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After child’s death, Jersey City residents demand immediate street-safety actions; council president calls for special meeting

5081251 · June 26, 2025
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Public commenters pressed the council to accelerate Vision Zero measures after the killing of 6-year-old Eli Bender; speakers demanded lower speed limits, hardened infrastructure and enforcement; Council President Waterman asked for a special meeting with public safety officials to respond rapidly.

The Jersey City Municipal Council heard an extended and emotional public-comment session focused on street safety and the recent death of 6-year-old Eli Bender, who was struck and killed while crossing an intersection. Dozens of residents, advocates and parents demanded immediate action, including lowered speed limits, hardened infrastructure, and stepped-up traffic enforcement.

Speakers representing advocacy groups and families outlined a multi-point plan they said the city could implement quickly. “How many more people have to die?” asked Nick C., a resident and bicyclist who told the council that infrastructure and enforcement are failing. Traffic Reform Warriors and other local groups read an open letter with five key demands: citywide 20 mph speed…

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