have their say at
NJ Transit meeting
Region’s growth cited as
prime reason for rail line
MOM supporters
have their say at
NJ Transit meeting
By dave benjamin
Staff Writer
Supporters of a plan that would bring passenger rail service to western Monmouth County urged NJ Transit to move forward with the project during a public hearing held Dec. 9 at the Freehold Gardens, Freehold Township.
NJ Transit has authorized SYSTRA Consulting, Bloomfield, to conduct a Draft Environmental Impact Statement of three rail alternatives in the Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex county region. The $4.5 million study is expected to be completed sometime in 2003.
NJ Transit spokesman Ken Miller reported that about 100 people showed up at the Freehold Gardens to place their comments about the rail plan on the record.
The three routes being studied are:
• a passenger rail line from Lakehurst, Ocean Country, through western Monmouth County, and into South Brunswick, Middlesex County, to connect with the Northeast Corridor line. This plan has been dubbed the MOM line;
• a passenger rail line from Lakehurst, through western Mon-mouth County to Matawan, connecting to the North Jersey Coast line;
• a passenger rail line from Lakehurst, through western Mon-mouth County to Red Bank, connecting to the North Jersey Coast line.
Opposition to the Lakehurst to Red Bank route was heard from Shrewsbury Mayor Emilia M. Siciliano, who said she represented 3,600 residents who strongly oppose the 27.7-mile diesel-operated passenger rail line. She said that on Nov. 18 the Borough Council passed a resolution supporting the 40.1-mile Lakehurst to South Brunswick route.
Public testimony continued throughout the afternoon and evening.
"As an organization that represents hundreds of influential and respected businesses in the region, we believe that restoring train service along the MOM alignment from inland central New Jersey to the Northeast Corridor are far greater than just alleviating congestion along the routes taken by northward or Manhattan-bound commuters," said Gregory Aiken, president of the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, Manasquan. "Benefits to the region reach far beyond Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties by providing an alternative means of transportation to job destinations, educational facilities, medical centers, cultural attractions and airports."
Aiken noted that in the next decade it is expected that approximately 25 percent of New Jersey’s population will reside in Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties.
"The MOM rail line is a natural solution for the mobilization of a population in developed areas," said Aiken. "Using existing track and right of way, the investment must be viewed as cost effective given today’s needs and tomorrow’s inevitable trends."
The cost of constructing the MOM line from Lakehurst to South Brunswick has been estimated at about $400 million, according to published reports. In western Monmouth County, the MOM line would pass through Howell, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Manalapan and Englishtown, before entering Middlesex County and passing through Monroe Township, Jamesburg and South Brunswick.
Aiken added, "We believe strongly there is no better access to the collective interests and the best of what our counties have to offer than along the proposed Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex route."
William Wood, director of the Monmouth County Division of Employment and Training, Red Bank, expressed his support for the implementation of rail transportation in Monmouth County. Wood said the rail transportation would be beneficial for people who were seeking and maintaining employment. He said it would reduce pollution and traffic congestion in one of the fastest growing areas in New Jersey. This is particularly true in the western region of Monmouth County, where the lack of transportation for those who are unemployed is the primary impediment to secure employment, he said.
In his public comments, resident Speedy Verosloff of Howell said, "We are at a critical moment in the history of central New Jersey."
Verosloff listed traffic jams, congestion, road rage, frustration and air pollution as some of the commuter problems that are plaguing the area. He pointed to gridlock from cars, trucks and buses and the noxious fumes they emit when standing still with engines idling in traffic jams.
He said the MOM railroad would be confined to a corridor and would take passengers safely to their destination.
"My own preference is the (South Brunswick) route so that we can travel toward New York along the main line, as well as Philadelphia and points in between," Verosloff said. "Passengers can travel to their jobs, as well as Rutgers (University) or Princeton. They can visit relatives, friends, see shows or athletic events, and they can travel in comfort."
Jim Raleigh of Colts Neck asked to have the Red Bank option dropped from consideration. He said he would like the other two routes to be examined as soon as possible, and the best route, which would cost the least amount of money, should be implemented. What is needed, according to Raleigh, is a state coordinated plan.
Fred Brody, vice president of the Monmouth Transportation Council, testified as a private citizen. He said that if constructed, the MOM rail line would handle the population growth and would help alleviate congestion by removing cars from roads. The planning process should begin now, he said, so as to identify future costs. Brody suggested ways to increase funding.
Resident Edwin Walley of Manalapan said, "Senior citizens overwhelmingly favor this. It would enable people to go faster and safer, and would clear up a lot of congestion on Route 9. It’s important that we get this MOM line done and it should be expedited as quickly as possible."
Resident Henry F. Kennedy of Freehold Township said he was concerned with an evacuation route from New York City in light of recent threats made by enemies of America.
"It’s a new world we’re living in," said Kennedy, who pointed to homeland security and suggested that trains could be used to help evacuate people.
Resident Louise Usechak of Shrewsbury noted that eastern Monmouth County has several bus and rail routes. She said the need lies in western Monmouth County, which is not served well by mass transit. She said the MOM line should go forward and should not be delayed by "pencil pushing."
Jeff Vernick of Freehold Township said he came to speak about specifics.
"The only transit alternative to my car is to take crowded bus service to Newark or New York City on congested Route 9, the New Jersey Turnpike and Lincoln Tunnel," Vernick said. "I must drive 35 minutes to reach the nearest train stations. The lack of train service to interior Monmouth County is daunting and to me clearly recommends that MOM must serve western Monmouth County via Middlesex and (South Brunswick).
Marlboro Councilman Barry D. Denkensohn described the growth and development that has occurred in Monmouth and Ocean counties over the past 10 years. He said that growth has contributed to traffic congestion.
"I’m here to say that I’m in favor of the MOM proposal, the (South Brunswick) commuter rail proposal," Denkensohn said. "Everybody knows that Route 9 has heavy traffic congestion that has gotten worse over the past few years. It is hoped that with a new rail line, many of the commuters will switch over to rail."
Denkensohn listed the benefits of rail transportation and said he hopes that action will soon be forthcoming.
Written testimony was submitted from state Senate President John O. Bennett (R-Monmouth) and Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-Monmouth).
In a joint statement the senators said, "Rush hour traffic congestion in the MOM area has become a serious quality of life issue. A MOM rail line would provide a viable option for New Jersey’s commuters. It would provide a long-term solution to a worsening problem. Stated simply, the area needs this service. The area is projected to grow by an additional 26 percent by 2025. Employment in the region is expected to increase almost 32 percent by 2025."
Similar figures were reported by Bonnie Goldschlag, Monmouth County planning director, who said that by 2020 the population in western Monmouth County will increase by 21 percent and jobs will be up by 37 percent.
According to James Schwartzwalder, project manager for NJ Transit, written comments on the passenger rail proposals will be accepted through Jan. 31 via e-mail at [email protected] or comments may be submitted directly to James Schwartzwalder, project manager, NJ Transit, One Penn Plaza East, Newark 07105-2246.