Parker Avenue residents object as Maplewood budget includes striping funds; officials say decision is not final

Parker Avenue residents pressed the Maplewood Township Committee on May 6 after the township’s draft capital budget included funding described as "Parker Avenue striping," a line item residents said signals an intent to add dedicated bike lanes on a narrow, heavily used street near Columbia High School.

"I'm constantly like, oh, ****. Oh my God. I almost hit someone," said Brianne, a Parker Avenue resident who identified herself at the podium, describing morning traffic and children near driveways. Residents said striping or bike lanes on Parker Avenue would worsen congestion, create hazards during leaf season and snow, and complicate school drop-off and emergency access.

Township officials pushed back on the idea that the appropriation is a final step. Victor DeLuca, who chairs engineering and public works matters, said the bond language is a procedural element needed to allow the township to fund capital projects if it later decides to move forward: "If we decide we're not gonna move forward, then we don't go out to borrow that money. That money stays there…Nobody's playing any tricks here." DeLuca said a final decision would follow further meetings with residents, the police, the school district and the township’s engineering consultants.

Online commenter Carmen and other residents expressed mistrust, noting prior committee comments they interpreted as precommitment to bike lanes. Carmen said notices and the ordinance text listing "Parker Avenue striping" increased neighborhood concern even if the project is not yet finalized.

Officials explained the capital budget and bond ordinance language are intentionally broad to qualify projects for capital funding and to preserve flexibility. Township administrator Wery said the municipal practice is to include general descriptors in bond ordinances to reflect potential capital needs while allowing the committee to adjust priorities later.

Committee members and staff said the township is examining a suite of traffic-calming tools beyond dedicated bike lanes, including narrowed travel lanes, additional crosswalks, reconfigured drop-off/pick-up locations near the high school and alternate parking/traffic measures. DeLuca noted that engineering held multiple public meetings in April and committed to additional outreach prior to any contract award or final design.

What happens next: the township plans to adopt the capital budget formally on May 20; state law and municipal procedures create a 30-day window before borrowing can proceed. If the committee later chooses not to spend the bond proceeds on Parker Avenue striping, officials said the appropriation can be canceled or reallocated. Residents asked the township to drive neighborhood driveways during school drop-off times so officials can better understand local circulation problems.

The public-record ordinance is bond ordinance 31-56-25, which the committee introduced on May 6; the ordinance appropriates $6,532,000 in aggregate capital improvements across the township and authorizes issuing $6,234,150 in bonds or notes to finance part of the cost. The committee scheduled further opportunities for public comment and said no contract would be signed until after design and community meetings.