Garwood Planning 3/25/26

Meeting Context

  • The meeting includes a public hearing for the circulation element of the master plan prepared by public consultants.

  • Adequate notice of the meeting was provided by posting in the Westfield Leader in January 2026 and on the municipal website, as well as filing with the municipal clerk.

Attendance

  • Participants include:

    • Mayor Bluenstock

    • Councilwoman Bianco

    • Chair Grieve

    • Miss Bellagio

    • Mister Muirstead

    • Mister Barkin

    • Miss Hay

    • Mister McCarrick

    • Additional members: Mr. Byers, Mr. Mason, Mr. DeMarin, Mr. Bianco

Opening

  • A moment of silence is observed.

  • Meeting called to order by the chair.

Acceptance of Meeting Minutes

  • Motion to accept the minutes of the previous meetings (corrected versions) presented.

    • Amendments include:

    1. Removal of a paragraph inadvertently left in from the last meeting.

    2. A recommendation to clarify that where the borough's land use code is silent, it should reflect recommendations (not directives).

  • Motion to adopt minutes as amended made and seconded.

  • Roll call vote conducted, with all present members voting "Aye" in favor of the motion.

Public Hearing on Circulation Plan

Overview

  • The circulation plan was prepared over months of work from 2025 to the present.

  • The plan is set to be adopted at this meeting, with input from prior planning board meetings.

Comments and Edits to the Plan

  • Several edits made based on public and board comments:

    1. Removed content regarding Myrtle Avenue connected to Westfield.

    2. Added language promoting connectivity between Garwood and Westfield.

    3. Included references to Union County’s 2016 transportation plan mentioning the need for modernization of Garwood Train Station.

    4. Monitoring of traffic overflow on North and South Avenues addressed.

    5. Proper placement of no churn signs to improve visibility for vehicles.

    6. Ensured developments adhere to required parking based on site plans.

    7. Payment in lieu of parking language modified for further discussion.

Additional Comments

  • A board member raised a query about Garwood being the smallest municipality by land area and clarified that Woodfield Park is also included as a technical municipality, thus making Garwood the second smallest.

  • Enhancement suggestions made for Section 2.9 (Transit)

    • Need to include the 113 express bus route to NYC with details regarding its schedule: operates from 5:00 AM to 08:30 AM and returns 4:00 PM to 09:30 PM with stops every 15 to 20 minutes.

  • The improved train schedule now has services every 20-30 minutes during peak hours.

Public Input and Further Recommendations

  • Discussion ensued about signage for public parking accessibility and pooling to Vermela.

  • Suggested enhancements for better visibility of public parking signs were addressed. Members shared concerns over the lack of effective signage leading to confusion during peak parking times.

  • Various traffic safety scenarios brought attention - particularly concerns with line markings at intersections and their effectiveness.

  • Recommendations were made regarding width and positioning of stop signs to prevent close call accidents, advocating for more safety measures at intersections.

Comments Regarding Speed Bumps and Sidewalks

  • Discomfort expressed about the design and practicality of proposed speed bumps, citing personal experiences in Westfield.

  • Discussions emphasized the identification of sidewalk areas needing improvement and safety enhancement grants for future installations along routes frequented by children.

  • Emphasis on utilizing DOT funding for continuous sidewalks along South Avenue.

Traffic Accidents and Mapping Issues

  • Comments on the representation of traffic accidents focusing on clarity needed regarding pedestrian versus vehicle incidences, highlighting a lack of detailed explanation.

  • Concerns raised about flooding inaccuracies in maps, particularly referencing FEMA flood hazard mapping which does not consider local topographical impacts.

Conclusion of Public Hearing

  • Adoption of the circulation plan, subject to further comments and amendments, motion initiated by a council member.

  • Remaining business items included discussion on a food truck ordinance pending review by the health department.

Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn received, followed by unanimous voice approval from all board members.

Summary of Actions Taken

  • Acceptance of minutes from previous meetings as amended.

  • Adoption of circulation plan with additional recommendations noted for future improvements.

  • Ongoing review of municipal infrastructure, traffic safety, and pedestrian accessibility emphasized for future agenda items.