New Complete Streets Policy and Director Signal Real Change for Montclair

The Township of Montclair is strengthening its commitment to advancing Complete Streets. In May 2025, the Township passed an ordinance adopting an updated Complete and Green Streets Policy and reinforcing its pledge to creating safer, more accessible, more connected roadways.

In addition to the beefed-up policy, Montclair created a new position to lead implementation efforts. The Complete Streets Director will oversee the Township’s work to advance its SAFE Complete Streets Implementation Plan. The role is intended to ensure Complete Streets projects and programs move forward in Montclair. The director will work across departments, review street design proposals, manage community engagement, and analyze crash and near-miss data. They will help support Township’s new Complete Streets Oversight Board as well as the future stakeholder group for the SS4A-funded Vision Zero Montclair Safety Action Plan. The director will also help the township identify and apply for outside funding to support its Complete Streets work.

In 2009, Montclair was the first municipality in New Jersey to adopt a Complete Streets policy. The Township’s early leadership helped set the tone for the rest of the state. Since then, 182 municipalities, eight counties, and the state Department of Transportation have adopted Complete Streets policies. In the meantime, Montclair has learned from its own experiences and from those of other communities across the state and is pressing forward with innovative ways to institutionalize Complete Streets.

In 2013, the Township received a Complete Streets Excellence Award at the New Jersey Complete Streets Summit. A video from the event highlighted how Montclair was already using data, fieldwork, and resident feedback to guide its transportation planning. The Township had launched programs like Montclair SAFE and the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program to help residents share concerns about things like speeding and cut-through traffic and work with staff on solutions. The video also spotlighted the South Park Street redesign, which turned a wide, auto-oriented road into a human-focused street with wide sidewalks, plantings, and more space for outdoor activity.

Along with the updated policy and staff position, the Township has lowered the default speed limit on its roadways to 25 miles per hour, established a Complete Streets Oversight Board, and is preparing to launch its Vision Zero Montclair Safety Action Plan effort. In addition, Montclair is planning for better bike and scooter parking, installing charging stations, providing safe storage for e-mobility devices, and making sure these changes are coordinated with statewide EV policies. Montclair is taking real steps to make sure their Complete Streets policy is carried out and supported over time. By hiring dedicated staff and building a process that includes community feedback, design standards, and clear goals, the Township is creating a structure that can deliver lasting results.