Maple Street To Stay Open After Summit Mayor Vetoes Closure Plan

SUMMIT, NJ — Maple Street will remain open for now after Mayor Elizabeth Fagan vetoed a proposed ordinance that would have temporarily closed part of the downtown roadway for a pedestrian plaza.

The decision comes after weeks of public discussion and an earlier council vote that approved the plan. At a previous Summit Common Council meeting, officials voted 4–2 to close a section of Maple Street from June 18 through Sept. 7, aiming to create a pedestrian-friendly area and expand outdoor dining downtown. Supporters said the plan would help bring more activity into the business district, while others raised concerns about traffic, safety, and emergency access.

A full breakdown of that earlier decision can be found here

In her veto message to the Common Council, Fagan said the ordinance did not include the required documentation needed to justify the closure under state law.

“I cannot sign this ordinance,” Fagan wrote.

Fagan said the city engineer was not able to certify that closing Maple Street would improve traffic flow or safety conditions, which she said is required for approval under state regulations. She also noted that supporting written statements from public safety officials were not included with the proposal.

“The only possible way for me to draw that conclusion honestly would be through consideration of written documentation from the engineer, fire chief, and police chief illustrating the necessity of closing Maple Street,” Fagan wrote. “That does not exist.”

The mayor also referenced concerns previously raised by Police Chief Ryan Peters and Fire Chief Eric Evers regarding traffic patterns and potential impacts to emergency response routes.

Fagan’s veto effectively halts the closure plan unless the council takes additional action or submits a revised proposal.

The Maple Street proposal has been one of the most closely watched local issues in Summit in recent weeks, drawing ongoing discussion about how downtown public space should be used and how traffic and safety considerations are balanced.

Further updates are expected as city officials determine next steps.