Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Woodbridge public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in public safety
Dissolution of Keasbey Fire District 4 and merger with Fords Fire District 7
Speakers disputed the DCA report claiming only 10-12 calls a month, saying District 4 actually averages 16 calls monthly, and said the state failed to issue an updated report after a December 2025 review found the district had met all required improvements.
Superior Officers Association Contract
The Council approved a three-year police supervisors' contract running from January 2027 through the end of 2029, after a brief executive session.
Flock License Plate Camera Surveillance Contract
A resident pressed the council to consider removing the township's 22 Flock license-plate cameras, calling them a privacy danger, and said they'd keep raising the issue. Police Director Niski defended the three-year-old program as key to criminal investigations, stolen-car recovery, and locating missing persons.
Fire District Consolidation — Casey No. 4 into Fords No. 5
A resolution was added at the meeting authorizing an application to dissolve Casey Fire District No. 4 and expand Fords Fire District No. 5 — a step toward consolidating fire service in the Fords area.
State gender-affirmation legislation and free speech concerns
A resident raised ongoing concerns that Assembly Bill 2218, passed June 30, could criminalize speech or protest near certain facilities. Councilman Harris was asked to keep engaging on the issue in future meetings.
Storm response, power outages and utility vulnerability
After severe storms knocked out power across town, residents praised first responders and DPW crews but asked whether the township will review how vulnerable its power lines, trees and internet infrastructure are to future storms.
Dissolution of Keasbey Fire District Number Four
The township is moving to dissolve the Keasbey Fire District and fold it into the Fords Fire District, a process that requires state approval from the Local Finance Board. Keasbey fire officials argue the state's report justifying the change is outdated and doesn't reflect the district's current staffing and capabilities. Residents will have a chance to weigh in at a public hearing on July 14.
Assembly Bill 2218 free-speech concerns
A resident asked whether the council is tracking a Trenton bill (A2218/S2260) that would create a fourth-degree crime for protest activity outside certain facilities. The administration noted the protest-related provision has been struck from the bill on First Amendment grounds.
Police Hiring
The township added five new police officers and honored a sergeant, two officers and two first aiders who saved an 80-year-old woman during a welfare check in Fords. Neighbors who reported not hearing from the resident made the difference. Good news for public safety staffing in a nationally accredited department.
Police body-worn cameras and DPW surveillance
The township signed a 63-month, $1.84 million contract with Axon for police body cameras, plus a $217,637 surveillance system for the Public Works yard.
Pedestrian safety and crossing concerns
Councilwoman Meehan reported a near-miss where a child was almost struck at a flashing-light crosswalk and asked to meet with the traffic director; she urged drivers to slow down.