Sayreville schedules DOT meeting after residents warn Route 9 redesign could seize homes, worsen safety on Kenneth Avenue

The Borough of Sayreville scheduled a public meeting with New Jersey Department of Transportation engineers after multiple residents warned that the proposed Bordentown Avenue redesign under Route 9 could require property acquisitions and create unsafe detours onto Kenneth Avenue.

Residents described repeated crashes at the Route 9/Exxon Station area and said the DOT concept design shows two parcels, including at least one private home, slated for acquisition. "The concept plan does show the two parcels that they're going to have to acquire," a councilmember confirmed during the meeting. Edward Hamlin, who lives on 1133 Bordentown Avenue, said he has owned his house 35 years and fears losing it under the current scheme.

Council members acknowledged the project is a state undertaking and said they will press state legislators and DOT staff to minimize impacts. The mayor and council agreed to arrange a public session with DOT engineers and legislative staff to answer residents’ technical and property questions; staff proposed a Saturday meeting (proposed times discussed: 10 a.m. to 1–2 p.m.) to accommodate attendees. The council asked that the Speaker’s office and DOT be invited so residents can discuss acquisition possibilities and alternatives.

Why it matters: Residents said local roads such as Kenneth Avenue are narrow and used for school pickups and pedestrian activity; they argued detouring Route 9 traffic onto those streets would raise public‑safety risks for children, pedestrians and local drivers. Neighbors urged local officials to seek alternatives that avoid condemnation and to secure cost‑sharing and mitigation details from DOT.

What happens next: Council staff will coordinate the meeting with DOT and the Speaker’s office and notify Kenneth Avenue residents. The Borough also suggested holding a follow-up meeting if additional sessions are needed.

Quote: "We don't want somebody to have their property taken unless it's absolutely necessary," the mayor said while promising to pursue options with the Speaker’s office and DOT.

Ending: The council closed public comment on this item after scheduling the initial DOT session and noted it could hold additional meetings if questions remain.