The papers have reported a controversy about paving scenic Aunt Molly Road. I grew up on a dirt road in Medford, and almost cried when they paved it in 1978. Because it was the Pine Barrens sand, the dust issue was not as much of a problem, but the improvement turned out to be just that because the road was safer and easier to maintain.
In the end, I grew to not only accept but to like the change. I sympathize with the residents of Aunt Molly Road for wanting to preserve the past, but the financial and safety issues transcend the romantic.
Several reasons cry out for paving: 1) the ends of the road are already paved; 2) the ruts can be quite hazardous, as can the dust; and 3) increases in speeding can be readily counterbalanced by speed bumps.
For those who bring up the increase in speeders, I merely suggest you take a drive down Princeton Avenue in Rocky Hill. You can only drive above 25 mph if you no longer want your front end.
Ken Miller
Hopewell Township
