0:29Traffic safety emerged as a key topic during the public comment period, with multiple residents highlighting their concerns about reckless driving and inadequate enforcement on certain streets. Residents, like Brian Cassidy from Grove Street, detailed personal experiences and observations, noting the absence of police presence on streets such as Bridge and Grove. Cassidy specifically requested the installation of a “no turn on red” sign at the intersection of Grove and Main Streets due to visibility issues. Another resident pointed out the recent fatalities at this intersection, stressing the need for enhanced safety measures.

17:09The council responded to these concerns by acknowledging the importance of traffic safety. They noted that the Public Safety Committee had been reestablished and emphasized the need to address various safety measures, including the potential implementation of a no-right-turn policy from William onto Grove. The council’s approach highlighted a commitment to engaging with residents’ concerns and exploring practical solutions to improve safety in the borough.

In addition to traffic safety, the council addressed ordinance number 2755, which proposed amendments to the borough’s land use code concerning impervious surface coverage. The ordinance aimed to redefine how decks and pools were calculated in terms of impervious coverage limits. The planning board recommended excluding pools from these calculations, arguing that the water itself is not impervious. However, this proposal sparked debate among residents and council members.

31:19A notable point of contention arose regarding the exemption of up to 100 square feet for decks around pools. Some participants questioned whether this exemption would allow homeowners to exceed their maximum allowed impervious coverage. The intention behind the regulation was to permit reasonable backyard entertainment spaces without significant regulatory obstacles. However, concerns were raised about the potential for misinterpretation, with one participant emphasizing the need for precise language to avoid unintended consequences. The council acknowledged these concerns and suggested that planning personnel adjust the wording to ensure clarity.

17:09The discussion around impervious surface coverage also touched on environmental considerations. One resident questioned the rationale behind excluding pools from impervious coverage, pointing out that materials associated with pools create an impermeable surface. This perspective highlighted an area of potential debate regarding the environmental impact of these proposed changes and the practical implications for homeowners.

They recognized the importance of community engagement in shaping these decisions and expressed a commitment to considering public feedback as they moved forward with discussions and decisions.

31:19The meeting also included a review of previous redevelopment efforts and the introduction of a resolution to refer back to the planning board for a comprehensive reexamination of current redevelopment areas. The council discussed the historical context of these redevelopment plans, which had been developed over the past decade, and acknowledged the successes achieved in various zones. There was a recognition of the need for a long-term visioning approach to guide future borough growth and planning goals.

The planning board’s role in this process was highlighted, with a call for a return to its core purpose of long-term planning rather than solely handling applications. The council expressed a desire for the planning board to develop recommendations that would guide the borough over the next several decades, with the council reviewing and providing feedback on these recommendations.

The council also addressed the relationship between redevelopment plans and the borough’s master plan, noting an ongoing debate within the planning board about the sequence of these plans. They acknowledged the necessity of updating the master plan approximately every ten years and suggested that the process would soon need to begin anew.