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State directive forces repeal of local U-turn ban; Mahwah residents press council for traffic fixes on Martis Place and Reid Court
Summary
After the State told Mahwah to stop enforcing a U-turn restriction, residents vented at the May 4 council meeting about persistent speeding, school buses and commercial vehicles using Martis Place and Reid Court. Councilmembers pledged follow-up, proposed traffic studies and invited broader cooperation with state officials.
Residents from Martis Place and Reid Court urged the Mahwah Township Council on May 4 to take concrete steps after state officials rejected a local ordinance banning U-turns on those streets.
Several neighbors described continuing safety hazards: Donna Davino said she was “very disappointed” that Ordinance No. 2080 is being repealed and asked that the ordinance be rewritten to meet New Jersey Department of Transportation requirements; Joseph McCann urged a “no outlet” sign and suggested unmarked police vehicles to curb speeders; Dan Korovikov and Andrew Lam said out-of-state buses and commercial vehicles are using neighborhood streets and expressed concern for children’s safety. Thomas O’Flaherty said recent media attention briefly reduced incidents but complaints shifted to adjacent streets.
Township Engineer Mike Kelly told the council earlier in the meeting that the State had issued a letter directing the township to cease any traffic control devices related to the ordinance and to halt enforcement of its provisions. Council President Robert M. Ferguson acknowledged residents’ frustrations and described state feedback on why the ordinance was rejected; Councilmember Ariemma proposed convening a Transportation Committee and inviting state legislators to participate. Mayor Jim Wysocki said he had contacted the bus company and Rockland school and was arranging a meeting with the New Jersey Department of Transportation with the assistance of Congressman Josh Gottheimer.
Council adopted Ordinance No. 2093, which repeals the earlier U-turn prohibition, by roll call (Ariemma no; Donigian yes; Ervin absent; May yes; Paz yes; Wong absent; Ferguson yes); that vote executed the repeal but did not foreclose the township from pursuing other traffic-control measures that meet state standards.
What’s next: Council discussed traffic studies and signage, potential use of unmarked police vehicles for enforcement, and a Transportation Committee meeting to explore technical fixes. Residents asked for clearer timelines and stronger enforcement where legally permitted.
Provenance: Discussion and public comment begin at SEG 006 and the ordinance adoption vote is recorded at SEG 007.
