The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].

Question: Dear Mr. Mayor,

I live on one of the streets off of South Lake Drive, and often make the first turn onto SL drive from the Central Ave bridge. They recently created a triangular median on that corner, with one lane being the right turn from Central Ave and the other would be a right turn only from SL Drive. The problem is, that that block is a one way street going from Central to Freeman Rd. (which it should be). There is no room for it to be a 2 way street. At times, I do see cars driving the wrong way on that street and subsequently make a LEFT turn onto Central Ave. I messaged the Dept of public works and all it accomplished was that they now painted a right turn only arrow at the corner of S. Lake (at Central Ave.). Since Caranetta Drive, across Central, was transformed into a one way street feeding the Central Ave traffic, (and going the wrong way, in my opinion), why not allow for left turns onto South Lake Drive from Central Ave so people can turn around or access the Lake and pond when coming from the Jackson direction? In my opinion this would be an advantageous use of the triangle median, and would not worsen the already heavy traffic on Central Ave.

Thank you for you attention to this matter,

Susan

Response from Mayor Coles: Thanks, Susan. We are working with the state DOT to make changes to the traffic pattern there.

Question: I want to preface my question by saying that I appreciate the efficiency with which the garbage and recycling is always picked in our neighborhood. The workers do a great job. I also understand how congested Lakewood streets are and why the timing of pickups is complicated.

Our recycling is typically picked up between 5 am and 6 am every week. The sound of the multiple bins crashing down wakes up everyone (adult and child) in the house and no one falls back asleep. Is there a time before which this noise is considered a nuisance? Again, I appreciate the hard work and how well it’s done, I’m just exhausted every single garbage day.

Response from Mayor Coles: We try to switch up the neighborhood with early pickup.

I was actually surprised when my cans were still full at 6:00AM yesterday

With the size of the town and the amount of garbage we pick up and the need to keep trucks off major intersections during the morning rush, it is difficult to get that done during later hours. The main problem is that the landfill closes, and we have nowhere to take the garbage. We always reevaluate our policies and will see what we can do down the road.

Ray

Question: Dear Mayor Coles,

Thank you for your work and dedication to Lakewood. I appreciate the improvements that have been made and your efforts to make our community better.

I am writing to ask that sidewalks be added along Lakewood-New Egypt Road, from Miller Road to Westgate Plaza, along with safe and clearly marked crossing areas for pedestrians.

This is a very busy area for people walking. Every day, children walk and ride bikes, parents push strollers, and residents travel to nearby schools, shuls, neighborhoods, and Westgate Plaza. Right now, there are almost no sidewalks, so people have to walk along a busy road, and there are very few safe places to cross.

I understand this is a county road, but sidewalks and crossings have been added to other county and state roads. I hope you can work with the County to help move this project forward.

As our community continues to grow, this is an important safety issue that needs attention.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jose

Response from Mayor Coles: We are investigating this area.

Ray

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