0:04The Crescent lighting controversy dominated the meeting, illustrating a growing tension between council policies and community expectations. Several residents, including longtime community members and new voices, expressed their discontent with the council’s decision to restrict the Crescent lighting, a symbolic and celebratory event during Ramadan. Many residents felt that the policy change sidelined their cultural and religious celebrations, while similar events for other traditions seemed unaffected.

19:21One resident, Kotti, articulated feelings of exclusion, emphasizing that the town’s policies seemed to favor certain traditions over others. Kotti argued for fairness and inclusivity, comparing the acceptance of Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to the denial of the Crescent lighting. Another resident, Tajudin, pointed out that over 60 other towns in Bergen County have embraced similar celebrations.

An advocate for the event, Arjan, highlighted the success of the previous year’s Crescent lighting and urged the council to reconsider their stance. Arjan emphasized that inclusivity must be taught, particularly to children, and that the council’s decision could impact community perception. In response, a council member clarified the nature of the policy change, explaining that it was not a direct target at the Crescent lighting but rather an attempt to manage the use of public spaces more effectively. They proposed raising a Ramadan flag as a compromise, aligning the gesture with existing celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day.

34:32The policy change discussion revealed a broader theme of miscommunication and differing interpretations of council decisions, as another council member stressed the need for clear communication about the borough’s sponsorship versus community requests for events. They acknowledged the complexity in distinguishing cultural from religious events, further complicating public perception.

The meeting also featured deliberations on traffic safety, another concern for residents. New speed limit signs were installed to curb speeding, financed through police budget allocations. While these signs were reportedly effective, council members and residents alike raised concerns about enforcement and resource limitations. The council acknowledged ongoing efforts to address traffic safety, with upcoming county meetings planned to discuss long-standing issues related to traffic lights and signage.

0:04In addition to these discussions, the council addressed routine business, including the approval of personnel matters and various community event recognitions. These segments of the meeting, while important for local governance, took a backseat to the more contentious issues of inclusivity and safety that dominated the discourse.