Waldwick March 7, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 3 A new mid-block crosswalk will be established on Walter Hammond Place if the Waldwick Council approves Ordinance 4-12 as introduced last week. The ordinance states that the addition of the crosswalk would represent “an effort to improve pedestrian safety where frequent crossings occur. Specifically, it has been determined that a large number of pedestrians cross Walter Hammond Place between commercial buildings.” Parking is already prohibited on both sides of the road. Waldwick Borough Administrator Gary Kratz noted that the suggestion to add a mid-block crosswalk has been raised at previous council sessions by former mayor Frank McKenna. Walter Hammond Place runs between the Stop & Shop shopping center and the post office. The businesses do not front Walter Hammond Place, and people do not walk up the block to the corner of Wyckoff Avenue in order to cross from one place to the other. “Technically, that’s jaywalking,” Kratz said. He added that the council has decided to legitimize the pathway, which is used by many pedestrians who are seeking a short route from one business to another. Waldwick Traffic Safety Officer Ed Weber explained that, until recently, it was difficult to obtain approvals for mid-block crosswalks. However, New Jersey recently streamlined the operation, making it easier to gain approvals. Officer Weber acknowledged that many pedestrians already cross at mid-block on Walter Hammond, and added a word of caution. “Pedestrians must realize that it takes cars time to stop,” Weber said. “They need to take the extra moment for their own safety and make sure the drivers see them.” The proposed crosswalk would be located on Walter Hammond Place, 225 feet north of the northern curb line of Wyckoff Avenue and extending to a point 10 feet north. McKenna said that, in his opinion, crossing at the currently prescribed crosswalk is less safe than crossing Mid-block crosswalk pursued; space to be eliminated mid-block, because pedestrians are required to walk past multiple busy driveways. He said that, in mountainous countries, people follow the trails taken by the goats and have built roads based on the goat trails. “We should follow the ‘goats,’” McKenna said of the de facto Walter Hammond crossing. “People are going to use the goat trail. It’s the easiest and most expeditious way to get from the supermarket to the post office and vice versa and we should make it as safe as possible.” Ordinance 4-12 also proposes the elimination of a single on-street handicapped parking space located in front of 32 Harrison Avenue. Kratz explained that the person who used the space no longer resides at that address. Foul shooting winners advance The Saint Luke’s Knights of Columbus recently held the annual foul shooting contest headed by Gresh Streigel. The winners will advance to the regional event. Pictured are Gresh Streigel with winners Riley Toolen, Jack Walsh, and Lauren Toolen.