A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions about extending business hours, an issue brought forward by Jesse Billers, a resident with ties to local businesses. Billers emphasized the need for longer operating hours to counteract the economic impact of an anticipated bridge closure in January. He noted that the local Chamber of Commerce had advocated for this change, sending a letter to businesses encouraging extended hours, especially during the winter months. A council member expressed an interest in revisiting this topic and collaborating with other members to explore feasible solutions.

In line with supporting local businesses, the council discussed a proposal to establish a Sunday farmers market in the library parking lot. The mayor conveyed community interest in this initiative, noting volunteer support for organizing the market, which would operate seasonally from 9 AM to 1 PM. The council considered parking concerns and potential vendor sourcing, emphasizing a preference for New Jersey farmers. The mayor suggested connecting with Jersey Fresh for promotional opportunities.

The topic of affordable housing also featured prominently, with the council approving the formation of an affordable housing advisory committee to begin work in January. This move comes amid ongoing legal proceedings related to housing obligations. The council discussed the need for clarity around these obligations and proposed a public meeting with experts in early January to address community concerns and provide detailed insights.

Concerns about potential housing developments and their impact on the community were further echoed by residents. Judy Gleon urged the council to prioritize affordable housing and reconsider plans for 200 units on a local hill. She advocated for proactive measures to explore alternative housing options, cautioning against waiting for court mandates. Residents also raised issues about land use, with a council member advising caution in using land for non-residential purposes, given the ongoing housing crisis.

The council also addressed community engagement and public works, with plans to promote local businesses through a collaborative effort with the Chamber of Commerce. This included encouraging businesses to stay open on Friday nights and leveraging media coverage to boost tourism, particularly with the upcoming “Glor Flamville” event in December. The closure of a longstanding local store was acknowledged as a notable moment for the community, with the council encouraging residents to honor the store’s legacy.

Public works issues were also a topic of concern, with residents expressing frustration about street sweeping on South Franklin Street, particularly regarding leaf accumulation. The council acknowledged staffing shortages in public works but assured efforts to manage street cleaning, including plans to extend sweeping hours to address leaf removal. The council also discussed improving communication about street sweeping operations during freezing temperatures to prevent residents from receiving parking tickets due to last-minute cancellations.

The meeting also touched upon community initiatives like the proposed community garden at FAL Park. The mayor expressed enthusiasm for this project, highlighting the property’s assets, such as an irrigation well, and the potential for collaboration with local schools to involve students in summer programs. This initiative aligns with the council’s broader goal of fostering community engagement and providing residents with gardening opportunities, whether for vegetables or flowers.