Somerville council introduces speed-limit ordinance for Somerset Station, approves consent agenda and recognitions

The Borough Council of Somerville on June 15 introduced Ordinance No. 2806, a measure to amend Schedule 17 of the borough code to set speed limits on newly public roadways in the Somerset Station development and to amend other posted limits.

Council discussed keeping Robson Street posted at 15 mph rather than increasing it to 20, with members noting visibility lines inside the private development as a factor in keeping the lower limit. Council directed staff to contact neighboring Bridgewater about a separate regional posting issue where Department of Transportation signage currently extends a 25-mph posting farther than originally intended.

The council also approved a consent agenda of routine items by roll call. Resolutions 186–193 covered: authorization to sell a surplus camera system; approval of Sunday sidewalk sales downtown in August; annual renewals for amusement/video game, alcoholic beverage, recorder and towing licenses for 2026–27; a change order to Diamond Construction for the Safe Streets to Transit project in the amount of $48,315.70; authorization for the borough clerk/administrator to consent to the assignment of a rights-of-way agreement from Cable Vision Light Path LLC to Light Path Fiber Infrastructure LLC; and submission of an application to the Somerset County Historic Preservation Grant Program for historic ceiling restoration at Borough Hall.

Mayor Brian Gallagher also announced the mayoral appointment of Kristen Gelner to the Green Team and presented a council resolution honoring Jack Schwitzer, a Somerville High School senior, for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout after leading a White Oak Park project installing mileage markers and a course map stand. The council voted to pay bills and vouchers; the transcript lists the amount as "$741,4546"; the clerk should confirm the exact total.

Ordinance No. 2806 was moved for introduction and carried on roll call; Ordinance No. 2805 (parking pay stations) was adopted in the same meeting. The council adjourned after completing the agenda.