Who is responsible for keeping the Shabakunk Creek clean?

Date:

Share post:

Two recent Nor’easters have swept through Ewing Township leaving fallen trees and other debris in the Shabakunk Creek. These objects impede the water flow causing flooding into bordering properties. Who is responsible for removing the trees, branches and other debris from the creek?

–Earl Grell

Any removal of trees from the Shabakunk Creek will have to be approved by the state DEP. When and if they give approval they would only be removed when a long dry spell occurs so that machinery will be able to access the area.

I would like to know what can be done to make it safer for pedestrians and bikers to cross Wilburtha and Upper Ferry roads along the Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath. Both crossings can be very dangerous due to speeding vehicles.

The Wilburtha crossing is particularly treacherous because of the steep hill and sharp turn. Can pedestrian crossing signs be installed and crosswalk markings be painted on the roadway surface to notify drivers that they must yield to pedestrians. Can speed limits be reduced along the length of both roads since they traverse residential neighborhoods? I think 25 MPH is more appropriate.

–W. Scott Butterfield

I have asked our township engineer to take a look at the speed limit and also placing new/additional signs as cars approach the bridge. A traffic study is required in order to have the speed limit lowered. More immediately, I have asked our public works manager to take a look at the current signs and update them for more visibility.

askthemayor

,

CE-Ewing

Related articles

Community turns out for Allentown Spring Stroll

Area visitors turned out in force to brave the cooler-than-usual weather on Sunday, April 26, 2026 to attend...

Dr. Auntie mixes flavor, fundraising and community ties

One of Ewing Township’s most colorful new businesses in recent years is Dr. Auntie’s Gourmet Popcorn — an...

Bringing the Messenger-Press back home

Dear Allentown, Upper Freehold and Millstone residents and business owners, ...

Monks to transform former first aid building into meditation center

The quiet hum of meditation will soon replace the sound of emergency sirens in a former first aid...