Politics & Government

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.

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"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."

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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."


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