Commissioners Approve Road Project, Table Sidewalk Construction
Nearly two dozen Haddonfield residents protest sidewalks in their neighborhood.
The Haddonfield Board of Commissioners on Thursday voted unanimously to approve $397,000 a road improvement project, but tabled $94,000 in sidewalk construction along the roads after neighbors complained.
The road work and sidewalks were part of the borough's annual capital road improvement project. The road work on nearly 2,000 square feet along North Drive and Washington Avenue from Kings Highway to Bewley Road and Winding Way, was awarded to Asphalt Paving Systems of Hammonton.
The commissioners listened to two hours of complaints from residents before voting to table the sidewalk project until their next meeting on Monday, July 23. Neighbors said they were in favor of road improvements but feared sidewalks would have a negative impact on the aesthetic of the neighborhood, would remove trees and exacerbate potential flooding of key intersections by creating more run-off water.
"What we want them to do is look at other alternatives because there's a limitation of space in some of the areas to put sidewalks in," said Paul Zoubek, a Washington Avenue resident.
"The commissioner need to consider the concerns of those most directly affected by this project," said Dave Collie, a resident of North Drive. "I've heard no one speak in favor of sidewalks."
There is a sidewalk along one side of Washington Avenue, adjacent to the PATCO rail line. Neighbors also said improvements at the edge properties on the east side of the street, which extend into the public right-of-way, would have to be uprooted if sidewalks are installed.
Commissioner Ed Borden, one of three borough commissioners, told residents "I think we've heard your concerns."
Herb Hess
10:31 am on Friday, July 6, 2012
A good answer to residents would be "We have heard your concerns. We'll direct the Borough Engineer to review whether a change can be made to the proposed improvements" and then actually get back to the residents with additional information before proceeding.
The Boro is a monopolistic service business. They don't have to conform to the wishes of their customers as they are guaranteed revenue. Customers (residents) expect more for less, however. They get it in every other facet of their lives except for government and (at times) gasoline and food.
No doubt the Boro is squeezed financially. There have been no pay cuts (only pay freezes) and benefits still climb higher than the rate of inflation. We really need to look at what needs to be done from a capital and operational standpoint and determine how additional outsourcing/consolidation can provide efficiencies and effectiveness. I don't believe we have the ability to manage our affairs properly with the current management in place today. There are too many demands, not enough resources, and not enough scale to get done what needs to happen. We also need better management skills in some of our departments.
Jeff H
10:38 am on Friday, July 6, 2012
PERHAPS AN ANNUAL PLAN, PUBLISHED FOR ALL TO SEE, WOULD PROVIDE SOME CLARITY INTO THE PROCESS AND WOULD PREVENT THE APPEARANCE OF PERFORMING THIS WORK SEEMINGLY 'AT RANDOM'. IN FACT, ISN'T THAT THE METHOD THAT SHOULD BE USED FOR MOST OF THE BOROUGH'S EXPENDITURES? WHY ISN'T THAT THE CASE? WHERE IS THE FIVE YEAR EXPENDITURE PLAN?
Herb Hess
12:53 pm on Sunday, July 8, 2012
Jeff, You likely already know (but in case you don't) that there is a 5 year capital budget that the Borough maintains. The Budget Advisory Committee has seen this budget in the past, however, I don't believe it is published for all to see. I also don't know that any specific roads are forecast for repair up to 5 years out.
There are lists (or had been in the past when the former R&V engineer Charles Chelotti was our Borough Engineer) of roads with some type of evaluation or score which was used to help guide the decision-making process. Other factors play into the process as well including the total cost of the project and how that cost fits in with other road repairs that are required. For example, three small projects may total $1,000,000 one year, one large project may total the same the next.
Brian Kelly
7:40 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012
Both great points, and Herb, you are spot on when you say we need better management skills in some our departments.
Who was responsible for the decision to spend almost a hundred thousand dollars on sidewalks nobody wanted?
Has anyone in the borough taken a look at the condition of the streets near Radnor Field? Cedar ave. is in deplorable condition. Try riding a bike down Cedar, you'll be singing sopranno
Brian Kelly
8:01 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012
Try spending that 100 grand sidewalk money fixing up the roads in the "less affluent" area of Haddonfield. The reason the commissioners changed their minds on the sidewalk issue is because enough citizens made their opinions heard. People in Haddonfield are starting to realize if we make the effort we do indeed have a voice in the direction of our town. Our elected politicians work for us and it's up to us to make sure they do. If they don't, vote them out.
We need to keep informed and also support our fellow residents in the problems they face. If we don't the issues they face will soon be ours. If Haddonfield stands united we can solve any problem we face.
Maryann Campling
9:12 am on Sunday, July 8, 2012
When a group of people or an organization takes it upon itself to change the character of a resident's property....without input/approval of the resident....it is just plain wrong. Unfortunately, I have some experience in this area. I also remember when my parents had a home built in Bucks Country in the Fifties, the developers at that time, boasted that the lots had no sidewalks....something very appealing to city folks who wanted a less urban look to the neighborhood. Input from taxpayers regarding changes like this must be considered,,,as should the expenditures in this uncertain economic climate.