Politics & Government

Like Montclair, Essex Adopts 'Complete Streets' Policy

Policy could help draw more grant money to Montclair and other towns

 

Essex County has become the first county in New Jersey to adopt a "Complete Streets" resolution as part of its broader transportation and road safety policy.

The resolution, sponsored by Fifth District Freeholder Brendan Gill, was unanimously approved by the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders last week.

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“Complete Streets is an important community policy initiative, and I’m glad it passed without delay," Gill said. "Complete Streets is designed to improve safety for all roadway users: motor vehicles, mass transit, pedestrians—especially seniors and young children—and we’ve already seen successes where it’s been implemented.”

In December 2011, the Montclair township council approved a resolution amending the town's own Complete Streets policy that was first established in October 2009.

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The idea behind Montclair's policy—which was the first to be established in the state—had been to ensure that in all new construction and reconstruction projects, travel by pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit, cars, and passengers will be safely accommodated.

The 2009 resolution was amended so that, in any project, "should the cost of pedestrian, public transit, and/or bicycle facilities cause an increase in project costs in excess of 20 percent, as determined by engineering estimates, that would have to be funded with local tax dollars, then and in that event approval by council must be obtained for same prior to bidding of the project."

The costs level had been set at 5 percent.

All council members voted in favor of the amended policy except Councilor Cary Africk, who asked for the policy's specifics and spending ramifications.

"If we're talking about bump-outs in Watchung Plaza for $600,000 then that's not good," he said.

When asked how the Essex vote might impact Montclair, Gill said that "by introducing this at the county level there is a chance we'll attract more state Department of Transportation and even federal grant money for road safety initiatives."

In addition to Montclair, Bloomfield and South Orange also have adopted Complete Streets policies.

Gill said that a regional approach is important because county roads are among the busiest in the various townships and are key to addressing road safety concerns.

"Since towns and the county are now on the same page policy-wise, municipalities are in a better position to coordinate with the county, especially as the department of public works & engineering finalizes its transportation 'master plan'," he said.

Mayor Jerry Fried, a major proponent of Complete Streets policies, said that the county resolution is important because most of the major "arteries" that connect municipalities are county roads, including streets like Bloomfield Avenue, Valley Road, and Grove Street.

"Adopting a county policy means that these streets will always be looked at from the perspective of all users: pedestrians, transit users, cyclists, people with disabilities and drivers," Fried said. "There will be more of a focus on how walkable and livable our communities are.

"I think of Complete Streets as the 'capillaries' of Smart Growth and Complete Streets policies as a blueprint for how to connect people with their communities in a safer and healthier way," he added.

Essex County’s new Complete Streets policy is already drawing applause from county and statewide voices.

According to Laura Torchio, President of Bike & Walk Montclair, “Bike and Walk Montclair wholeheartedly supports Freeholder Gill and the leadership he has taken for Essex County which will help make our roadways safe for people using all modes of transportation.”

Echoing this sentiment was Dean Markosian, founding member of Bike & Walk Montclair: “I ride a bike to the train every day and I walk regularly to get around town. I applaud Freeholder Gill for taking the lead on this.”

Like the policy in Montclair, Essex' Complete Streets is intended to provide a framework for making all of New Jersey's roadways safer and more accessible for pedestrians, transit users, senior citizens, and bicyclists while assuring a safe and efficient flow of cars and other motorized vehicles.

Sharon Gill of the Montclair Center Business Improvement District, and founding member of the Major Taylor Cycling Club of NJ, said “Complete Streets adds to the already strong appeal of Montclair and surrounding towns by strengthening the sense of community, stimulating economic growth, and contributing to the health and well-being of our residents.”



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