MAY 11, 2015 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, MAY 11, 2015, 9:50 AM
BY MARK KRULISH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The issue of sidewalks, and lack thereof, on Clinton Avenue returned to the Ridgewood Council on May 6 as residents came forward to voice their opinion on that issue, as well as the safety concerns held by parents whose children walk to Ridge School.
In February, the council approved a resolution for Clinton Avenue improvements, which included paving, but not installation of sidewalks as recommended by the Citizen Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC).
Councilwoman Susan Knudsen said the topic was put on for discussion at last Wednesday’s work session for residents who believed they were not a part of the process because they were not aware of when CSAC was discussing Clinton Avenue.
Many of those who did come forward last week noted that the lack of sidewalks on Clinton, as well as other nearby streets, is part of a larger safety issue surrounding Ridge School.
Anastasia Bamberg, who lives on Melrose Place, said the village is missing an opportunity to install sidewalks, but believes the street should remain closed to traffic during the day.
“I think Clinton Avenue is a great example of closing the street and I’d like to close more streets in Ridgewood to get kids to school and not have as much traffic,” she said. “I understand that the residents object to sidewalks, but I think they’re objecting because they think it will be opened to traffic.”
https://www.northjersey.com/news/safety-concerns-near-ridge-school-prompt-new-talks-1.1331339
As far as i know there are no other streets closed for children going to school so why is this one the exception, for safety reasons which trump any others sidewalks should be put in.
The town insisted on sidewalks on a ten home residential street. Why wouldn’t they insist on sidewalks on a street leading to a school. One used bu many children .
Be consistent and do the right thing. SIDEWALKS!
The chief of police, the village engineer, and the director of emergency services all said that sidewalks should be put on Clinton. So…..what the heck?!? Why are sidewalks not going in? The fact that no one has been killed is a lame argument, what one resident called survivors’ bias.
Walk like your kids live here (ha)
If sidewalks are put in, the street should be opened for automobile traffic.
Don’t spend $$ on sidewalks (to get the kids off the street and keep them safe) and then continue to restrict vehicular traffic.
But they will not do that… they’ll waste $$ on sidewalks and keep the street closed and the kids will continue to walk in the street.
2pm is spot on. If the town does not put in sidewalks, the village could be sued in the event of a pedestrian accident. That is why our professional knowledgeable employees stated sidewalks need to be put in with compliance standards.
The council is playing politics with this issue and should defer to the experts and put in sidewalks.
what about on one side of the road they paint a bright strip of some color would that work. anything for a safe
walking space.
I need to update my commenr at 12:56.
The town insisted on sidewalks on a ten home DEAD END street. And on a heavily traveled road near an elementary school they hesitate to put in sidewalks? Ignore the safety committee?
“As far as i know there are no other streets closed for children going to school so why is this one the exception, for safety reasons which trump any others sidewalks should be put in.”
One street near Willard is closed as is a street near Travell.
8:03 – What was the dead-end street? Was it Hawthorne Place?
I think that road should be a one way ,that would make it it a bit safer. then look at it. how much would it be to put in walks.
The street near Travell is not closed. It’s one way during school hours.
“If the town does not put in sidewalks, the village could be sued in the event of a pedestrian accident.”
The NJ Tort Claims Act bars claims against local governments based on discretionary planning and resource allocation. there may be good reasons for the sidewalk but avoiding legal liability is not one of them.
Never mind avoiding a lawsuit. What about simply avoiding having a child injured, or worse.