Letter to the editor
We could save money by eliminating the overuse of traffic control signs and lights. Cherry Hill, a once sought-after suburban haven, has become, over the years, an incredible eyesore due to the never-ending placement of roadway signs, traffic and/or pedestrian, by our well-intentioned department of public works. I realize we need some information to keep us safe, but really, how many times do we have to be told that the speed limit is 25mph — and at what cost?
Not only has every inch of Cherry Hill been inundated by expensive, redundant and, in many cases, superfluous signage, but the DPW feels it’s necessary to waste even more taxpayer money by painting those same numbers on the streets — basically, government-created graffiti.
My wife and I counted at least 14 traffic lights suspended above the intersection of Chapel Avenue and Haddonfield Road.
Look at the crossing at Cropwell Road and Rabbit Run.
It is shocking to see how many lights, in addition to crossing guards, it takes to cross that intersection. I realize this is a school zone (my wife taught at Beck Middle School for many years), but do we really need all of those lights? Statistically, how many children have been injured crossing this one intersection?
My less-than-scientific research online indicates a traffic light price can range from $100,000 to $800,000 installed. No, that’s not a misprint.
Either the people who do purchasing for Cherry Hill think our residents lack common sense as drivers, or someone is getting rich on kickbacks.
There are many picturesque, well-planned towns in New Jersey. It’s too bad Cherry Hill is not one of them.
Lee and Fran Rappaport
