New Downtown Traffic Light Approved in Berkeley Heights

Berkeley Heights Township Council approved the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Springfield Avenue and Lone Pine Drive — in between Snyder Avenue and Plainfield Avenue — at a recent meeting.

This issue was the subject of numerous discussions at council meetings and in closed council sessions, and most but not all council members agreed it is a good thing for the town.

“[There has been] a lot of contact between council members and various individuals on either side of this and when I say side, I’m not necessarily saying there were adversaries in this, but there are two sides to every contract. Not only has there been a lot effort; there’s been a significant amount of angst associated with this, and I think this is a good solution. It’s a little bit of everything,” said Councilman Robert Woodruff. “I think everybody walked away from the table thinking they gave up something, which is actually what should be done in any kind of negotiation, and I think they each walked away thinking they got some stuff. Hopefully this will move forward and make our town a much better town with perspective to flow, which I think will assist businesses.”

But Councilman Edward Delia said he has several problems with this traffic light and was the only council member to vote against the resolution.

For one, Delia said the plan was supposed to include separate left and right turn lanes, and now there is only one, which may create more problems on Lone Pine Drive. He also said there’s already too much congestion on Springfield Avenue during normal weekday hours and this would only back traffic up even further. Third, Delia said the location of this traffic light would “destroy” the Exxon Gas Station business because residents won’t be able to pull out onto Springfield Avenue from the gas station.

“Every single person is going to have to make a right, go through residential parking lots or pull a U-turn. I don’t know what they’re going to do,” Delia said. “But that’s going to destroy his business and I think it’s sad to destroy one business just to help another. I don’t know what the businesses across the street think of it. I don’t know if they’ve been informed of what they’re in for, but I hope they know the problems they’re going to have there. I don’t think anyone is going to be happy in this town when they see the traffic light there and I don’t want to be responsible for approving something like this, and I am voting ‘no.’”

In response to Delia’s concerns, Councilman Thomas Pirone said numerous shopping center exits will be closed once the traffic light is installed. Therefore, residents shouldn’t have a problem getting onto Springfield Avenue.

Councilwoman Jeanne Kingsley noted local business owners, including the gas station owner, were involved in meetings surrounding this traffic light and this resolution meets the needs of all parties involved. She also said this traffic light will significantly improve the streetscape in the downtown area.

“Everyone had an opportunity to put in their two cents. These are all incorporated into the plan,” said Councilman Craig Pastore. “Everyone was in on it [and was] able to comment on the particular plan that we had, and they are all happy with it.”

Mayor Joe Bruno said this plan has been vetted longer than any other development in town, at least on Springfield Avenue, since last April. He said all area business owners were included in this plan, which was approved by the Planning Board a week prior to this council meeting.

Bruno noted that the streetscape in the downtown area will be improving.

Coach lanterns and pavers will extend down Springfield Avenue to Snyder Avenue. Plus, 7-Eleven will soon be going into where the Krauser’s is now across from Lone Pine Drive.

“You see what’s going on Springfield Avenue right now where the Gulf Station is; that’s where the Chase Manhattan Bank is going and there’s going to be brick pavers around there,” Bruno said. “It’ll be all coach lanterns, all brick pavers, and I think it will definitely beautify the town. I think the addition of a CVS [where the Pizza Hut building is now] in competition with the Walgreens will be a good thing. It’s going to be a 13,000 square foot facility that should be open within the year. I think it’s a great addition to the town.”