Township Officials 'Disappointed' with Woodcliff Lake Decision to Keep GSP Exit 171 Issue Off the Ballot

Washington Township officials said Wednesday that they are disappointed with the Woodcliff Lake decision not to put a referendum question on the ballot asking residents if they favored allowing a right turn off the ramp for Garden State Parkway exit 171, but they will continue to discuss the issue with the borough's governing body.

Township officials had asked their counterparts in Woodcliff Lake for the referendum since they believe more motorists exit the Garden State Parkway at 168 because they can't turn right onto Glen Road in Woodcliff Lake from exit 171. They said the increased number of cars causes traffic congestion in the township particularly at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Pascack Road.

Township Mayor Janet Sobkowicz has said commuters from other towns like Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake and Hillsdale have written letters asking that the right turn be permitted.

"I am disappointed in the Woodcliff Lake council's decision not to address this issue by referendum or even by study, or on a trial basis, but that is not to say that I do not understand that there are limits to the 'spirit of community' and that Woodcliff Lake's council also has to make their decisions based on what is best for the residents of their municipality and rely on the advice of their traffic and safety experts," Council President Fred Goetz said. "However, as this is such an important issue to the Township of Washington, I can assure you that this matter will not end here, and our council will continue to work with that of Woodcliff Lake to see if we can resolve this matter in a way that is acceptable to both of our communities."

Sobkowicz said that she was also disappointed with the decision, but the groups of officials would continue talking about the issue. She said she wrote a letter to Woodcliff Lake officials suggesting that a trial be conducted allowing a right turn at 171 for a set period of time to see the effect on traffic. The Woodcliff Lake council responded to her, saying they also didn't want to do a study.

"It's their choice to have a referendum or not," she said. "But I think it [prohibited right turn] really does effect what goes on at that exit [168]."

Sobkowicz added that she would leave the lines of communication open. "We're going to continue to work and hopefully come to some sort of solution," she said.

Members of the Woodcliff Lake council unanimously decided against a referendum Monday night, citing opposition from the borough's Police Chief Anthony Jannicelli, according to a NorthJersey.com report.