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Avalon Manor residents urge traffic signal at Leonard’s Lane; county to review alternatives
Summary
Multiple Avalon Manor residents asked Cape May County commissioners to install a traffic signal at Leonard’s Lane and Avalon Boulevard, citing speed, sight-line problems, and commercial vehicle navigation; the county engineer said a feasibility report is expected in about two weeks.
Several residents from Avalon Manor told the Board of County Commissioners on June 23 that an immediate priority for the Ocean Drive corridor is installation of a traffic signal at Leonard’s Lane and Avalon Boulevard rather than construction of a roundabout.
Jim Finnegan, president of the Avalon Manor Property Owners Association, told the Board the residents are united in the belief that a traffic signal is the "safest and most effective solution" for the intersection and urged Commissioners to review the recent neighborhood meeting minutes before deciding. Dan Bowersock said the two main safety concerns are excessive vehicle speed and inadequate sight lines, which he said could be addressed by a traffic light combined with advanced warning signs; he called a roundabout a backup option only if a signal proved infeasible.
Mike Herschel, a Safety Committee member, raised concerns that large commercial vehicles — he cited transports to Northstar Marina carrying oversized structural components — would have difficulty negotiating the proposed 105-foot diameter roundabout and warned of potential year-round noise from heavy vehicles accelerating in a circular junction. He also expressed worry about environmental impacts to nearby wetlands and marshlands. Several other residents — including Davis Penninger, Cliff Russell, Allison Phillips and a Mr. Powell — emphasized cost, seasonality and traffic-regulation benefits of a signal over a permanent roundabout.
County Engineer Robert Church, who earlier reported on a neighborhood meeting about the intersection, told residents the department is reevaluating whether a traffic signal is feasible and expects to have a report back in roughly two weeks. Director Desiderio told the public the intersection remains a Board priority and that Commissioners will continue to consider engineering recommendations and alternatives.
The Board did not take a formal vote on a specific design at the June 23 meeting; the engineer's forthcoming feasibility report will be used to guide next steps.
