South Orange Streets: public or private?

Does anyone know what determines whether a road is private?  I was on a bit of road in SO yesterday that had a sign saying 'private road' but the same segment shows up on google maps (suggesting it is not private).  There is also has a fire hydrant on the segment of road that is ostensibly private, leading me to believe that the sign was more wishful thinking than anything.    Thoughts?  I imagine i can call the police to ask but am too lazy.   

Too lazy to find the number?

SOPD: (973) 763-3000

There are fire hydrants on Seton Hall's campus which is, of course, private.  I've no idea what fire hydrants have to do with anything.

Brookside Rd and the streets in the Quarry at the top of Tillou Rd are private  

I wouldn't depend on Google maps to be a dependable source for private vs public roads.

Private roads can and do show up on Google maps all the time.

I believe what determines the category depends on who maintains the road when it is in need of repair.

Another category of road is the "paper road." These are roads that used to exist before changes in the surrounding area blocked them off. There is one of these on William Street in Orange.

Formerlyjerseyjack said:

I believe what determines the category depends on who maintains the road when it is in need of repair.

I guess that's one criterion, but there is also who owns the land it's on.

I doubt there are public roads with signs that say Private Road on them. Seriously.

ctrzaska said:

There are fire hydrants on Seton Hall's campus which is, of course, private.  I've no idea what fire hydrants have to do with anything.

Really?  I'll bet you wouldn't be surprised to hear that they are not very fond of dogs.  

Well, there IS that, yes.

I've seen roads closed to the public show up on google maps

Should check a tax map. Most are now online.

Tom_Reingold said:

Formerlyjerseyjack said:

I believe what determines the category depends on who maintains the road when it is in need of repair.

I guess that's one criterion, but there is also who owns the land it's on.

I doubt there are public roads with signs that say Private Road on them. Seriously.

The road (unpaved) which encircles the long grass oval at the girl scout camp. Next to the upper section of the S turns.

Last year, a substantial "private property/no tresspassing" sign was placed at its outskirts.  The word "road" did not appear on the sign.

Google map shows it as South Mountain reservation.

And,   this:    http://www.twp.maplewood.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/1634 . 

Private road, Tom?

Brookside Road is private.  The property over which it runs is deeded to the adjacent homes.  It is effectively a driveway for those who live along Brookside road. The road is factored into our property assessments and we pay taxes specific to the segments we own.  We are required to provide an easement to our neighbors to provide access to their homes, and to the town to provide access for emergency vehicles.  The town will remove fallen trees or plow following a storm, but only to assure access for emergency vehicles.  There are no fire hydrants on Brookside. The paved portion of Brookside counts against the size of a patio, sidewalk, extension, or driveway the town will allow to be installed on our property. When it needs to be repaved, we chip in and pay for it out-of-pocket.  If a Brookside property owner refuses to pay, as happened the last time it was repaved more than 10 years ago, the other Brookside property owners must make up the difference. 

Brookside is a private road, not at all different than someone's driveway.

fjrodino, thanks for the excellent explanation of the responsibilities that you bear for that road. Good to know.