I am disappointed to report that council voted not to allow the administration a six-month extension to explore viable options for the Conover bike path to address safety issues for our residents who bike and run on that road. A complaint from a resident regarding this safety issue prompted the grant application back in 2013.
I clarified at the start of the Aug. 15 council meeting that I would not vote for any plan that involved putting cyclists and runners back onto Conover road, especially at a dangerous low visibility point. However, I voted in favor of the extension, because we owe it to our cycling and running taxpayers to address the safety issues that currently exist, especially now that we are on notice of this condition.
Interestingly, council members Hemant Marathe and Linda Geevers claim not to have known about the proposed bike path even though the plan was a part of their council packet supporting the Dec. 12, 2015 vote on resolution 2015-R246, applying for the first grant extension (p. 63-66).
Council’s 3-2 vote on Monday night guaranteed that we have lost the DOT grant funds to address the safety issue. This doesn’t mean that the safety issue goes away. When a viable solution is identified, it will have to be implemented, but this time, on the taxpayers’ dime.
While opposition from residents of Galston Drive was loud and clear at the public and council meetings, numerous comments in support of the bike path have been received via the township website. This is not a one-sided issue.
I believe that council’s vote to let the grant lapse lacked objective consideration and was fiscally irresponsible. Refusing to vote for the extension doesn’t end the issue. It only rejects the DOT funds we could have used to address it. We’ve lost sight of what’s important for our town.
Ayesha Hamilton
Hamilton is a member of West Windsor Township Council.
