Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • July 18, 2012 Waldwick Two new police recruits were sworn in last week in Waldwick, maintaining the force at 18 officers in addition to the chief when their appointments become effective on July 23. Both men are lifelong Waldwick residents and graduates of Waldwick High School, where Sinclair played basketball and tennis and Finale ran varsity cross country track, held leads in numerous musical and theatrical productions, and was the president of the National Honor Society. Borough’s two new police officers take oath The two officers were selected from a Civil Service certified list of eligible candidates and interviewed by Borough Administrator Gary Kratz, Police Chief Mark Messner and Lt. Ed Weber. “I’m very excited to have such highquality people coming into the department,” commented Chief Messner. He said that Finale would be on the road after a short orientation. Sinclair will enter the Bergen County Police Academy at the end of July, Michael Sinclair is sworn in by Borough Clerk Paula Jaegge as his family looks on. Borough Clerk Paula Jaegge swears in Brian Finale as his mother, Blanche, holds the Bible. graduating in December. Finale, 31, has been working as a police officer in New Milford for the past six years, during which time he received numerous awards and was also selected to be a command pilot and tactical flight officer with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Aviation Unit based in Teterboro. He is a graduate of Montclair State University and the Morris County Police Academy’s Alternate Route Program and has 13 years experience as a commercial pilot and is an instrument and advanced ground instructor. He is also a member of the Waldwick Pistol and Rifle Club. “I am excited to serve, protect, and educate this community with the highest level of efficiency and safety so Waldwick can continue to provide the same opportunities (continued on page 15) Despite opposition from one councilman and several residents, the Waldwick Borough Council last week approved the corner of West Prospect Street and Hopper Avenue as a “multi-way stop” intersection. The change, which also needs the approval of the state Department of Transportation, had been recommended by the police department’s traffic officer to increase safety at the busy corner near the Waldwick Pool, Waldwick High School, the Village School and the athletic fields. The council’s vote on the enabling ordinance had originally been scheduled for June but was tabled for further review at Four-way stop OK’d for Hopper Avenue corner the urging of residents who questioned the need for the change and expressed concern that more problems would be created. At present West Prospect is the through street, with stop signs at Hopper Avenue, the busier of the two streets. “I trust our professionals and place a lot of value on their input. Lt. Weber is our expert on traffic safety, and a resident, and he held firm on his recommendation,” said Councilman Don Sciolaro in moving to institute the four-way stop. Councilman Greg Bjork disagreed. “It doesn’t look like we really have a problem, and it will just add to the confusion. Let’s look at it again in a year,” Bjork said. Lt. Ed Weber, the traffic officer, had reported 12 accidents at the intersection over the past three years, none fatal or serious, and none involving pedestrians. Wanamaker Avenue resident Linda Cannizzaro said the 4-way stop would result in traffic backups and suggested that greater police presence in the area would help to slow down traffic. West Prospect is used as a cut-thru to avoid the Wyckoff Avenue traffic signals. Hopper is home to numerous traffic-generating businesses. Richard Drury, a member of the board of adjustment, said that 100 more cars would be funneled onto West Prospect once the Village School’s Hopper Avenue access is permanently closed off when a proposed building program gets underway. He suggested making Forum Road a permanent egress from the Village School. Borough Administrator Gary Kratz said the council has no jurisdiction over the road, which belongs to the board of education and provides access to the school bus and equipment garage. Former Mayor Frank McKenna said that previous problems had already been rectified with the addition of more signage. He (continued on page 15)