Politics & Government

Update: Maplewood Adopts 'Complete Streets'

A resolution modeled after one in Montclair adopting bike- and pedestrian-friendly policy was unanimously approved on Feb. 21.

Update: At its Feb. 21 meeting, the Maplewood Township Committee unanimously voted (5-0) to approve Resolution 51-12 adopting the Complete Streets policy.

Maplewood is moving fast on Complete Streets.

The concept — a policy adopted by the NJ Dept. of Transportation — urges municipalities to adopt measures that make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians along with motorists.

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SOMbike and other groups sponsored a well-attended presentation on the concept at a meeting at the Main Branch of the Maplewood Memorial Library last month. After the meeting, Deputy Mayor Kathy Leventhal and Committeeman Jerry Ryan signaled that the town was on board.

True to word, the Township Committee members have directed town staff to move forward. Town Engineer Tom Malavasi has since visited Montclair, brought back their resolution, adapted it for Maplewood, and had it reviewed by the Planning and Engineering subcommittee. The draft resolution was reviewed at the Feb. 7 Township Committee meeting.

Find out what's happening in Maplewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ryan said that the resolution should be on next Township Committee meeting agenda for adoption.

On Feb. 7, Leventhal said, "Having been at the meeting and attending sessions at the League of Municipalities and being at Planning and Engineering this morning, I do support this final document. We have been doing some things in Maplewood with Complete Streets already — with Springfield Avenue, Ridgewood Road, the Bike Network and signage."

Ryan added, "The initial implementation of the bike network is underway." Ryan held up a "Share the Road" sign that is one of many soon to be installed along the network. Ryan noted that the Millburn connection for the bike network would be the first portion completed this spring. He said this included Cottage Court, Maplewood Avenue and Woodland Road.

"We'll have it done before Green Day. You will see the signs appearing soon — before spring — at various places on the plan."

Editor's note: The original article referred to an ordinance that had been drafted. That was incorrect. Maplewood will be considering a resolution adopting the Complete Streets policy.


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