Light-rail train speeds worry mayor in Florence

Speeds up to 60 mph projected

By: Eve Collins
   FLORENCE — Township officials said they have been trying to work with officials at NJ Transit for the past year to determine how fast new light-rail trains will be traveling through the township.
   "I have tried to take the conservative route," said Mayor Michael Muchowski. "They haven’t been giving a response that is appropriate."
   Now Mayor Muchowski is pleading the township’s case to higher elected officials such as state Assemblyman Jack Connors (D-7th) and Gov. James McGreevey.
   The light-rail system will provide service from Camden to Trenton, traveling parallel to Route 130 with 20 stops. The system will pass through Florence and cross Delaware Avenue.
   The system is set to start running this fall, officials have said.
   NJ Transit officials initially told the mayor and Township Committee members that the trains would be traveling through the community at speeds comparable to those posted on Delaware Avenue and neighboring thoroughfares, about 25 to 30 mph, Mayor Muchowski said.
   However, about a year ago NJ Transit representatives told the township the speed would range from 30 to 60 mph, the mayor said.
   "We have been working with them (since then)," Mayor Muchowski said. "Now we’re four months away and still trying to get a resolution."
   The mayor met with NJ Transit officials last month and said he is waiting for a response.
   NJ Transit representatives did not immediately return a request for comment.
   Mayor Muchowski also met with Gov. McGreevey when he was in Burlington City last week. In a 15-minute conversation, the governor told the mayor he could not give any assurance, but said he would forward the complaint to the commissioner of transportation, Mayor Muchowski said.
   The mayor said he is trying to give NJ Transit officials every opportunity to respond to the issue, but is prepared to go to the next level by exploring possible legal avenues with the township solicitor.
   "My priority is to protect the residents of Florence Township," Mayor Muchowski said. "In no way, shape or form are they following the speed limits of surrounding streets."