Doremus Avenue’s New Double Yellow Lines Spark Community Debate

Glen Rock, NJ – At the July 23 work session of the Glen Rock Borough Council, residents raised strong concerns over newly installed double yellow lines on Doremus Avenue. The discussion, which unfolded in the mayor’s absence and was led by Council President Teresa Gilbreath, centered on whether the markings improve safety or unintentionally create new hazards.

Gabe Bullaro, a 45-year resident of the street, told council members that the changes came without warning and have made Doremus more dangerous, not safer. He shared that he and neighbors came together and are requesting the lines be removed, citing federal traffic guidelines and arguing that Doremus does not see enough daily traffic to warrant them. He emphasized that the lines encourage speeding and create unsafe conditions when vehicles must cross them to avoid parked cars.

Bullaro measured the street at 30 feet wide with parking on one side, leaving only 7 feet of space for vehicles to pass beside a parked car. He described this as an accident waiting to happen and said the street now resembles a commercial thoroughfare.

Chief Dean Ackerman explained that the lines were added as part of a long-term safety initiative, developed with input from Sgt. McGovern, a trained traffic safety specialist, and the borough engineer. The plan considered the street’s heavy usage by pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers accessing borough facilities like the Glen Rock Pool, the Arboretum, Children’s Park, and Faber Field. The avenue also serves Ridgewood and Glen Rock school routes, borough DPW access, and industrial traffic.

Ackerman confirmed traffic counts on Doremus average around 1,800 vehicles daily, with post-installation speeds averaging 23 miles per hour. He noted there’s no data showing that double yellow lines cause drivers to speed. He also outlined upcoming safety upgrades requested by police, including radar signs near Faber Field and a new crosswalk with flashing beacons by the pool, both designed to work in tandem with the striping.

The Chief reaffirmed that Doremus meets roadway standards, allowing for 8 feet of travel in each direction despite on-street parking. He acknowledged that vehicles not parked properly can create pinch points. He also said the department does not support speed humps, citing issues with snow removal and maintenance, and favors radar signs instead.

In closing, Ackerman noted that while these changes may not satisfy everyone, they were made in the interest of borough-wide public safety.