Odd intersection will become four-way stop
BY VICTORIA HURLEY-SCHUBERT
Staff Writer

MARLBORO - The implementation of a four-way stop at the intersection of Spring Valley and Texas roads received reluctant approval from the Township Council after much debate at the council's April 26 meeting.

Residents who live near Spring Valley and Texas roads said they would rather see a traffic light installed at the intersection because they fear motorists will ignore a stop sign.

At the present time, only motorists driving on Texas Road have a stop sign at the intersection with Spring Valley Road.

Municipal officials indicated that the state Department of Transportation has denied a request to place a traffic light at that intersection.

During the public hearing on the ordinance to create the four-way stop, Danny Matarese, who lives at the intersection, said, "I'd rather see nothing than a four-way stop."

He said several factors that will impact traffic now, such as the new Shoppes at Old Bridge and other new development, were not part of a traffic study that was done in 2005.

The Shoppes at Old Bridge is a retail shopping center that has been built at the intersection of Route 9 and Texas Road. The shopping center was scheduled to open this week.

"It's us doing something ... to do nothing is senseless," Councilwoman Patti Morelli said in response to public comment.

The intersection of Spring Valley and Texas roads will also have enhanced geometry, said Township Engineer James Priolo. Changes will include wider lanes, larger turning radii, left turn lanes on Texas Road, separate right turn movements off Spring Valley Road, and wider shoulder areas, according to the engineer.

"This scheme with other miscellaneous improvements should dramatically enhance sight distance and safety," Priolo added.

Council members said if the intersection was still an issue after the planned improvements are completed, the township will reapply to the DOT for a traffic light.

In other business, a road improvement project for the intersection of Gordons Corner and Robertsville roads was unanimously approved. The existing pavement will be ripped out, the intersection will be realigned and a traffic control median will be added, said Priolo. The road will be graded and the drainage will be improved, he added.

A. Montone Construction of Holmdel was awarded the contract for its bid of $423,163.

The council also approved the sale of a new plenary distribution license. The license for a new liquor store will be auctioned off on July 11 with a minimum bid of $700,000.

And:

+ The council's meeting dates for June were changed from June 7 and June 21 to June 14 and June 28.

+ Council members approved the purchase of a new police vehicle for the K-9 unit. A new 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe will be purchased from Day Chevrolet in Monroeville for $29,672.

+ The council is accepting requests for proposals for an integrated permitting software system to digitize and streamline the permitting application process. The township will also be able to keep track of resident complaints and permitting activities with the software.

+ State Assembly members Jennifer Beck and Michael Panter offered updates from Trenton that included information about the upcoming property tax rebate, the health of the state's hospitals and ideas on excusing veterans from having to pay state income taxes.

The council held its April 26 meeting at the Greenbriar adult community, Robertsville Road.