By darlene diebold
Staff Writer
HOLMDEL — Questions continue to surface three months after the tragic death of Alexandra Rose Miracle, 14.
Alexandra was killed May 10 from injuries she sustained when she was struck by a car while attempting to cross Laurel Avenue to enter the Woods at Holmdel condominium complex.
Attorney John F. Gelson, of McLaughlin Gelson, Neptune, filed a notice of claim on Aug. 5 on behalf of Alexandra’s parents, Michael J. and Zabel, against Holmdel Township, Monmouth County, and the state of New Jersey.
"We haven’t made a decision as to what we are going to do," Michael Miracle, Alexandra’s father, said Friday. "We had 90 days from the accident to file, and that is what we did."
Gelson said the parties named in the notice have six months to investigate before a lawsuit can be filed.
Mayor Art Davey said, "This was a tragedy. My condolences go out to the family." He said that he could not comment on the possible lawsuit.
Immediately after the accident, residents of the Woods went to a Township Committee meeting, pleading the governing body to stop delaying on road and lighting improvements where Alexandra was killed. Residents had asked for changes for almost two years.
Even though Laurel Avenue is a county road, Holmdel is responsible for any lighting changes.
At a committee meeting a few months ago, Ralph Rivera, president of the Woods Homeowners Association, put together a list of recommendations that had been compiled from several years’ worth of meetings, phone calls, conversations and e-mails between the community, the Township Committee, the police department and Township Engineer Edward Broberg’s office. The recommendations were intended to make the area safer to pedestrians.
"These recommendations represent what our community views as requirements for the safety and peace of mind of not only the residents of the Woods at Holmdel, but also for pedestrians and drivers that cross that area," Rivera said.
Residents of the Woods wanted improvements to the lighting, additional signs placed at the intersection and a lower speed limit.
The Township Committee has asked the Monmouth County traffic engineers to examine the site and to come up with some recommendations for improvements.
The county engineers deny that poor traffic planning was responsible for Alexandra’s death.
"The fatality had nothing to do with the traffic signal," said Daria Jakimowska, the Monmouth County assistant traffic engineer. "Nevertheless, we met with the neighbors and the township. In order to be responsive to the residents’ concerns, we will enhance signage, replace all of the signals with LED indicators and install a new pedestrian push button," she said.
Committeeman Larry Fink said Holmdel has also installed three additional light fixtures, and that a fourth will be installed shortly.
"The improvements that have been proposed by the county are just awaiting the township’s approval," Fink said. "We all were polled and are in agreement. The actual vote will take place on Aug. 26. That will allow the county to move ahead."
Although the county has agreed to some improvements, Fink said, there are still some things Holmdel would like to see changed. One example of such desired changes is a change in the amount of time pedestrians have to cross the roadway.
"We all believe that there should be a pedestrian lead walk. When a pedestrian presses the button to change the signals, they will be given lead time to cross the street safely. Now there is no lead time. It will make the lights all stay red so the pedestrians can walk safely," Fink said.
The county engineering department has not ruled out the lead walk proposal, but has not agreed to install one either.
"We just want everyone to be safe," Fink said.
Donations in memory of Alexandra may be given to the Alexandra Miracle Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will be presented annually to a Holmdel High School graduate who excels in academics, athletics and the arts.
For more information, contact Holmdel High School.