It is not every day that a candidate for office will admit a lapse, but Lakewood Mayor Ray Coles is happy to be the exception.
“We should’ve done better when it came to planning,” he says. Most importantly, though, the Mayor points out that Lakewood is already doing better – a lot better.
No doubt, Lakewood is a place that is appropriate and optimal for young Torah families, and that requires the addition of new development. And many new homes are in the process of being built, or have been approved for such. Traffic in certain areas of town is heavier during peak hours – and the Mayor relates how he and other Committeemen are hard at work to reduce it.
“We’re catching up very quickly,” he says proudly. “We’re working with the County and other authorities to widen roads and introduce new thoroughfares across Lakewood.” Some of the particular projects are to open Vine Street as an alternate to Route Nine; as well as widen and/or improve traffic patterns on Pine Street, Cross Street, County Line Road, Hope Chapel, and other major roads. There have also been lots of new sidewalks added throughout town, making it easier and safer to walk – protecting our children and pedestrians of all ages.
In addition, the Township, and the Planning Board in particular, have greatly enhanced their focus to ensure that any future construction makes a minimal impact on traffic and the aesthetics of Lakewood. This includes reducing the density allowed for new developments, increasing parking space requirements, and mandating more and better access points for vehicular traffic.
However, more than just talking about these improvements, the Mayor is unapologetic about Lakewood’s growth. “We are a welcoming town,” he stresses. “We want more young families to be here raising their families.”
Mayor Coles sees it as a source of pride that so many families want to call Lakewood home. And, contrary to the complaints of some, the Mayor sees beauty in the physical sense too. “Sure, some trees have come down to make room for vibrant neighborhoods,” he says, “but when I drive through any area of Lakewood, I still see lots of trees, parks and other attributes that maintain Lakewood’s beauty and suburban appeal.” He notes that more 20% of Lakewood has been forever preserved as open space, which is number far higher than common in other towns of this size.
The bottom line, says the Mayor, “If you aren’t looking for the negative, you will agree that Lakewood is beautiful – and it will remain so.”
What an Awesome Article, Vote Coles.
Mayor Coles knows, with all his experience, what needs to be done.
Be Positive and Lakewood will continue to be Great.
Don’t fall into all the hate talk by others that will lead to only hatred and anger. Stay with the ones that know what needs to be done.
Beautiful the app just likes to spread hate
I would like to say thank you to mayor coles for all his dedication and devotion. however it would be pretty bad politics to say this town is messed up. The beauty of it is something of the past its one big disaster any changes are minimal mostly just talk (like those traffic studies after a year and a lot of money = theres a traffic problem what geniuses) its time for real change you say think positive this is most definitely true but we need REAL CHANGE
you might think that I am old and senile. but thanks to RIBONO SHEL OLAM my mind is still active . Lakewood is BEAUTIFUL we should be proud that people want to move in here. [not to run away ] like in other big towns. Where else can you find so much CHESED going on where else can you find so many people that do so much for our town ? they are always ready to help in any situation 24/7.
It is true we are kein ein haroah becoming a little overcrowded and there is more traffic . So maybe we should stop building more homes . Sorry real estate brokers, but we cant have it both ways, This is my humble opinion. whether you agree with me or not is of course up to you. it is a free country after all. respectfully Bubbie Zelda.
“He notes that more 20% of Lakewood has been forever preserved as open space, which is number far higher than common in other towns of this size.”
very funny, most townships will never come near to using all the available land to build so it makes no difference if they freeze 10% or 20%.. they arent coming near that number