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New Milford council introduces electric‑vehicle and e‑bike ordinance, approves DPW hires; resident voices ShopRite redevelopment and parking concerns
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance 2026 Code 17 to update rules for bicycles, scooters and motorized personal devices (public hearing June 8), approved advertising to hire one DPW laborer and to replace a mechanic, and heard public comment objecting to a previously approved ShopRite‑area redevelopment and raising traffic and snow‑parking concerns.
The New Milford mayor and council introduced an ordinance updating Chapter 7 of the borough code to regulate bicycles, scooters, electric motorized bicycles, low‑speed electric scooters and similar personal transportation devices. The clerk read Ordinance 2026 Code 17 on first reading and the council voted by roll call to introduce the ordinance; the public hearing was scheduled for the June 8 meeting.
The motion to introduce the ordinance carried with recorded roll‑call responses from Councilwoman Sanen (yes), Councilwoman Duffy (yes), Councilman Groski (yes), Council President Seymour (yes) and Councilwoman Grant (yes). The ordinance is described in the reading as intended to align borough traffic rules with state law and to emphasize education and safety rather than punishment.
In personnel business the council approved a motion to advertise and hire one DPW laborer and to replace a departed mechanic after a roll call vote. The mayor requested the action to refill two laborer positions and a mechanic vacancy; council recorded affirmative votes for the motion.
During public comment resident George Muller said he was "disturbed about the construction" now underway near the town center related to a ShopRite site and worried that local shops and restaurants would be lost and that residents without cars would be disadvantaged. Officials clarified that the ShopRite project had been approved in 2017 and that the current plan includes 165 residential units and about 12,500 square feet of commercial space.
Muller also raised safety and signage concerns at the Pacific and White intersection, describing it as a de‑facto three‑way stop that is not clearly marked, and he criticized snow‑parking practices and enforcement when parking is limited. Council members and staff said approvals for four‑way stops are controlled by the state DOT and noted recent amendments to local ordinances intended to strengthen enforcement of parking rules during snow events.
The council moved and passed routine minutes and resolutions during the meeting and later voted to enter closed session; when the body returns it said no further action would be taken and the meeting would adjourn.
