The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].
Question:
Dear Mayor Coles,
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer questions.
My name is Debbie Smith. I recently moved to Toms River/Lakewood area from Brooklyn, NY. Although there are many adjustments for a big move like this, my family and I are extremely happy to be part of this wonderful state.
As a parent who has to drive her children to school each day, (twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon), I am writing to discuss my fear of driving through the intersection of Rt 9 and Oak Street.
Making a left turn from Oak Street to Rt 9 is at best-scary, but feels more like an accident waiting to happen. Even though there is a crossing guard and police officer for a short time in the morning, unless someone is actually directing traffic, making that turn is almost a leap of faith into oncoming two-way traffic, hoping for the best.
I am suggesting that a light be put in at this intersection before there is a real serious accident at the intersection. (I am sure I am not the first one.)
Can you please let me know if this is something that can be done and how soon that can happen?
All the best!
Response from Mayor Coles:
Hi Debbie,
Welcome to town. I hope you and your family are as happy here as mine has been for the past 30 years. I’m originally from Brooklyn as well, with a 20 plus year layover in Staten Island!
I know this intersection well. The good news is that the state has approved placing a traffic light at this intersection, but it is probably at least a year or 2 away. We will keep pushing the state DOT to get working on Rt 9 and get this as well as several other safety improvements in place as soon as possible
Thanks for reaching out,
Ray
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Do you know how much more traffic this light will cause on Rt 9?
Just look at the lights on Prospect and on Cross to see what lights will do to the Rt 9 traffic.
While I agree that turning left from Oak to Rt. 9 is a combination of courage and recklessness, from my assessment, the traffic has become worse on Rt 9 when there is a crossing guard / cop standing there – particularly going south.
I’m not sure what the solution is, however, we can be sure that with the new homes soon to be occupied next to Evergreen Plaza, the problem will only get worse.
Open up paper streets it would alleviate a lot traffic there is no reason why residents and builders can manipulate the closing of paper streets it’s make me so Upset think about all the people that live in the nieghborhood not only the ones that come with a lawyer and the expense it would cost the developer … we also live here
Just wait till the new shopping Plaza goes up right next to evergreen!!
Who is responsible to make sure that the planning is done with the citizens in mind? A new master plan was just passed, who’s interests were represented? I am living here over 40 years I haven’t seen so much irresponsible development in all my years compared to what’s happened in the past 5 years. Someone needs to take responsibility for all the traffic!(and it’s not the State and county) we are suffering!!!
Let’s get real people, nothing is going to stop the developers from building. If there is empty land it will be developed! As new people move in the traffic only gets worse. The infrastructure can not support this growth. It is a fact that’s here to stay. The “cutest” part of this all; if you speak to any builder they’ll tell you they ALSO sit in Lakewood traffic! The clincher? They’re making millions off what’s causing the traffic. Boo hoo! & their probably not in as big of a rush to get to their jobs (as they are their own bosses). It’s beyond nuts that my 3 mile ride is now a 30 min “commute”! Any real solutions?