Montgomery planners seek sidewalks in all new projects

Long-range plan also includes sidewalks along much of Route 206 south of Route 518.

By: Paul Sisolak
   MONTGOMERY — An ordinance requiring sidewalks in new developments was recommended Monday night by the Township Planning Board with the aim of encouraging pedestrian travel.
   The ordinance, introduced by the Township Committee last week and referred to the Planning Board for input and recommendations, amends previous land- development ordinances that made sidewalks optional for developers. Builders will have to include sidewalks in any township development if the new measure is adopted.
   The Montgomery Transportation Advisory Committee and Pedestrian Subcommittee originally suggested the changes to supplement new loop roads designed to guide traffic around the Route 206-518 intersection that were approved by the Planning Board last month.
   Subcommittee chairwoman and Planning Board member Sarah Roberts said some loop-road sidewalks are still under consideration by the board.
   "We’ll have to choose those," she said. "Some of them will have sidewalks and some will not be appropriate for pedestrians."
   Planning Board members also said the long-range plan is to have sidewalks constructed in some developed areas that have none and to extend existing sidewalks to fill in gaps. Who would pay for construction of sidewalks along developed properties was not discussed.
   Under that long-term plan, the east side of Route 206 would include a walkway from the Princeton Avenue intersection north to Montgomery Road, turning east on Montgomery Road with a pedestrian connection up to the Rocky Hill Cemetery before the road becomes Montgomery Avenue in Rocky Hill.
   On the west of Route 206, a sidewalk connecting the intersection with Cherry Valley Road and the Village Shopper, across from Montgomery Shopping Center, is also proposed, Ms. Roberts added.
   Provisions for bicycle paths throughout the township are also included in the ordinance.
   Township Planner Cindy Coppola said homes in the residential district of the Sourland Mountain are exempt from the sidewalk mandate.
   She hoped to see a sidewalk connector from Route 206 along Route 518 past the vicinity of the Princeton Gamma Tech building. The connector would provide better access for pedestrians from Rocky Hill, she said.
   The ordinance, said Mayor Louise Wilson, is a meaningful step for the township, signaling a change in policy. She was pleased to see sidewalks become a township expectancy.
   Township Administrator Donato Nieman said the ordinance will hopefully encourage walking instead of driving, especially during rush hour at the Route 206-518 intersection when traffic becomes heavily congested.
   "Given traffic," he said, "you could make better time walking than in your car."
   A public hearing and a vote on adoption of the ordinance should take place at Thursday’s Township Committee meeting, Mr. Nieman said.