Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Woodbridge public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
23 issues with medium priority
Digital Billboard Conversion on Blair Road
Pacific Outdoor Advertising wants to swap a static billboard for a 60-by-16-foot digital multi-message board in Avenel. Digital signage raises questions about brightness, traffic distraction, and neighborhood character.
Office Expansion at 90 Woodbridge Center Drive
The Wilentz law firm proposes interior renovations and one additional floor at its Woodbridge Center Drive office, with no new structures.
Small Business Grants
Woodbridge just hooked 25 local small businesses up with $5,000 grants to help them grow. It's a nice little cash boost for entrepreneurs trying to make it in our neighborhood.
Election Information
Election day is approaching fast in Woodbridge, and it's time to make your voice heard. Check out this quick guide to find out exactly when and where you need to cast your ballot.
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.
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.
Route 35 Railroad Crossing Closure
Route 35 will be closed at the railroad tracks near Aspen Lane from Friday October 23 at 10 p.m. to Sunday October 25 for an NJDOT rail safety project. Detours are posted but businesses stay accessible.
Fords Corner Inclusive Playground
The community and fitness playground at Merritt Park — originally built in 1999 — has been completely rebuilt through a partnership between the county and township departments.
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.
Route 1, Area 5 Redevelopment Plan
The council formally adopted the Route 1, Area 5 Redevelopment Plan, setting the framework for future redevelopment along that Route 1 corridor.
Eminent domain land acquisition bond
The township introduced a $1.2 million bond ordinance to buy land through eminent domain for a public purpose. A public hearing is set for September 1.
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.
Electric Bill Relief and Energy Programs
Councilman Harris announced a $25 automatic credit on August electric bills statewide, plus $150 in installments for residents in assistance programs like LIHEAP or USF, and PSE&G energy-efficiency resources.
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.
Proposed school in Hopelands and safety of wooded school sites
A resident raised concerns about building a school in a wooded Hopelands neighborhood where kids would walk past woods and rental housing. Mayor McCormac explained the school was redesigned to fit the open seven acres and preserve two and a half acres of woods, and Councilman Anderson noted many well-regarded schools sit near woods.
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.
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.
Sunrise Village concerns and funding oversight
A resident pressed again on the township's $4.5 million investment in Sunrise Village, worried about mission creep, safety for potential domestic-abuse victims, and strain on township resources. The mayor noted the building is unoccupied and not yet assessed, so no tax revenue is being 'lost.'
State grants for Fords park and New Dover Road bridge
Woodbridge landed a $1.5 million state grant for the fully accessible park at Ford Avenue and Main Street (old School 14 site), and the county got $1.8 million from NJDOT to rehab the New Dover Road bridge overpass in Colonia.
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.
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.
Police Pursuit Crash
A high-speed police chase in Woodbridge turned fatal after a multi-car crash killed one person and injured three others. This tragic incident is bound to spark some tough questions about local police pursuit rules and emergency response tactics.
Bike Share Program
Woodbridge is launching its very first bike share program this week, offering a fresh, car-free way to zip around town. It's a quick and easy transit alternative whether you're commuting or just cruising.