Multiple residents spoke out about the reopening of Chairville Road as the BCIT school year approaches.
Many Medford residents spoke out at Wednesday night’s council meeting about the speed limit on Chairville Road.
After construction was completed on the road, its reopening has brought more attention to the speed people are actually driving. Although the speed limit has always been 50 mph, resident Mary Zaccardi shared concerns that she and her husband have witnessed students racing down the road when it was in poor condition, therefore the newly paved road may result in even faster speeds.
“After many years of closure, it is a pleasure to use our road in both directions; however, the reopening of Chairville Road has created a new set of problems for the residents,” Zaccardi said. “I worry about what will take place now that the road is smooth as glass.”
Medford resident Aniko Somogyi referred to Chairville Road as the “BCIT speedway,” stating that once school starts the students will continue to race down that road, creating concerns for the safety of residents, especially children, who often walk, jog and bike nearby.
“I have, over the years, witnessed BCIT students fly down the road at breakneck speeds,” Somogyi said. “This road needs to have a 25 mph speed limit for the safety of those who recreate on it, and believe me, there are many.”
Somogyi also suggested that if the speed limit is lowered, for speed bumps to be implemented to enforce the lower limit.
Mayor Chuck Watson responded by stating there will be a traffic study done once school is back in session to provide a more accurate representation of how fast people are actually driving down Chairville Road.
“There has to be a study, our engineer has to look at it, and there has to be a determination of what the appropriate speed limit is for that road,” Watson said.
In other news:
- Mike Panarella and Rusty Williams of the Burlington County Monument Committee spoke about their efforts of offering engraved stone pavers to be placed at the Burlington County War Memorial at Freedom Park. The goal is to give community members a chance to remember, honor or recognize armed service members or veterans of World War II and the Korean War. For more information or to purchase a paver, contact CavePan@yahoo.com or 13.RWilliams@gmail.com.
- An ordinance has been passed allowing the police department to alter rules and regulations without going through the council; however, the council will receive a copy of any updates as they are made.
- John P. Carroll has been approved as a new volunteer firefighter at Station 251; Amanda M. Hartwell-Mill has been approved as a new volunteer EMS at Station 258; and Kyle M. Askin has been approved as a new junior volunteer EMS at Station 258.
The next meeting will be held on Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Public Safety building located at 91 Union St.
