Traffic safety, particularly around Seth Bdon School and Bdon Avenue, was a primary concern raised by residents during the meeting. Parents expressed fears for their children’s safety, citing incidents of speeding vehicles and near-accidents. One parent emphasized the high volume of traffic on Bdon Avenue and suggested implementing measures such as speed humps similar to those on Scotland Avenue. The council was urged to collaborate more closely with school administrators to develop effective traffic management strategies. A sense of urgency was conveyed as parents described their concerns, with one noting, “I think we’re incredibly lucky that the mom who was hit was not pushing the stroller with her one-year-old twins and her three-year-old.”

Traffic enforcement efforts were highlighted, with reports of a 32% increase in moving violations in the first seven months of the year. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to address safety concerns, including a significant rise in radar summonses and vehicle stops. Specific incidents, such as the absence of a crossing guard at Seth Bdon School, were acknowledged by the committee. Measures are being taken to ensure consistent crossing guard presence and to upgrade caution signage around the school.

The discussion also touched on community input, with residents calling for the township to conduct speed studies and explore speed reduction strategies along Bdon Avenue. Concerns about traffic patterns at all schools were raised, with a demand for a review to prevent incidents before they occur. The police chief detailed efforts to address these concerns, including the installation of new high-intensity crossing beacons and a rotating enforcement schedule at schools.

The meeting also introduced a proposal for a new type of overnight parking permit in the R24 zone, which consists of two-family residences with limited parking space. The proposed type C permit would allow residents with driveways to park closer to their homes for $50 per month or $600 annually, the same fee as in public lots. The council aims to limit permits to one per unit to prevent over-congestion on the streets.

Council members supported the parking permit proposal, noting its potential to enhance safety by reducing the need for residents to park in remote public lots. The proposed system addresses longstanding community concerns about parking, with one member acknowledging, “We’ve heard from so many community members for and I mean I have heard about this issue for years from before I even joined the township committee.” The council plans to provide guidelines and a frequently asked questions handout for permit holders to ensure awareness and respect for parking norms.

In addition to traffic and parking discussions, the council addressed recent immigration enforcement activities in the township. The chief of police provided an update on incidents involving federal law enforcement, specifically mentioning two occurrences where individuals were taken into custody. The chief emphasized that the local police department has limited involvement in these actions and advised residents to report any sightings of immigration enforcement to the police department while refraining from interfering with such operations.