At the forefront of the meeting was a series of ordinance amendments. The council unanimously approved changes to Chapter 7’s traffic regulations to enhance accessibility, with the addition of handicap parking on Clyde Avenue and Brook Street. Similarly, an amendment to Chapter T-10, concerning the display of taxi symbols, was passed without dissent.

The council also moved to vacate a public right-of-way for a section of Moulin Avenue, a move permitting the council to trade road for road paving responsibilities. Furthermore, the council approved a temporary construction easement at 115 South CLI Road to facilitate drainage improvements in the Colonia neighborhood.

Continuing the focus on infrastructure, ordinances authorizing the acceptance of deeds for drainage improvements on Taen Street, St. George’s Avenue, and Jordan Road were adopted. Municipal Clerk John Mitch elaborated on the anticipated benefits of these improvements, which included better stormwater management and the potential to reduce flooding in the respective areas.

The council also discussed long-term tax exemptions for several developments, including SEI Casby Urban Renewal, Clover Leaf Center Urban Renewal, Woodmont Metropark Senior Living Urban Renewal, and D Woodridge Urban Renewal. While the majority of the council supported these exemptions due to potential benefits such as job creation and increased tax revenue, one member abstained from voting on one of the ordinances.

The proposed Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in the Metro Park Transit Village emerged as a contentious issue. A representative from ALFY 70 Wood Avenue Associates argued that the addition of new office space through the TOD would negatively impact existing, vacant buildings’ market value and reduce tax revenue. This sparked a debate regarding the TOD’s potential implications on the local commercial real estate market and tax base.

In response to public concern regarding the relocation of the firehouse for the TOD project, the council clarified that there is currently no agreement for the firehouse to be part of the project. While the developer has purchased several homes and a vacant area for the project, the firehouse is not included. This clarification addressed some residents’ worries about the development’s impact on the residential area.

The council also addressed concerns over engineering issues related to ongoing projects. They assured attendees that these issues are being examined by engineering experts and are unrelated to the proposed apartments and park.

Upcoming community events and initiatives were also discussed. Council members announced several activities, including charity drives, holiday parties, and a virtual program on scholarships, grants, and loans hosted by the Woodbridge Free Public Library. The council expressed their gratitude for community involvement in these events and encouraged residents to participate.