LAWRENCE: Resident opposes Wayside Lane proposal

By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
   A proposal to ban left turns onto Wayside Lane from Lawrence Road has drawn criticism from one township resident, who told Township Council last week that it is the wrong solution for the congestion at the intersection.
   Township officials are pondering an ordinance to prevent southbound motorists from turning left onto the street, which is nearly opposite Eggerts Crossing Road. Motorists who turn right onto Lawrence Road and try to quickly turn left onto Wayside Lane often cause congestion for the cars behind them.
   The township had asked for Wayside Lane residents to call police Lt. Thomas Ritter with their reaction to the proposal by Jan. 12. Police officers were dispatched to Wayside Lane to go door to door to get residents’ input. If no one was at home, the police left a letter outlining the proposal, along with a request to contact Lt. Ritter.
   But Edward Wiznitzer, who lives on Darrah Lane and whose office is on Lawrence Road at Meriline Avenue, told the council at its Jan. 17 meeting that he was “disappointed” with the prospect of banning left turns. It is “the wrong remedy” for the congestion at the intersection, he said.
   ”Congestion at the intersection is not due to vehicles turning left onto Wayside Lane, but to northbound traffic (on Lawrence Road) blocking the intersection,” Mr. Wiznitzer said. “It is cluttered with signs, and lane markings that are overridden by the influence of the traffic light. The ‘Do not block side road’ sign, intended to keep the intersection clear, is ignored by motorists.”
   Mr. Wiznitzer suggested painting a white “stop line” for cars on Lawrence Road before the intersection with Wayside Lane. This would prevent cars from creeping up to the traffic light and blocking Wayside Lane, he said. A “Stop here on red light” sign would also be helpful, he added.
   ”With a little police enforcement, I believe such a traffic control at the intersection will keep it clear,” he said. “It will make it easy for motorists to not only turn onto Wayside Lane, but also exit out of Wayside Lane.”
   Councilman Greg Puliti responded to Mr. Wiznitzer, noting that the township is still in the information-gathering stage.
   Mr. Wiznitzer said he had “some concerns” about sending police officers into the neighborhood to seek residents’ input. It does not amount to an impartial and objective survey when the police are sent out to gather information, he said.
   ”It seems like coercion. The opinions of 24 people on Wayside Lane are not to be disregarded,” Mr. Wiznitzer said, but the motorists also should be considered.