Ging Fiao, residing on Brookside Avenue, articulated concerns regarding the parking restrictions during snowstorms. He explained that while six of the ten houses on his street have driveways, four do not, and residents without driveways have traditionally parked on the east side of the road. This area, he pointed out, has been exempt from overnight parking regulations, leading residents to believe it was safe to park there during snow events.

However, during a recent snowstorm, Ging Fiao and three other residents received $100 parking tickets without prior warnings. He emphasized the safety risks posed when residents are compelled to walk on icy roads to reach their vehicles in distant parking lots, such as the Morris Canal parking lot, half a mile away. Ging Fiao urged the council to consider exempting the east side of Brookside Avenue from such parking regulations during snow events to ensure the safety and security of all residents, particularly those without driveways.

In response, the mayor clarified that no ordinance currently prohibits overnight parking throughout Little Falls; the previous resolution enforcing such a ban had been suspended since Superstorm Sandy. The section of Brookside Avenue referenced by Ging Fiao is municipal property, and the mayor expressed concerns about potential damage to vehicles parked there during snow removal, which could increase the township’s liability. Presently, the Morris Canal parking lot remains the only municipal property where parking is permitted during snow events.

Despite the mayor’s explanation, Ging Fiao reiterated his appeal for an exemption. One council member suggested utilizing the township’s shuttle service to transport residents to their vehicles parked at the Morris Canal lot during snow events, although the mayor noted logistical challenges in coordinating such a service due to the unpredictable nature of snowstorms.

Another council member raised concerns about the potential implications of granting an exemption. She highlighted the importance of maintaining clear roads from curb to curb for effective snow removal and expressed apprehension about possible complaints from residents if their vehicles were blocked by snow after plowing.

The discussion brought to light the fundamental debate between ensuring safety and accessibility for residents without driveways and the township’s obligation to manage snow removal while minimizing liability risks. The council members expressed a mix of understanding and caution as they acknowledged the complexities involved in addressing parking regulation issues while also ensuring public safety and efficient snow management during harsh winter weather conditions.

In addition to the parking concerns, the meeting addressed various other community issues. Notably, Mayor James Damiano delivered the 2025 State of the Township address, offering gratitude to the community for their support and highlighting accomplishments in 2024. These included the completion of the Willmore Park playground, expansion of the PNC parking lot, and installation of a new traffic light at a busy intersection.

Financially, the township secured a record $900,000 in grant funding last year, contributing to several projects such as acquiring new fire department gear and enhancing police department operations. The police department’s reaccreditation led to reduced insurance costs, and the fire department responded to 521 calls, managing significant fires and aiding in wildfires in nearby West Milford.

The mayor also reported on various department achievements, including the recreation department’s high engagement numbers and the Department of Public Works’ acquisition of new equipment to manage flooding events. Despite the successes, floods in December 2023 and January 2024 posed challenges for residents, prompting community resilience and local support efforts.

Further discussions included infrastructure updates, such as ongoing electrical work at the intersection of Francisco and Cedar Grove Road and a drainage pipe repair on the East Bank of the Pekman River. The council also discussed the sidewalk project on Wilmore Road, funded by a Safe Routes to School grant, and a bridge project requiring further engineering due to updated flood elevation standards.

Affordable housing obligations were also addressed, with the mayor announcing a reduction in required units from 285 to 174, following negotiations with the state Department of Community Affairs. This reduction was attributed to the unsuitability of many initially proposed areas due to existing water infrastructure.