A presentation by Patrick Dunn, a first-year law student at Seton Hall University, and W Anoir, a fourth-year medical student at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, highlighted the need for additional bike racks near the Rutherford train station on Park Avenue. Dunn and Anoir proposed the layout of nine new bike racks to enhance accessibility for cyclists and commuters. Dunn emphasized that the initiative stemmed from a 2018 bicycle and pedestrian study conducted by the TPA in partnership with NJ Transit. He noted that Rutherford had been designated a transit village since 1999. The proposal included ensuring compliance with ADA standards and providing adequate space for foot traffic. The current bike rack, which accommodates 12 bikes, is often full, emphasizing the necessity of additional facilities.

Council members responded positively to the presentation. The council president praised the students’ initiative and thorough research, stating, “It shows that the public can make a difference.” Another council member emphasized the connection between the initiative and the mayor’s health and wellness program, aligning the proposal with the broader vision for the downtown area as a model commuter space. This sentiment was echoed during public comments, where residents like James Kean and Julia Seagull expressed support for the proposal while raising concerns about bicycle safety and enforcement of existing borough codes.

The public comments section also brought forth various local issues, particularly regarding parking and safety on Belford Avenue. Eileen Joyce, a resident of Belford Avenue, raised concerns about parking space losses and questioned the prioritization of one side of the street over the other. She also mentioned the need for widening the street to better serve emergency vehicles. Another resident raised issues related to construction activities causing an influx of insects and persistent odors, asking about the duration of the inconvenience and possible insect control measures.

In addition to the bike rack proposal, the council discussed ongoing infrastructure projects, including a 24-inch gas main replacement by PSG and the development of a new linear park. The project representative apologized for delays and outlined the design modifications required to improve sight lines at an intersection. The representative also addressed concerns about markings on Corer Street and the proper drainage of the area.

The council also addressed the potential establishment of a dog park, a long-standing topic among residents. One council member introduced the idea, highlighting the absence of parks in Rutherford where dogs are permitted. The discussion included considerations of costs, insurance requirements, and potential locations, with Wallfield mentioned as a possible site. The council emphasized the need for thorough research and resident feedback before proceeding with any plans.

Further discussions covered parking regulations, specifically concerning opposite side parking during street cleaning. The borough administrator suggested that both sides of the street would need to be cleared on scheduled cleaning days to ensure effective maintenance. Efforts to create more handicap parking spots on Park Avenue were also discussed, with plans to install one on each side of the street.

Concerns about safety on Orient Way were raised, noting that the area is poorly lit. The borough administrator has been working with PSE&G to improve lighting conditions, including replacing existing lamps with brighter LED lights at problematic intersections.

The meeting also recognized the contributions of first responders, particularly highlighting the 75th anniversary of the EMS. The community was reminded to save the date for the Kip Center’s casino night on October 25th. The council praised the Access for All committee for their efforts in commemorating the 10th anniversary of Access for All, with the tagline “striving to become a barrier-free borough.”

Additionally, the council discussed ordinances on first and second readings. The first ordinance proposed prohibiting parking on Marginal Road, while the second aimed to amend the speed limit on Marginal Road from 35 to 25 miles per hour. Both ordinances passed unanimously. A second reading of an ordinance to restrict parking on the southeast side of Belford Avenue between Francisco and Union Avenues led to public comments about drainage issues and flooding. The council acknowledged the concerns and agreed to involve the borough engineer for further assessments.