Roselle Council Advances Stop Sign Ordinance for 2nd and Chandler

The Roselle Borough Council advanced an ordinance to install stop signs at dozens of intersections on first reading at its October 28, 2026 meeting, passing it 3 to 1. A second reading and final vote are still required. Union County Life is covering the debate, including the objections raised before the vote.

Before the vote, the council rejected a motion to table the ordinance, 3 to 2. Second Ward Councilman Brandon Bernier and Councilwoman-at-Large Cynthina Johnson voted to table. On first reading, Bernier abstained and Johnson voted no. Councilwoman Ethelyne Grimsley was absent.

Bernier asked the council to wait until it receives the engineering certifications required for new four-way stops, which he said the borough has not received. “We need signed and sealed by a professional engineer certification which is what we had [in] the last few batches of these that we have done,” he said. He also objected to placing a four-way stop at 2nd Avenue and Chandler Avenue, which he said does not fit the narrow, closely spaced streets where four-way stops work best.

Assistant Business Administrator Denise Wilkerson argued that safety concerns outweigh the risks of moving ahead without the certifications. She said residents have asked for action at 2nd and Chandler. She said she, the borough’s engineering firm, and the Superintendent of the Department of Public Works walked the intersection and recommended a four-way stop. “Something needs to be done there,” Wilkerson said.

Johnson said the borough needs an official engineering study, certified by a professional, before stop signs or traffic signals are added. “It cannot be done until this is properly vetted by our professionals,” she said. Council President Cindy Thomas urged passage after hearing from residents. “We are asking to stop the press and another accident may happen,” Thomas said.

Bernier said Roselle sees about 100 accidents a month and argued against a simplistic approach to traffic safety. The report does not give the source or breakdown of that figure.

Mayor Donald Shaw said there is time for the council’s questions to be answered before a final vote. “This is the first reading. What you guys are asking for you can possibly get tomorrow or the day after,” Shaw said. The report did not give a date for the second reading.

Connect with Union County Life for more Roselle news and local updates.

FAQ

Did Roselle pass its stop sign ordinance?
The council passed it on first reading 3 to 1 on October 28, 2026. A second reading and final vote are still required.

Where would the new four-way stop go?
The ordinance would place a four-way stop at 2nd Avenue and Chandler Avenue. Councilman Bernier objected to that location.

Why did some council members want to wait?
Bernier asked for the engineering certifications required for new four-way stops, which he said the borough had not received. Johnson said a certified engineering study must be completed before stop signs or traffic signals are added.