Ward F Street Safety & Infrastructure Plan | Councilman Frank Gilmore

Ward F Street Safety & Infrastructure Plan

Councilman Frank Gilmore is committed to creating safer streets and a better‑connected Ward F. Street safety and reliable transit are about more than convenience—they’re about equity, economic opportunity, and quality of life for every resident.

Community‑centered plan · Last updated: September 25, 2025

Our Approach

Over the next four years, we will pursue a community‑centered program to make Ward F’s streets safer and transit more reliable. Residents remain at the heart of every decision.

Equity First

Many Ward F families don’t own cars and depend on buses, PATH, walking, and biking. Safer streets and frequent transit are essential for equity and economic opportunity.

How We’ll Deliver

  • Pair quick‑build pilots with permanent upgrades.
  • Increase signals, stop signs, and crosswalk visibility.
  • Design with schools and parks in mind.

Corridor Improvements & Local Priorities

MLK Drive

  • Full corridor overhaul with repaving and rebuilt sidewalks.
  • New traffic lights at key intersections.
  • Clear striping and curb extensions.

Communipaw Avenue (Junction)

Major safety redesign at one of Ward F’s most dangerous intersections.

Bergen Avenue

  • More stop signs, traffic signals, and curb extensions.
  • Build on DOT’s comprehensive safety plan.

Garfield Avenue

  • Traffic signals, bump‑outs, and pedestrian flash beacons.

Key Intersection Upgrades

  • Painted bump‑outs and bollards transitioning to concrete.
  • New traffic lights at Myrtle & MLK and Forrest & Bergen.
  • Stop signs and pedestrian flashing beacons.
  • Studies at the Junction, Marin & Grand, and Grand & Jersey.

Street Safety Near Schools

  • One‑way streets where appropriate.
  • Lower speed limits in school zones.
  • New four‑way stops near PS 41.
  • Exploring Bright Street conversion near PS 3 & MS 4.

Street Safety Near Parks

Safe access to Arlington Park and other parks with traffic controls, flashing lights, and bump‑outs.

Better NJ Transit Service

  • Improve frequency of the 87, 81, and 6 bus lines.
  • Better off‑peak service.
  • Modern, covered bus shelters with heating where possible.

What We’ve Done Already

  • Requested traffic lights on MLK Drive.
  • Requested bump‑outs and stop signs at dangerous intersections.
  • Advocated for Pacific Ave and Monticello Ave calming.
  • Converted Arlington & Wilkinson into a four‑way stop (PS 41).
  • Launched outreach for Bright St one‑way near PS 3 & MS 4.

Plan Details (FAQ)

Why start with painted bump‑outs and bollards?
Quick‑build tools deliver immediate safety benefits and allow adjustments before permanent reconstruction.
How do you decide where signals or stop signs go?
We combine community reports, crash data, and field observation to target priority intersections.
What’s the timeline for permanent upgrades?
Pilots can roll out within weeks; permanent construction follows design and funding.