Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bloomfield bus‑stop relocation draws public concern about ADA access; commissioners approve consent with coordination requests
Summary
A Bloomfield request to relocate NJ Transit bus stop #17172 prompted public comment urging the county to delay the move until ADA crosswalks and township coordination are in place. County engineering said the move is township‑initiated and New Jersey Transit will cover relocation costs; commissioners asked for engineering reports and assurances on accessibility before final implementation.
A public commenter and several commissioners raised accessibility and safety concerns before the board voted to consent to a Bloomfield proposal to relocate NJ Transit northbound bus stop number 17172 near Bridal Street and Foster Place.
Public commenter Norm Sutaria told the board that the stop is the only nearby northbound location with a marked crosswalk and ADA‑compliant truncated domes, and asked the board to table the item until a marked crosswalk is installed and county, township and police engineers meet. "If they move the bus stop down in front of the Universal Technical Institute there is no crosswalk... it rises to an ADA issue," Sutaria said.
Department of Public Works engineering staff responded that the request originated with the Bloomfield Police Department following resident complaints about loitering, and that New Jersey Transit will bear relocation costs. Staff said any stop on a county road would need to meet accessibility requirements and that the county would expect the township to provide engineering designs for review before construction.
Commissioners pressed for coordination: one commissioner asked for an engineering report from the township and confirmation that ADA access and crosswalk markings will be in place before any physical change. Despite concerns, the board moved and approved the consent resolution (item 9) on a roll call, with the understanding that engineering coordination and accessibility measures would be required prior to execution.
Why this matters: moving a bus stop without necessary crosswalks and ADA accommodations can reduce safe pedestrian access and raise liability and equity concerns. County staff said the relocation will not be executed immediately and that design and accessibility checks remain part of the process.
