2891-25 Final Ordinance WO SJ Tier_3_Complete and Green Streets Model.pdf

employment, and public transportation route data that demonstrate, for example, a low likelihood of bicycle, pedestrian, or transit activity in an area over the next 20 years); and d. The adverse impacts of implementing this Complete and Green Streets Policy significantly outweigh the benefits e. In New Jersey, relatively few roads are closed to bicycle traffic. However, toll roads and some freeways, including interstates, are closed to bicyclists f. Wetlands on both sides of a narrow roadway could pose a significant environmental constraint, preventing the construction of separated and adjacent bicycle facilities. If so, other accommodations should be explored to improve safety for bicyclists, for example, adding “sharrows” or identifying alternative convenient bike routes. 2. However, every effort to work within the flexibility allowed should be made, including Design Exceptions for roadway projects. 3. An exception shall be granted only if: a. Request for an exception is submitted in writing to the Council with supporting documentation, and made publicly available with a minimum of 30 days allowed for public input; and b. The exception is approved in writing by the Council, and the written approval is made publicly available. Program Reporting 1. The Land Use Board for Planning and Zoning shall establish benchmarks reflecting the ability of all users to travel safely and conveniently along highways, roads and streets. 2. Each such Land Use Board for Planning and Zoning shall also develop plans and set benchmarks to ensure the successful implementation of the Complete and Green Streets policy in Priority Communities consistent with Environmental Justice principals. On or before of each end of the fiscal year each such agency shall prepare an initial report to identify barriers, and propose solutions to successful implementation of the Complete and Green Streets policy including in Priority Communities. 3. Each such Land Use Board for Planning and Zoning shall assign appropriate responsibility to collect and monitor data under municipal jurisdiction, including in Priority Communities, to determine compliance with the Township’s benchmarks. Benchmarks shall include but are not limited to:

a. Mileage of new and existing bicycle infrastructure, including in Priority Communities (e.g., bicycle lanes, bike parking, paths, and boulevards) b. Linear feet (or mileage) of new and existing pedestrian infrastructure (e.g., sidewalks, trails, transit amenities) c. Number of new and existing ADA-compliant infrastructure (e.g., curb ramps, pedestrian buttons) d. Number of new and existing street trees e. Number of green street practices (e.g., rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavement) f. Number of new and existing pedestrian and bicycle lighting improvements g. Bicycle and pedestrian counts h. Commute mode percentages (e.g., drive alone, carpool, transit, bicycle, walk) i. The number and percentage of designated transit stops accessible via sidewalks and curb ramps j. The number, locations, and causes of collisions, injuries, and fatalities by each mode of transportation k. The percentage of children walking or bicycling to school 4. All benchmarks established by the Township of West Orange shall be disaggregated by race/ethnicity, neighborhood, and vehicle ownership when feasible. 5. Each such Land Use Board for Planning and Zoning shall provide a report on an annual basis to the Council to allow them to evaluate implementation of the Complete Street policy. Each annual report shall include the data collected pursuant to Program Reporting, as well as a list of ongoing and completed transportation projects during that fiscal year. If any exceptions are applied to transportation projects pursuant to Exceptions to Complete and Green Streets Requirements herein, such projects and the relevant exceptions should be identified in the annual report. All benchmarks and reports shall be made publicly available online. Adoption of Complete and Green Streets Checklists 1. The Land Use Board for Planning and Zoning shall develop and adopt one or more Complete and Green Streets Checklists to be used during the project selection, planning, designing, construction, funding and maintenance of all transportation projects. 2. Each item in the checklist must include an area to provide a brief description for how the item is addressed, not addressed, or not applicable to the Complete and Green Streets policy. 3. The checklist shall explain the process for granting exceptions and indicate who is responsible for approving any exceptions before they are granted.

4. The Land Use Board for Planning and Zoning shall be responsible for completing the checklists and/or reviewing the checklists. 5. A Complete and Green Streets checklist shall entail but is not limited to: a. Existing pedestrian, bicycle, transit, motor vehicle, and truck/freight accommodations (facilities) and operations b. Traffic volumes c. Existing safety and/or access issues, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance d. Land use within the study area, including trip generators e. Existing and proposed streetscape elements including furniture, trees or other environmental and stormwater enhancements f. Review of existing plans g. Proposed pedestrian, bicycle, transit, motor vehicle, and truck/freight accommodations (facilities) and desired future operations h. ADA compliance of the proposed design i. Compatibility with the surrounding land use and density j. Consistency with applicable design standards and guidelines k. Opportunities to improve public health through physical activity and mobility options l. Opportunities to manage stormwater through green infrastructure 6. All Complete and Green Street checklists shall be made accessible online and available to the Complete and Green Streets Advisory Body. Effective Date The Complete and Green Streets policy shall take effect on February 11, 2025 provided that it shall not apply to any transportation project for which a preliminary design has been completed on or before December 31, 2024.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Township of West Orange adopts the Complete and Green Streets Policy attached hereto, and made part of this Ordinance; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Mayor and Municipal Council adopts the attached Complete Streets Policy, goals and objectives. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that the remainder of Chapter 2 shall remain unchanged. BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, that any ordinances or parts thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are repealed to the extent of such conflict. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be published in the West Orange Chronicle within ten (10) days of its approval as required by State Statute. Susan McCartney, Mayor Karen J. Carnevale, Municipal Clerk Joe Krakoviak, Council President Introduced: January 25, 2025 Adopted: February 28, 2025 Memorialized: March 11, 2025

2891-25 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY This Ordinance amends and supplements Chapter 2-61: “Pedestrian Safety Advisory Board” of the Township’s Revised General Ordinances to include to create a complete and green streets advisory committee and amending a complete and green streets policy. This policy provides the Township with a strong and effective strategy for achieving Complete and Green Streets. The complete green streets policy provides the Township the opportunity to meet the criteria needed to gain recognition and apply for grant funds.