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Resident questions prompt borough update on recycling‑site remediation, NJ Transit cleanup and traffic‑calming efforts
Summary
Pamela Coles raised maintenance and environmental concerns during the public‑comment period at the Borough of Fair Lawn Mayor and Council meeting on Aug. 12, asking about a resolution rescinding an award to First Environment and about debris and dead plantings on property near the Tops/railroad area.
Pamela Coles raised maintenance and environmental concerns during the public‑comment period at the Borough of Fair Lawn Mayor and Council meeting on Aug. 12, asking about a resolution listed in the agenda that rescinded an award to First Environment, Inc. and about deteriorating landscaping and debris on property near the Tops/railroad area.
Borough staff replied that the area referenced is part of the borough recycling/leaf compost site and that First Environment has been engaged to perform testing and remediation planning, working with state and county agencies. The manager told the meeting that initial testing has been "a lot better than we thought" and that remediation efforts and planting plans are underway. Staff said they would continue to press NJ Transit to clean adjacent transit property and would seek other avenues (including contacting the county and legislative representatives) if needed.
Separately, council members and staff discussed pedestrian safety and traffic‑calming work. Deputy Mayor Ryan and others said a pedestrian safety meeting held before the council session focused on speed assessments and where traffic‑calming devices would be best deployed; the committee is moving toward recommending advisory actions to the council. The borough engineer reported that Bergen County has pushed back on proposed county roadway changes, but staff are seeking approval for pilot projects (including curb bump‑outs) at specific intersections when repaving occurs.
Public commenters pointed to multiple locations in town where trash and dead plantings reduce curb appeal and impede sight lines; staff acknowledged the concerns and said they would keep pursuing cleanup with NJ Transit and explore volunteer and borough options for maintenance.
No formal council action or binding directive was taken in public comment; borough staff committed to follow up with NJ Transit and county contacts and to continue remediation work at the recycling site with First Environment.
