A resident expressed concerns regarding the ongoing traffic issues on Williamstown Road during the Winslow Township Committee meeting on June 23.
Winslow Township resident and business owner Tina Briglia addressed the township committee during the public hearing portion of the meeting and expressed frustration with traffic congestion and the potential for accidents near Mongan’s Gas Station and the Wawa on Williamstown Road.
“I’m worried about the safety, and I’m not going to lie to you guys,” Briglia said. “I’m worried about my business, for them getting in and out of the deli, in and out of the car wash.”
Briglia questioned whether the proposed traffic light recommended for the area is the appropriate solution to the traffic issues, saying she believes it would be too close to existing traffic signals. She claimed that after meeting with an expert, she was told the recommended distance between two traffic lights is more than a half-mile.
She also shared concerns regarding the proposed 108-townhome housing development in Sicklerville and how the increased population could negatively impact existing traffic.
“I don’t know what the right thing to do is on that road,” she stated. “All that I know is a lot of people are scared to travel that road, and so am I. And I’m only asking all of you to do a little bit of thinking about the roads.”
Attorney Stuart A. Platt responded to Briglia’s remarks, stating that concerns surrounding the proposed housing development, commercial construction projects, traffic, and traffic signals are matters addressed through the planning board process.
“There will be an application made by Mr. Patron’s company,” Platt explained. “Mr. Patron’s company will have to satisfy all review comments and address all public safety issues, including traffic and traffic lights. Now, we know it is a county road, but we will have some input there as well.”
He informed residents that additional traffic improvements are planned for the road. He also advised that anyone concerned about these issues should attend planning board meetings and provide public comment.
In addition, Committeeman Charles Flamini stated that there are currently no applications before the planning board for the location.
“So, when it does come before the board, it will be advertised on the website,” Flamini said. “The planning board posts its agenda on the township website, so you can go in, look at the agenda, and review all the supporting documents.”
The next township committee meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21.
