Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Woodbridge public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in roads
Overweight Trucks on Local Streets
New truck weight restrictions on Main Street, Green Street and Avenel Street aim to rein in tractor trailers whose companies pay their fines. Councilman Small said the current system gives drivers no personal consequence.
Rail Traffic in Sewaren
A Sewaren resident described trains idling for hours and shaking houses while kids wait at crossings. Officials said a new rail switch at Port Reading, nearly complete, will let trains make a direct turn and move through town faster.
Warehouse district road west of Omar Avenue
A resident questioned the roughly $10 million road built west of Omar Avenue serving the warehouse area, asking what the final cost will be and whether taxpayers or the benefiting warehouse corporations carry the burden. The mayor said developers and the county are covering parts of it, and the six warehouses pay over $6 million a year in taxes, nearly $2 million from the newest one.
Hopelawn Traffic and Smith Street Closure
A 63-year Hopelawn resident says the Smith Street closure has funneled an 'endless train of cars' onto New Brunswick Avenue, with speeding on Pennsylvania Avenue and dangerous parking on narrow roads. He asked when the infrastructure will be repaired.
Hopelawn street parking and school bus routing
A resident raised ongoing worries about cars parked on both sides of narrow Hopelawn streets, visibility problems at intersections, and safety when the new school opens. The mayor responded that bus routes have been rerouted onto Clyde Avenue with parking restricted on one side, and that more kids will walk than ride buses.