Residents are concerned about hit-and-run accidents along Main Street (Route 29).
By: Linda Seida
STOCKTON Residents have been asking for something to be done about speeders and hit-and-run drivers on Main Street, and the Borough Council is investigating the option of contracting the services of Delaware Township police.
"It is being explored," Mayor Stephen Giocondo said. "We’re just asking questions at this point."
A discussion of the option to contract police services from the neighboring township will take place Monday during the regular meeting of the Borough Council.
"We are trying to get some figures about what it would cost us were we to ask Delaware Township for police protection," Mayor Giocondo said. "We are doing our due diligence. We are being responsive to our residents."
Cost is a huge factor for the borough of .6 square miles and about 560 residents. The budget is slightly more than half a million dollars.
Right now, police protection is provided by state troopers at no direct cost to the borough.
"We get police protection for free, but there are people who want more," Mayor Giocondo clarified Monday. "There is a group of folks that have raised this issue, and they have asked us as a council to look at the situation and explore it. We’re doing our due diligence and will explore it."
Although the protection provided by the state troopers comes at no cost to the town, it is not a constant presence.
Although no figures were available, Mayor Giocondo said he has heard the number of drivers ticketed for speeding has increased in the month since patrols have been stepped up.
"There is a large percentage," he said.
Mayor Giocondo said the cost would prohibit the town from hiring its own police force.
"It could probably cost us about one-quarter to one-third more than our municipal government budget is now," he said. "I don’t believe we can afford our own police force. I don’t think we can afford it, and I don’t think we need it."
Main Street is also a state highway, Route 29.
Officials began exploring the options after a resident, who is a member of the Stockton Public School Board of Education, told them last month that he and his neighbors no longer feel safe parking their vehicles on Main Street.
David Shearer said recent hit-and-run accidents have left some cars severely damaged.
Mr. Shearer has had a vehicle hit twice.
He told officials in March, "They come ripping through here both ways. It’s like a lawless town."
In response, the council asked state police for extra patrols, which they have provided, according to the mayor.
"We are very appreciative of that and very thankful of it," Mayor Giocondo said. "I believe that they do a good job, and I am very happy that they will patrol our town."

