Speed Limit Now 25 mph on Rt 518 Throughout Rocky Hill Borough

By Richard D. Smith for The Montgomery News | April 8, 2026

In his opening remarks, Mayor Bob Uhrik noted with happiness that, coincidentally, it had been exactly two years since he’d reported a good meeting with the Somerset County engineer about lowering the speed limit on Washington Street (Route 518) to 25 mph.

Route 518 (aka Washington Street) is now 25 mph from Route 206 through to the Rocky Hill bridges over the Millstone River and the D&R Canal.

Photo by The Montgomery News.

And now, he continued, “We are completely 25 mph on Washington Street” throughout the borough of Rocky Hill.

He thanked Council President Richard Novak and others who have helped with the successful effort. “It’s something this community really needs,” he said.

Pedestrian Safety

Borough engineer Robert Martucci, attending by remote, said the pedestrian safety project also continues, with surveying for some new crosswalks still to be done, including one on Hickory Court and another on Washington Street near the bridge.

Martucci’s working on designs and obtaining right-of-way permissions from property owners for install sidewalks on Princeton Avenue, which will extend the walkway to Montgomery Township.

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is reviewing borough plans for a backup water well (a project for which there are still state funds remaining). Installation of a new master meter on the water tower should begin soon.

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A meeting was held with Montgomery officials on the proposed walkway between Crescent Avenue and Van Horne Park. The permitting process for tree removal on borough property to make way for the pathway caused some contention with DEP and Green Acres.

Martucci said it may be possible to remove a group of aging or dead trees without having to file individual forms for each one. Montgomery may be able to sign off on the necessary forms. The borough will replace these trees as required.

Council President Novak announced that Rocky Hill hired Jose Nieves as the borough zoning officer — after an eight-month search. Nieves will also serve as a backup fire official. Frank Kunz resigned as fire official, and has been replaced by Erik Mickelson.

Buildings & Grounds

Councilman Luis Silvestre noted progress is being made for a plan to refurbish the borough meeting room and the property’s playground equipment.

The Welcome to Historic Rocky Hill Borough signs will be updated.

Novak reported progress on replacements for the five badly weathered “Welcome to Rocky Hill” signs at the borough’s borders, starting with funding.

“It’s not a big-ticket item,” Novak said. “But frankly, in these times everything is a big ticket because our budget is so tight.”

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Annual Spring Cleanup

Councilman Albert Chini said the annual citizens’ spring-time stream and grounds trash pickup will take place on April 25.

There will be a small dumpster in the borough hall parking lot for general use during that day. An additional activity this year may include weighing of the collected trash for statistical use, with help of the Watershed Institute.

Councilwoman Sharlene Laud proposed a date of September 19 for a community movie night. It was accepted.

Affordable Housing

Borough Council approved an ordinance amending the borough’s Round 4 affordable housing obligations. It will facilitate the development of 91 units (an increase of 13 units from the previous plan) on the Schafer Tract on Princeton Avenue.