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Residents press Woodbridge council on train blockages, water safety and homelessness outreach
Summary
Public commenters at the Woodbridge Township meeting urged officials to address long train blockages, asked about water‑quality lawsuits and arsenic claims, sought guidance for people experiencing homelessness, and praised DPW cleanup at the Seabourn waterfront.
Several residents used the township public comment period to raise local safety and service concerns, and council members provided information about existing responses.
John Gutari asked about a "land grab" at a Mount Carmel church property and pressed whether the township has designated emergency shelters so residents would not have to rely solely on town hall or police in a crisis. Gutari also said he was delayed by a train and asked how many rail cars are permitted to block crossings; he reported counting "94" cars.
Council members said train operations and limits are governed by federal law (the Federal Railroad Act) and suggested New Jersey Transit or the railroad should be contacted for operational limits; they also said police have engaged Conrail when trains blocked local streets.
Paul Lund of Hope Lawn asked why a developer pulled out of redevelopment plans for the Kaysby Fire Department and whether the firehouse remains viable. He also raised concerns about a lawsuit involving the water company and asked whether "arsenic has been found at some level." A township official said the Kaysby project is on hold and "the fire company maintains its viability." On water, the official said they had "never heard the word arsenic in a sentence with Woodbridge Water," that Middlesex Water addressed prior forever‑chemical concerns and made required improvements, and that while a lawsuit may still exist it now appears less impactful.
Officials described homelessness outreach available through township staff and a community group called Coming Home; Woodbridge Police register individuals they identify and seek overnight beds through agreements with nearby communities.
Resident Gail Jimenez thanked DPW for cleaning up Seabourn Waterfront after July 4 and asked whether the township would monitor vehicle speeds near a new tiki bar at the pier. Officials said police will monitor the area if it becomes a problem and that the township sometimes deploys a digital speed reminder device.
No new policy or shelter sites were announced during the meeting; council members referred several questions to appropriate agencies and noted that some redevelopment and legal matters are under review or 'on hold.' The meeting closed after additional council announcements and routine business.
