The Villadom Times Weekly Newspaper Online-Oct 6, 2010 Issue

October 6, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Mahwah Township’s speed trap reputation no problem for mayor & council by Frank J. McMahon The National Motorists Association recently named Mahwah the worst speed trap in New Jersey, and Mayor Richard Martel and the governing body are pleased to have that title. “I don’t have a problem with that title,” Martel said at a recent council meeting. “The police department is doing its job. If you are traveling through Mahwah, don’t speed. I’m sort of proud we have that title,” he added, saying he has had a discussion with Police Chief James Batelli about the issue and Martel told him to keep up the good work. The council agreed. Councilwoman Lisa DiGiulio said it is actually good press for the township. Council President John DaPuzzo said he sees cars traveling at 80 miles an hour until they get to Macarthur Boulevard, and then he sees the brake lights go on. “In my years on the police force I’ve seen people killed in horrible accidents,” said former Mahwah Police Chief and current Councilman Samuel Alderisio. “I will never object to enforcement on Route 17, and I don’t consider it a speed trap. They are enforcing the law.” Alderisio explained that a speed trap is an area where the speed limit changes abruptly so drivers are often caught exceeding the suddenly lower speed limit. “The speed limit here is 55 miles per hour. I think it’s good police work,” Alderisio added. The National Motorists Association’s website urges motorists to join together in one organization to represent their rights and interests as drivers so “they will no longer be ignored and exploited by federal, state, and local governments.” The website lists what the association claims are the speed traps in all the states across the country, and attempts to warn interested drivers where they would be most likely to receive tickets for speeding. The association lists several areas in the township where it claims there are speed traps. Those areas include Macarthur Boulevard near Darlington Avenue, where the speed limit is 35 mph, but where motorists often travel down the hill at 50 mph or more; Route 17 near Macarthur Boulevard, where the speed limit is 55 mph, but vehicles often travel 80 mph or more heading north; Ridge Road near Mahwah High School heading north, where the speed limit is 40 mph, and 25 mph when children are present; Chapel Road, where the speed limit is 25 mph; Route 287 South after the Route 17 split; Route 17 near Robbie’s Music Barn; and Route 202 (Ramapo Valley Road) coming from Suffern, New York, where the speed limit is 30 mph on a curved road. Mahwah police claim they receive numerous complaints from residents about speeding vehicles on township roadways and when they assign police officers to monitor those locations. In addition, traffic stops for speeding often reveal other violations, including drivers who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, and drivers who are transporting drugs through the township. The visible presence of law enforcement deters criminal activity, according to police. Two bright lights Allen A. Ghorashi, DDS 545 Island Road, Suite #1A Ramsey, New Jersey 07446 201-818-6565 Gianna Rose, age 3, enjoyed the ﬁreworks at Mahwah Day. West Milford Animal Shelter Walk-A-Dog-Thon Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010 • 11am-3pm (Raindate: Oct. 24) Wawayanda State Park • Warwick Tpke • Hewitt, NJ Take a walk in the park and help homeless animals, raise funds and you could win 1 of 4 prizes. • GRAND PRIZE - $400 • $300 - ShopRite Gift Certificate courtesy of Free Goodie Bag for every dog. • $230 iPOD Touch 8GB courtesy of • $100 Target Gift Card courtesy of Evergreen Farms Greenwood Lake Animal Hospital Inserra Supermarkets NEW CONSTRUCTION Franklin Lakes • $1,875,000 �� 834 Franklin Lakes Rd. 9-29-10 joan/janine Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-2111 WestMilfordAnimalShelter3x2(9-29-10) www.mcbrideagency,com 3 xA2” GENCY • REA LTORS 201-891-8900 �� Cell: 201-819-6893 Preventive, Restorative and Implant Dentistry for Children and Adults. All Phases of Dentistry including Porcelain Crowns and tooth colored restorations. Financing and payment options available. Visit our website at ramseysmile.com for more information and make an appointment to explore the opportunities to improve your smile. U PICK PUMPKINS Celebrating 100 Years! 6-16-10 joan/janine ValleyDental3x3(6-16-10) 3 x 3” rev2 Secor• Mahwah, NJ 07430 Farms 85 Airmont Ave 201-529-2595 secorfarms.com HAYRIDES Open for Hayrides on Columbus Day Oct. 11 McBRIDE Sat. & Sun, 10:00-4:00, Large & Small Corn Mazes, Small Petting Zoo