Residents of Bergen Lafayette voiced urgent concerns during a recent city council meeting, highlighting the pressing need for improved traffic management and infrastructure in light of significant neighborhood development. A local resident emphasized that the area has seen a surge in new housing units, with over 3,160 new units either under construction or approved. This growth has led to increased traffic and reckless driving behaviors, particularly near schools, where children are at risk.

The speaker proposed two key solutions: enhanced traffic enforcement and infrastructure improvements. They advocated for measures such as daylighting, corner bump-outs, raised crosswalks, and protected bike lanes to promote pedestrian safety and encourage alternative transportation methods. The resident argued that the potential loss of a few parking spaces is negligible compared to the influx of new residents and vehicles, urging the council to prioritize necessary infrastructure to support the community's growth.

Another speaker, Danielle D'Ademo, raised alarms about the protection of Jersey City's legacy trees, which are increasingly threatened by ongoing development. She criticized the delayed reintroduction of an amendment aimed at safeguarding these trees and expressed concern over a recent reduction in notification requirements for tree removal. D'Ademo argued that this change could leave neighborhoods unaware of tree removals, undermining community efforts to protect the urban canopy.

Both speakers underscored the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of their community as it continues to evolve. The council is expected to address these issues in upcoming sessions, with a focus on balancing development with environmental and public safety needs.