Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press township on bicycle safety and urge stronger response to Griggstown Bridge plan
Summary
Public commenters asked the police department to promote and enforce New Jersey's 4-foot passing law for motorists and raised safety and historic-preservation concerns about Griggstown Bridge proposals. The committee said staff will follow up with police and county contacts and share Landmark Commission meeting information.
Several residents used the public-comment period to call for stepped-up road-safety measures.
John Waltz of Dead Tree Run Road asked the township and police department to focus education and enforcement on motorists under New Jersey's 4-foot passing law (NJAC 39:4-92.4), citing narrow roads with little or no shoulders and near misses with motorists. Waltz named specific roads of concern including Bellemeade–Griggstown Road, Green Avenue and Harlingen Road and asked the township to push for PSAs and more visible enforcement targeting drivers.
Liz Palias, who said she has three decades of experience working on River Road preservation, criticized a concept plan for the Griggstown Bridge and urged the township to coordinate with Somerset County and the Landmarks Commission to preserve the historic corridor and address enforcement. "It's perfectly ridiculous," Palias said of the concept as presented, and she urged the township not to accept proposals that would damage the historic character.
Resident Jessie Havens suggested a rush-hour toll on the bridge to reduce volume and encourage alternate routes; the speaker acknowledged the township does not control county bridges but urged advocacy with county partners.
Township officials responded that staff will consult the police chief about education and enforcement actions and will provide the public with upcoming Landmark Commission meeting information and other points of contact to raise bridge concerns.
