Red Bank could bring back pedestrian mall

Broadwalk blocked off streets during pandemic

RED BANK - The borough could bring back its Broadwalk every year under an ordinance proposed by the Borough Council.

Broadwalk is a pedestrian mall that came about as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It closes Broad Street between Front Street to White Street for outdoor dining and other outdoor activities.

During its first year in 2020, concrete barriers and traffic cones prevented vehicular traffic from entering the pedestrian mall. Last year, retractable hydraulic bollards closed the street to vehicles.

The borough may take its first vote to make the Broadwalk permanent every season this Thursday. Because it is an ordinance, the second reading to pass the local law would take place at a subsequent council meeting.

Under the new ordinance, Broadwalk would begin “from the Monday following the second Sunday in May through September 30.”

During that time, the portion of Broad Street would be closed all day long, seven days a week.

In each of the last three years, the Borough Council voted to close the section of Broad Street.

With each vote, residents and business owners spoke out for or against the pedestrian mall.

Some residents said Broadwalk creates a vibrant downtown while others criticized the Broadwalk for bringing an increase of trash and confused drivers.

Broadwalk is overseen by the borough and the Red Bank RiverCenter, the nonprofit group that manages the borough’s special improvement district.

In previous years, the RiverCenter has hired people to clean up the area and added more communal programing.

The vote to create an annual, seasonal Broadwalk will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Borough Hall.