What To Do On Wayne Place

Sidewalks have become a hot topic during Washington Township council meetings over the past several months, as officials try to figure out how to make the area around Washington Elementary School safer.

But not everyone is on the same page about how to do it.

One option is eliminate parking on Wayne Place, which could happen Nov. 8. Another plan, favored by council vice president Fred Goetz, is to install sidewalks in the neighborhood.

Goetz argues that sidewalks are the favored idea of traffic experts.

But Wayne Place residents have other ideas. Those who have attended council meetings have complained that parents on cell phones, speeding and parked cars are what pose hazards on their block, which they say sidewalks won't correct.

Several residents also take issue with sidewalks being imposed on them, saying they chose to purchase a home without sidewalks for a reason. According to township law, residents would have to maintain the sidewalks, which includes snow removal. Some also said they fear the sidewalks will damage the image of Wayne Place. A few have even threatened to take legal action if the council decides to install sidewalks.

At the Oct. 18 council meeting, Wayne Place resident Al Gillio told members of the governing body that other options should be tested before deciding to install sidewalks. He admitted the area is "not an ideal situation," but said sidewalks shouldn't be the only option considered.

"It shouldn't all be on the residents of Wayne Place," Gillio said. "We all need to work together to find a solution. If we have open minds about this, we can definitely come up with a solution."

He gave three suggestions: have cars park along the street away from people's property to act as a buffer for pedestrians, use flowerpots as barriers so pedestrians can walk more safely and easily or create more parking spaces in the school lot to accommodate the cars and make drop-off safer.

Council members have discussed various options for the area but have yet to make a decision about what will be done. Several have called for an outside, neutral party to evaluate the ideas and choose the one that makes the most sense.

But Goetz said he believes enough experts have already weighed in and told the council sidewalks are the way to go. Sgt. Gregg Hackbarth and former Chief William Cicchetti of the Township Police Department were consulted.

"All these traffic safety officers think the right way to go is sidewalks," Goetz said.

He said he's willing to look to an outside party on the issue, but there are some problems with that. The pedestrian planning assistance programs that the Department of Transportation offers can't be localized and take eight months to a year to complete. Another option is hiring a planner, but that can get costly. Both groups would also most likely require a commitment from the governing body that they would implement the recommendations, which some on the council don't want to do.

Mayor Janet Sobkowicz opposes putting sidewalks on Wayne Place and said she believes the situation on that street has improved with greater police presence since the start of the school year. She said she would prefer to see speed humps installed. Councilman Richard Hrbek, who is also against sidewalks, has said increased enforcement of current laws could help alleviate many of the problems.

Councilman Glenn Beckmeyer said he believes a loop at the school would solve most of the issues and would be better than installing sidewalks. He also said he fears an outside source won't adequately investigate the options other than sidewalks.

Council President Joseph D'Urso has called the issue a "no-win situation." He has suggested not allowing parking on Wayne Place to try to increase safety or put speed humps on the street. He said whatever the council decides, it will not make everybody happy but that something needs to be done.

D'Urso said he'll put a resolution on the next agenda calling for no parking on Wayne Place. He expects that to pass 4-1 if a vote is taken.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Complex, 350 Hudson Ave.