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Monticello residents urge Jersey City to pair traffic‑calming with enforcement after near misses; council says traffic unit will deploy
Summary
Residents and a neighborhood group told the council that Monticello Avenue’s speed and parking violations create daily hazards for children and families; they asked for immediate enforcement, signage and follow‑through on an $1.8M infrastructure grant.
A group of parents, neighbors and the Traffic Reform Warriors asked the Jersey City Municipal Council on Jan. 29, 2025 to pair street redesign with targeted enforcement after years of speeding, illegal parking and near‑misses on Monticello Avenue.
James Seymour, identifying himself as an 11‑year resident and a member of the Traffic Reform Warriors, told the council the neighborhood is “littered with vehicles parked illegally at intersections and crosswalks” and that drivers “speed, run red lights, and disregard traffic laws.” He said engineering changes are helpful but insufficient without enforcement.
Residents pressed for a short list of actions: dedicated JCPD traffic enforcement on Monticello, installation of a “no turn on red” sign at key corners during school hours, rapid‑flashing beacons, curb extensions, raised crosswalks and better trash pickup and street cleanliness to change driver behavior. Several speakers—Anthony and Sarah Migliore, Ashley Swiggett, Britney Moser, Lily Hollick, Rachel Pavlakas and others—described daily near misses outside day cares and schools and said the fear of walking is pushing families to drive.
Anthony Migliore noted the city has a roughly $1,800,000 grant for the Monticello project but said that amount might not cover a full buildout and urged the council to consider additional city funds or bonding if necessary. Parents asked for a 30‑day enforcement period after infrastructure is installed so drivers form new habits, plus a public report on outcomes.
Council response: Council President Waterman said he had texted the infrastructure director and was told the city’s traffic division “will make sure that someone is deployed on Monticello tomorrow.” The city clerk later confirmed the director intended to follow up; staff asked residents to contact the council office for continuing problems.
Why it matters: Monticello parallels a housing and school cluster where multiple preschools and public schools are concentrated. Speakers said seven schools sit within one block of Monticello and argued that unsafe crossings are a daily public‑safety risk for children and families.
What residents asked for (summary): increased and visible JCPD traffic enforcement; immediate installation of “no turn on red” signage at school crossings; digital signage warning of enforcement and changes; a 30‑day enforcement window following infrastructure changes; more trash cans and street cleaning; and planting/streetscaping to improve perceived safety.
Evidence and next steps: Infrastructure staff has engaged with the neighborhood and secured a grant; the council president reported a traffic‑division deployment would begin the next day. Residents asked the council to publish an enforcement report and timeline after the Monticello improvements are delivered.
