The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].

Question:

Dear Mayor Coles

First and foremost I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for all the township does for us Lakewood residents on a daily basis.

I would like to bring to your attention an intersection that is the cause for congestion and I would like to propose an idea that would alleviate most of the problem.

County line Road at ridge Ave (eastbound) experiences back up, at times up to a quarter mile, maybe even more. This backup is not limited to rush hour and can happen at any time during the day when there is an influx of cars.

This can easily be resolved by creating a YIELD RIGHT turn or a RIGHT TURN LANE & SIGNAL(as found at the next traffic light – Lanes mill rd at Joe Parker), as many travelers are simply trying to make a right turn onto ridge Ave.

Recently, there was work that restructured the intersection, adding a left turn light and a left turn lane, but the very crucial right turn was overlooked causing the above mentioned back up.

Thank you

Response from Mayor Coles:

This is part of a project the county is currently designing. The township gave them the lot on the SE side of the intersection so they could construct an extended right-hand turn lane as well as maintaining the through and left turn lanes.

The out the turn signal in to help alleviate a very dangerous situation. It was not intended to be the ultimate solution. They also acknowledge the short approach lane is insufficient and hope to have it taken care of soon

Ray

Question:

Hi as a resident of the Lakewood area now for 8 years and I see a very high accident numbers at the intersection of cedar bridge and New Hampshire I am requesting for you to put in all directions only a left turn arrow on green and should be red the rest of the time till the next traffic turn.

Hope to hear response soon

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good afternoon

I agree, we have way too many accidents there. I forwarded your suggestion to the county engineer

Thanks

Ray

Question:

Dear Mayor Coles,

I hope this message finds you well. First, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank you for all that you do for our town. Your hard work and dedication to the Lakewood community are truly appreciated, and I know many residents, myself included, recognize the effort you put in to keep our town running smoothly.

I’m writing to bring up two concerns that I hope can be addressed for the betterment of our community:

1. Crossing Guard at Pine and Washington:
This intersection becomes extremely busy during peak hours and very difficult to make a left turn off of Washington on to pine which backs up Washington, Until a traffic light is installed, would it be possible to assign a crossing guard during those high-traffic times?

2. Safety and Cleanliness in Downtown Lakewood:
Recently, downtown—particularly around 2nd Street—has become noticeably dirtier and less safe. I’ve personally witnessed what appeared to be drug activity, including someone selling marijuana. This kind of behavior threatens the character and safety of our town. Would it be possible to increase the presence of local law enforcement, perhaps with officers on bicycles or on foot, to help deter illegal activity and restore a sense of cleanliness and security?

I bring these concerns to you not as criticism, but as a fellow member of this community who deeply cares about its future. I truly believe that with your continued leadership, these issues can be addressed in a meaningful and effective way.

Thank you again for your service, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Warm regards, Ben.

Response from Mayor Coles:

Hi Ben

Thanks for writing

I appreciate when folks take the time to point out issues that need to be addressed. I do not take it as criticism, but rather as assistance to help make the town even better than it is.

I forwarded your email about the crossing guard to the chief. We would love to put more guards at various intersections, around town. Unfortunately, we need quite a few more folks to be able to do this

I will use this as my regular plea for folks to consider joining the town as crossing guards. It is a great full or part-time job, as well as being an important way to help our town.

We have also asked the chief to concentrate more efforts on the downtown. Additionally, we will be introducing a Public Works crew dedicated to the downtown. Their job will be to keep the area clean as well as be eyes and ears to report any suspicion activity.

Thanks

Ray

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