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Residents press Glassboro council on Ellesmere Park bathroom, parking and Route 322 traffic near Rowan
Summary
Multiple residents urged the borough to upgrade Ellesmere Park facilities and add parking; others raised safety and congestion on Route 322 near Rowan University. Officials said ADA specs are being met and that parking and traffic coordination with the county and the university are 'in the works.'
Several residents used the public-comment period Sept. 23 to press the council for infrastructure fixes: a more durable bathroom building at Ellesmere Park, more parking at the park, and traffic mitigation on Route 322 near Rowan University.
Longtime Glassboro resident Billy Roland said Ellesmere Park has seen little investment in decades and criticized the plan to build a stick-built bathroom rather than a block or stone-faced structure. He told the council the park needs amenities, a parking lot and a dog park, and asked that the borough choose materials that will last.
Mayor Wallace and other borough representatives responded that the project's specifications meet ADA requirements; the mayor said professionals designed the building, that the foundation is complete, and that decisions about finishing materials and hours of operation remain under consideration. The mayor also said parking improvements and broader upgrades to Ellesmere Park are "in the works." Officials offered to provide more detailed explanations on the construction choices.
Resident Gwen Roland asked about the status of the Route 322 bypass, and the mayor said the project is county-led and that the county engineer is the appropriate contact. Diane Johnson described congestion and pedestrian-safety issues on the route from Landmark to the college and asked whether crossing guards or additional security could be posted; council members said they will contact the county engineer, continue timing adjustments with the state for signal work, and maintain collaboration with Rowan University.
Officials encouraged residents to report concerns and said they are working on traffic mitigation, parking at the park and ensuring ADA compliance for the new bathroom. No formal votes were taken on capital funding or design changes during the meeting; council said it is addressing the issues but did not announce a firm timetable.
The mayor closed the public comment segment after other speakers and the council moved on to routine business.
