28:03During the meeting, a portion of the dialogue focused on a proposed ordinance aimed at revising the township code regarding street naming procedures. The ordinance suggested that the responsibility for approving street names shift from the planning board to the township engineer. This proposal led to a discussion about the appropriate authority for street naming and the implications of such a change. Traditionally, developers submit a list of proposed street names, which are reviewed by the township engineer for conflicts with existing names. The township engineer coordinates with emergency services to ensure no duplication occurs, maintaining clarity for first responders.

Some council members voiced concerns that removing the planning board from the approval process could undermine its longstanding role. One member argued that the planning board should retain some authority to approve street names, citing their historical involvement in the process. Another member clarified that the township engineer does not solely decide on street names but ensures they meet certain criteria, such as avoiding duplication and meeting safety standards.

It was noted that the planning board’s involvement in street naming could lead to unnecessary delays and complications for developers.

01:02:18In addition to procedural matters, the meeting addressed pressing community safety concerns. A young resident, Rashid Michael, accompanied by his parent, raised awareness about the inadequacy of street lighting on Milstone Road. Rashid expressed concerns over the safety of children playing near the road and suggested reducing the speed limit from 35 mph to a safer range of 25 or 30 mph. He recounted a near incident with a deer.

01:02:33The council acknowledged these concerns, noting that the township had previously attempted to study speed reductions on Milstone Road. However, legal constraints restrict speed limit adjustments based on the average speed of vehicles. A council member explained that the law permits speed reductions only to 85% of the average speed, which exceeded 30 mph in previous assessments. This explanation highlighted the challenges in reconciling legal requirements with community safety needs.

The council discussed alternative measures, such as implementing road calming techniques, to address safety without altering speed limits. The absence of sidewalks on Milstone Road was also highlighted as a issue, with residents advocating for continuous sidewalks to enhance pedestrian safety. Comparisons were made to recent improvements on Cranberry Road.

05:09The mayor reported ongoing initiatives to improve township walkability and the outcome of a court hearing regarding affordable housing requirements.