I could have sworn I saw a summary of the actual votes, but it looks like TC meeting minutes only go through March right now. (My recollection is that Nancy Adams voted to keep the right-on-red for some hours, the rest of the TC voted for no right-on-red at any time).

From Jamie's March 11, 2026 Maplewood Township Committee meeting summary: https://maplewood.worldwebs.com/forums/discussion/maplewood-townshipship-committee-meetings-2026-a

Octavio Mendes then suggested adding a green arrow from Baker to Valley to improve traffic flow. Mayor DeLuca replied that the county is handling the intersection work, that a green arrow already exists in coordination with the opposite turn, and that township traffic consultants are reviewing the intersection because of confusion caused by the signal and the “no turn on red” sign.

From Jamie's May 5, 2026 Maplewood Township Committee meeting summary: 

Baker & Valley Street Traffic Safety Debate

One of the most contentious discussions centered on the intersection near Maplewood Middle School and Tuscan School.

Committee members debated whether to allow right turns on red at Baker and Valley Streets.

Arguments for Permanent Restrictions

Deputy Mayor Malia Herman strongly supported permanent “No Turn on Red” restrictions, citing:

• previous pedestrian accidents
• a crossing guard injury
• heavy school traffic
• large numbers of children crossing
• the dangerous width of the intersection.

She argued Maplewood residents increasingly want a more pedestrian-friendly town and that safety should outweigh driver convenience.

Concerns About Traffic Congestion

Nancy Adams pushed back somewhat, arguing:

• traffic backups already extend far down Baker Street
• eliminating turns entirely could worsen congestion and aggressive driving
• too many parents are driving children to school rather than walking.

After debate, the committee appeared to settle on:

• keeping permanent “No Turn on Red” restrictions from Baker to Valley
• asking Essex County to adopt matching restrictions from Valley onto Baker.

A corollary of backup on Baker: increased cut-thru traffic on Salter and Burnet.

dickf3 said:

A corollary of backup on Baker: increased cut-thru traffic on Salter and Burnet.

1. Salter doesn't reach Baker. Are you saying that traffic is backed up all the way to Dunnell because of that traffic light?

2. There has been a No Turn on Red from Baker to Valley for over 10 years. 

3. There is currently a green right turn arrow that extends through the period when northbound traffic from Valley can travel.

4. If the No Right Turn on Red during these time period signs have been removed, this must have happened very recently because they were definitely there when I drove through that intersection early last week.

Malia and I have discussed this a while ago  I believe she lives near that intersection. But to have a blanket rule even at 11 pm is friggin ridiculous. If they did at least provide the arrow for the 4 to 5 cars on Baker to turn right when the northbound traffic on Valley can go up and left on Baker at least we're not back to ground zero. 

Nancy Adams is totally right on in her arguments. 

As to how it was for the last 10 years, yes that was the blanket rule and it pissed me off enough to appeal to the TC about 3 plus years ago.  When I saw that brief respite about when one could take the right I was pleasantly surprised since NEARLY EVERY TOWN DOES THIS! 

Thanks for trying Nancy.  

Wendy Lauter

I noticed that there is a sign on Valley saying no right turns onto Baker between certain hours on school days. I assume this is what maplewood wants the county to remove to align with their stupid decision on Baker. SMH

I can confirm that a No Turn on Red sign (without any specified times) is currently in place at Baker Street waiting to turn right onto Valley. I agree with Wendy on this -- since at 7pm on a Sunday there is really no reason to not allow that turn. I also work late and have sat  there at midnight waiting for a green light to turn right with no cars anywhere in either direction. 

When I moved here many years ago, I was amazed (not in a good way) at the number of "No Turn on Red" signs! They seem to be the rule, rather than the exception in this region.

FYI - it's not like that in most other parts of the country and we really aren't unique in our traffic and roadway situation to need so many of them.

Maybe just program the lights to flash after 10 pm. I’ve seen that in Montclair, where after a certain time the lights just flash so traffic can flow. But of course the NASCAR crowd will abuse it. 

joan_crystal said:

Joan - do you remember what you posted here - trying to figure out why it's blank.

jamie said:

Joan - do you remember what you posted here - trying to figure out why it's blank.

It would be blank if I wrote something and then deleted it.  

The sign is gone, but I did watch a Maplewood police car drive through the red light without stopping. 

Do as I say, not as I do.