Chesterfield voices Turnpike plan concerns

Township gets update on expansion project

By Stephanie Prokop
   CHESTERFIELD — Residents came out Sept. 10 to hear a brief update on how the projected $2 billion New Jersey Turnpike expansion project will affect the municipality, with several people citing concerns about a diminished quality of life once the project is complete.
   Turnpike Supervising Engineer John Keller acknowledged that “any impact on your community is a negative one,” and told the crowd of approximately 45 residents that they would not be receiving a sound barrier once construction of the widening is complete.
   Instead, he said, the authority plans on a reforestation project, which some residents said will do nothing because the majority of the land is being taken to widen the roadway.
   ”So basically you’re taking out the woods,” said one resident. He said the trees already create a sound buffer from properties and Turnpike traffic.
   There is a sound barrier to the south of the Route 528 bridge, in the southbound lane of the Turnpike.
   Mayor Larry Durr asked the Turnpike Authority representatives rhetorically what residents would really prefer.
   ”You’re taking out these trees … that provide sound and visual barriers. Would you rather be looking at a sound wall?” he asked.
   Mr. Keller also said Chesterfield is one of the municipalities anticipated to lose the most property to eminent domain once the project is complete. He declined to give specifics as to how many homes and properties would be affected, but noted that representatives have already made contact with those who will lose houses to the project.
   Those who stand to lose partial property may have not been contacted yet, he added.
   Either way, he said, the Turnpike Authority is “prepared to fully negotiate with these property owners,” responding to one resident who said she wishes to remain in their house until the end of 2009 so their daughter can finish out the school year without changing districts.
   Another resident cited concerns over deflated property values once the roadway is widened.
   Township Committeeman Michael Hlubik asked Mr. Keller if there was any recourse nearby property owners have to get a sound wall put up, and asked if there could be an earth berm substitute to a wall.
   Turnpike officials said that they would not be able to use a berm, because in order to get the required height, it would mean taking more space on either side of the earthen wall.
   ”Berming would take a lot of room, and it comes down to, ‘Are we (the Turnpike Authority) buying homes to build a berm?’” he said.
   A few residents had questions about the Route 528 bridge, which will be moved several feet to the south and will be less curved, making it easier for residents to see.
   The Turnpike Authority is rebuilding the bridge to include a left-turn lane onto Bordentown-Crosswicks Road. Right now there is only one lane, and many residents remarked on how dangerous it is to make a left turn from Route 528.
   Getting the left turn lane installed, Mr. Keller interjected, was a main sticking point for the Township Committee.
   ”Keep in mind that an additional 11 feet (necessary to construct the turn lane) will cost the Turnpike an additional $1 million,” he said.
   Several residents made it known that they had specific concerns over their anticipated diminished quality of life once the expansion project becomes finished.
   A Shanahan Lane resident asked what recourse the residents have if they have a problem or wish to express concern to the Turnpike Authority over specifics of the design.
   ”Will I be able to confront the Authority and say my quality of life has changed?” he asked.
   Mayor Durr encouraged residents with specific questions to get in touch with the Turnpike Authority representatives. Mr. Keller said specific comments and questions submitted to www.njturnpikewidening.com will be answered.