Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • December 9, 2009 Franklin Lakes Council backs police on open gate policy by Frank J. McMahon Agreeing with Franklin Lakes Police Chief Irving Conklin, the Franklin Lakes Council has reached a consensus that the roadway gates on Latch Lane at the end of Iron Latch Road and Ridge View Way, and at the end of Surrey Lane should be kept open for safety reasons. The gate on Latch Lane is midway between Ridge View Way and Iron Latch Road and has “do not enter” signs at both ends of that short road. There are no signs posted at the gate at the end of the Surrey Lane cul-de-sac, which leads into the Borough of Oakland. In an e-mail to Councilwoman Leslie Greer, the chair of the council’s Public Safety Committee, prior to last week’s council meeting, Chief Conklin stated his recommendation that the gates remain open and advised that it is also the recommendation of his staff and those entities that respond to emergency calls. “My argument, I believe, trumps all others,” Conklin stated. “Having more than one sure way in and out of any development can and will save lives.” He explained that calls for an ambulance because a child is choking or has stopped breathing, or about a missing child, or because a resident has suffered a stroke or heart attack, or someone is bleeding from a severe wound, have happened over the years, and in that neighborhood. “I’ve listened to and given considerable thought to a number of ideas that would allow the gates to remain closed until a police vehicle needs to enter the development,” the chief said. “Some of them have merit, but can anyone assure me, or more importantly themselves, that keys or lock mechanisms will work when a police officer is at the gate? The only way a police officer would use a given route is if he were certain he could pass through that location.” At last week’s meeting of the governing body the pros and cons of opening the gates permanently or keeping them closed other than in the winter was discussed at length with most council members expressing mixed feelings about the issue. Councilwoman Leslie Greer explained that the police want the gates open, but the residents want them closed. “I’d like to see them closed so there are no incidents,” Greer said, “I think the residents’ concern is valid, but the police say the speed in the area has not increased and they need the ability to use the area in emergencies.” Councilman Steve Marcus pointed out that the police chief has said it is a public safety issue and the council cannot go against public safety. Borough Engineer Kevin Boswell advised that the gates were installed in 1985 and, in the past, they were kept open during winter snowstorms and locked during other times of the year. But the increase in the number of homes in the area and the construction of Route 287, which eliminated (continued on page 6) Members of The Franklin Lakes Newcomers and Neighbors Club recently collected baby essentials to benefit Children’s Aid and Family Services’ Baby Basics program. Baby Basics provides nutritional formula, diapers and other supplies to low-income families with children ages two and younger from distribution sites in Carlstadt, Englewood and Ridgewood. For information on leading a collection drive to benefit Baby Basics, call (201) 261-2800 or visit www.cafsnj.org. Pictured are Franklin Lakes Newcomers and Neighbors Club members Christina Tillsley, Nina Sharma, Gina Venner, Kathie Schwartz, and Rosy Messineo. Helping babies in need Christmas T & Wreaths rees • Finest premium trees and wreaths • Best prices in the area November 27 – December 23 Weekday 3pm-10pm Weekend 10am-10pm Ramapo College Baseball Field All proceeds to benefit Ramapo College Baseball Delivery Available Paul Banach Construction, LLC Home Remodeling Waldwick • 201-689-0765 • Windows • Doors • Garage Doors • • Finish Carpentry • Crown Moldings, Cabinetry, Walk-In-Closets, etc... • Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations • Take advantage of the Energy Tax Credit in 2009 www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits Speak to your tax advisor to ascertain if you qualify, as these credits will make a project more economical for you! Over 20 yrs. exp. • Senior Citizen Discount • Ref available upon request All work performed by owner • Free Estimates Paulbanachconstruction.com 11-25-09 joan/janine RamapoCollegeBaseball2x2(11-25-09) 2 x 2” 11-25-09....Mike....from Janine PaulBanach2x2(11-25-09) 2x2”