An extension to the county’s bike path draws environmental, safety concerns from two residents
By KRYSTAL NURSE
The Sun
Township residents Jeffrey Clayton and Linda Parthemer, who live off Mill Road, spoke at a recent meeting during public comment to inform the township committee about the county’s proposed extension to its Glassboro-Williamstown Bike Trail.
According to Harrison Township’s Joint Land Use Board’s 2013 draft documents, the proposed trail will go from Mill Road at Main Street, through the center of the township, down Harrisonville Road into Richwood and into portions of Mantua to eventually connect with the existing Glassboro-Williamstown Trail.
“The bike path is going to be 15 feet or so from our property and probably less than 100 feet from our house,” said Clayton. “We’re concerned with how people will be walking through there. We’re isolated back there. We’ve been there for around 24 years and only had one incident.”
Clayton said he has a neighbor who works in the Monroe Township Police Department and has told him about crimes he had to respond to on the Williamstown trail.
Wife Parthemer said they are fond of the view and the various wildlife that lurks in their backyard, and suggested the bike trail will deter animals.
The duo said they haven’t spoken to other neighbors and are for the extension of the bike path, but want it to be relocated elsewhere.
“We really want an update on the plans for the bike path going over Mill Road,” said Clayton.
Mayor Louis Manzo said he met with the county engineer and administrator, and they spoke about the bike path. He reminded the two residents the proposal was written in 2013, but hasn’t progressed because of costs, and it is subject to change up until physical work commences.
“What we can do is go out with you, and maybe a county engineer, and talk about where the potential placement of the bike path is, and if there’s leeway on where it can be done,” said Manzo. “You’ll have some idea on what’s possible, and so the township can advocate on your behalf, and maybe it can come down to adding some sort of buffer against it.”
Clayton and Parthemer disagreed on a fence, stating it would still disrupt wildlife, but suggested starting the path on or near Chatham Lane.
Manzo and Committeewoman Julie DeLaurentis, who was previously in contact with the two on the issue, said they’ll remain in touch with the residents to see what can be done.
In other news:
● Developers for the Motus project occurring on Route 322 in Harrison and Mantua townships and the Borough of Glassboro are awaiting for approval from the state for Economic Development Authority funding. The project is estimated to be around $380 million.
● Manzo said he met with the county to discuss several road improvements and trouble spots, such as the intersection of Woodstown Road and Main Street. He said conversations will continue with the county on ways to reduce traffic congestion.
● The township approved a resolution to go into a contract with AT&T for its FirstNet service. The service provides first responders in Harrison Township exclusive network coverage and phone service in the event of a natural disaster.
● Dennis Chambers, deputy administrator and public works supervisor, said the budget is off to the auditors and the township has until March 29, or the first meeting following it, to introduce it.
● John Storz, Nicholas Diaz, Deniz Ayden, Celene Duckworth, Michael Otero and Patrick Mannion were approved to solicit for Allied Energy Efficiency Experts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in March, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April until October. Township Solicitor Brian Duffield said residents must be registered in the No-Knock registry to avoid solicitors. If they approach a home on the registry, residents are asked to call county dispatch — not 911 — at (856) 589–0911 to put in a formal complaint.
● Chambers said he’s researching ways to get bathrooms, concession stands and a storage facility at William Wilt Park. He found a company to do a pre-fab (made off-site, shipped to the township), however, it costs $500,000 and would take several weeks to complete. The other option, he said, would be to build everything within the town, which would signal a spring of 2020 opening, but would be significantly cheaper.
The next committee meeting will be held on March 4 starting at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building.
