Traffic and pedestrian access in Newark is a nightmare at certain times of the day with auto row on Cleveland Avenue always one of the dangerous choke points. And we’re not even talking about dealership employees who take their lives into their hands anytime they cross the street with an amazingly small number of crosswalks.
Everyone has an opinion on the topic and those views will be aired tonight as the City Council ponders a decision.
Options are limited and controversial. Newark suffers from a long-ago decision from the state to not build a bypass, followed by a timid to non-existent state land acquisition strategy along Cleveland Avenue.
Thirty to 40-minute commutes to nearby communities often occur, with traffic volumes as unpredictable as Delaware weather.
The council is considering the recommendation of the Cleveland Avenue Task Force to create a “Florida-T” intersection at Woodlawn Avenue and Capitol Trail, which feeds into Kirkwood Highway. Woodlawn Avenue would lose a signal with a right turn in/right turn out only and some pedestrian-friendly features are also included.
To no one’s surprise, the proposal isn’t popular with Woodlawn-area residents as well as a number of other Newarkers who see the plan as a way to expand hated bicycle lanes.
Critics are fiercely opposed to the plan, with one opponent noting in an extreme Facebook post that the terrorist tragedy in New York City occurred on a bicycle route. Never mind that Delaware is one of the most dangerous places in the nation for pedestrians, with or without the threat of terrorists.
The hearing is slated for tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Station #8, 410 Ogletown Rd., Newark.
Corrections
We incorrectly listed Lisa Blunt Rochester’s former last name in a headline and for a time in a story. It’s an error some of us old-timers make and will now become a sticky note for future reference. There was also an old million-billion dollar goof on Shoprite (Wakefern) revenues.
Thanks to our sharp-eyed readers for pointing out the errors. – Doug Rainey, Publisher
