Two Parking Spaces May Survive Lincoln Ave Left Turn Expansion

Two resident parking spots may be restored on the eastern side of Lincoln Avenue at South Avenue even after all spots were removed to make room for an expanded left hand turn lane.

For the past several months, some residents have been expressing their concern with the elimination of parking on one side of the street, said Mayor Mark Smith at the committee workshop meeting May 24.

Commissioner David Robinson said despite the expansion of the lane, it appears there is room to save some parking.

The removal of spots was deemed necessary by Lt. Joseph Van Bergen, of the Cranford Police Department's traffic division, to make room for an elongated left hand turn lane at the intersection of Lincoln and Walnut Avenues, Smith said.

According to traffic studies, the lane as constituted was not long enough to deal with the high volume of traffic.

"Lt. Van Bergen did reiterate that his professional opinion was to expand the lane," Robinson said. "He met with the local residents and did come up with an alternative where they could save two parking spaces on the eastern side of Lincoln Avenue."

Van Bergen also met with the county traffic engineer and believes the safety of the road will not be severely impacted by conserving the two spots. 

It is not as simple as changing the township's ordinance given that Lincoln Avenue intersects with Walnut Avenue, a county road. The committee will have to notify the county regarding any changes.

 The entire committee, with the exception of Commissioner Mark P. Dugan, who was absent, expressed support for the revised plan.

"I think it's a good compromise," said Commissioner Daniel Aschenbach.