Lights, Parking, Firehouse Sale Set To Be Discussed In Summit

SUMMIT, NJ — Tuesday night's Common Council meeting will have a few major hearings on City projects that have been in the works for years.

The proposed plan for the use of the Tatlock Complex lights has long stirred debate over the ancillary effects to the surrounding neighborhood. City leaders are looking for the most efficient way to minimize the impact of the powerful, bright lights and noise from athletic events while still getting the most use of the facility.

Both high school and youth sports will be using the fields for practices and games.

"This is a long-awaited ordinance. We have spent lots of time speaking with residents in various settings...to try and come up with the lighting usage plan," Councilmember Bob Pawlowski said as he addressed the room at the Dec. 2 Common Council meeting.

Read More: Tatlock Complex Plan For Use Of New Lights Introduced In Summit

The sale of the old Summit firehouse property at 396 Broad St. has a bit more light at the end of the tunnel. On Tuesday night, a resolution will be presented awarding a bid for future use of the grounds.

On Nov. 17, Jones Lang La Salle, Inc. was authorized to oversee the sale of the land in an auction format.

The old firehouse site is within the Morris Broad Crossroads Overlay Zone, which also includes the Chestnut parking area, an office building, and a privately-owned parking lot.

The City said they received an appraisal of $4.6 million for the old firehouse site.

Read More: Sale Of Old Summit Firehouse Land To Go To Auction

In a move to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians, Common Council will hold a hearing on Ordinance 12303. Upon approval, the parking code would be amended to include a handful of new areas that would be prohibited.

"Safety, visibility, and traffic flow have been ongoing concerns," Councilmember Jamel Boyer said at the Dec. 2 meeting.

Read More: Safety Concerns May Take Some Parking Away In Summit

Both the ordinance on the Tatlock lighting and the prohibited parking areas are scheduled to go to final consideration on Tuesday night after the hearing periods.

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