way street changes, arguing that the area experiences low traffic volume and that such measures could increase congestion. He proposed a professional traffic survey to assess the necessity of the changes, citing previous surveys that had led to beneficial outcomes. McKenzie expressed concern that the proposed changes could complicate access for residents, redirecting traffic through narrow streets and causing more issues than they resolved.