Council members heard public comments and administration responses on Oct. 22 about a proposed concession stand at Braggs (Bragg) Park near the train station.

A written statement read into the record by the council asked three questions: what products would be sold, whether the concession would compete with nearby businesses and what parking accommodations were planned. Parker J Brown asked whether alternatives such as a community refrigerator or pantry had been considered and requested that his questions be recorded in the meeting minutes.

Business Administrator Rick Fernandez and the mayor replied that discussions were held with engineers, the Urban Enterprise Zone and nearby institutions including Union Baptist Church and the local VFW. Fernandez said parking was evaluated in a traffic study and described the concession as intended for commuters and 'grab-and-go' customers rather than a sit-down business. "There won't be a hot food or things like that," the mayor said, adding the concession was intended to "provide something that is productive for the community."

Fernandez said the project has been discussed for three years and that the city had met legal and notice requirements, including public meetings with New Jersey Transit when the transit agency reviewed the station component. He added the administration plans to preserve the Bragg family legacy with "a plaque much bigger than the one that is present." The administrator also said funding for the park improvements and amenities is coming from UEZ (Urban Enterprise Zone) sales-tax-derived funds.

Supporters on the dais praised the park improvements and the city's outreach, while residents said the council should ensure the concession does not unintentionally harm nearby small businesses and that parking and safety were adequately addressed.

The council did not vote on the concession at the Oct. 22 meeting; administrators said the planning and bidding process and further municipal approvals would continue before any final local action.