Residents press Paulsboro council on traffic, trash, sewer backups and internet access for seniors

Residents used the public comment period to press the borough on a range of neighborhood issues, from traffic pattern changes to sanitation and code enforcement. Multiple residents spoke after the council's regular business: Erica Scott urged limiting any one‑way rule on Swedesboro Avenue to school hours rather than making it permanent; Rose Grant asked about ownership and paving for an alley near Glorious Light Ministries; Teresa Cooper and others warned that converting streets would complicate local access for longtime residents.

Mary Harris said seniors in a borough building are still waiting for internet service and asked how the borough could help; the administrator told her the cost could be about $35 per month but noted a lease requirement would apply. Code Officer George Marra reported permit enforcement activity and collections: he said the office collected about $6,500 in permit violations and issued 52 tickets during the reporting period. Residents also asked why promised trash-amnesty days did not occur and were reminded that bulk pickup options cost $10 per item and electronics collection runs on a designated day each month.

Other concerns raised included overflowing sewer backups on Greenwich Avenue for which the landlord has been cited and is arranging repairs; reports of abandoned and noisy auto repairs at specific addresses; and loose construction trash at a new home on West Washington Street where a dumpster had been ordered. Council and staff responded with operational directions—asking residents to report issues to the code office and scheduling staff checks on specified properties.

The council closed public comment after the exchange and adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m.