Sandra D. Bruns

This Circulation Plan for the Borough of Garwood serves as a comprehensive blueprint to analyze and strategize improvements for accessibility across all modes of transit, including foot, bike, car, and train. It integrates current circulation infrastructure, traffic data, and accident information with community input to provide recommendations across several key areas: enhancing the street network, improving pedestrian and bicycle mobility, strengthening overall transportation safety, optimizing transit services, managing commercial traffic and curbs, and addressing parking needs. The plan aims to align transportation policies with community preferences, promote safe and sustainable mobility, and actively realize Garwood's future vision through thoughtful planning and actionable strategies.

The meeting included a presentation from the Rahway Valley Sewage Authority. Key topics addressed were potential sidewalk improvements along Oak Street, the 2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant program, and updates on various road improvement projects. The council discussed the extension of a shared court services agreement with Fanwood, ordinance introductions related to the Garwood Paperboard Redevelopment Plan, a bond ordinance for the 2026 road improvement project, and an amendment to industrial sewer fees. Reports were provided on budget planning, bylaws revision, and recent snow removal efforts, alongside an overview of upcoming library events and planning board activities.

Key discussions included the introduction of four ordinances establishing overlays to meet affordable housing obligations and an ordinance amending requirements related to the Fair Housing Act and Uniform Housing Affordability Controls (Ordinance 26-02). The Paperboard Redevelopment Plan is scheduled for introduction on February 26th. The administration confirmed shared court services with Fanwood are running smoothly, which is expected to yield cost savings. The Mayor noted awareness of deteriorating audio quality during meetings and urged consideration for full system replacement in the budget. A public hearing was held for Ordinance No. 26-01, establishing a restricted parking zone for a handicapped resident on North Avenue, which was subsequently adopted. Council members provided updates on Shade Tree Advisory Board activities, the 'Garwood Warms Your Heart' Yarn Bombing event, and the upcoming Youth Art Month celebration. There was a significant discussion and call to action regarding the Gateway Tunnel project funding freeze and its regional economic implications. The Council also received the minutes from the January 14, 2026 Planning Board meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included suspending the regular order of business to discuss and appoint a Council member to fill a vacant seat, resulting in the appointment and swearing-in of Hursh V. Sureka. The Mayor and Council also swore in the new First Aid Squad officers. The Borough Engineer reported on the completion of NJDOT MA25 grant field work, design progress for Gallows Hill Road and Maple Street resurfacing projects, and the submission of NJDEP mandated stormwater infrastructure reports. The Borough Administrator noted the postponement of four affordable housing ordinances to the next meeting and confirmed progress on the 2026 budget review; a resolution was passed adjusting vacation hours for police dispatchers. The Police Committee recommended support for the Chief of Police's 2026 personnel and capital requests and proposed an ordinance prohibiting e-bikes in borough parks. Consensus was not reached on offering unrestricted free holiday parking. The Council introduced Ordinance No. 26-01 to establish a restricted parking zone for a handicapped resident at 260 North Avenue. Resolutions were adopted for a 2025 budget transfer, appointing a Municipal Housing Liaison, accepting a GCSUD grant for substance use disorder prevention, and accepting the resignation of Police Officer Trevor Witzel. The Community Engagement report highlighted the success of the MLK Day of Service. Several liaison reports covered Shade Tree Board activities, library updates, and Planning Board appointments and resolutions.

This Redevelopment Plan outlines the transformation of the former Garwood Paperboard industrial site into a comprehensive mixed-use development. It features the construction of a residential building with up to 212 units, comprising both multifamily and age-restricted housing, and fulfilling both Third and Fourth Round affordable housing obligations with 37 affordable units, including provisions for special needs. The plan integrates a 4,200 square foot community center for the Borough, prioritizes streetscape improvements, enhanced pedestrian access, and the preservation of the historic 'Castle' building. It also encourages green building technologies and adherence to sustainability standards to revitalize an underutilized property.