Page 18 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • May 28, 2014 Municipality seeks ways to improve intersection If traffic signals were to be installed on Franklin Avenue in Midland Park at the intersections of Vreeland and Erie avenues, the borough would have to assume the costs of installation and maintenance and the liability involved, a move borough offi- cials said last week they are not prepared to undertake at this time. For now, Zoning Officer Mark Berninger will be asked to examine the intersections to determine if there are any line of sight issues that are in violation of local ordi- nances. Councilman Mark Braunius, who previously served on the planning board, recalled that landscaping restrictions had been placed on Franklin Avenue properties when the Capio track was subdivided many years ago. Prompted by a complaint from Bank Street resident Valerie Moore, whose car was totaled in a March accident at the Erie corner, Sgt. Noah Van Vliet, the traffic officer, was asked to revisit the intersection to assess the situation and the feasibility of installing the signal there. The intersections have been studied several times over the years, most recently by Lt. Bernard Van- denberg. Van Vliet recommended the installation of additional signage, possibly “Dangerous Intersection Ahead” signs, and/or paint- ing warnings on the pavement in addition to the warning devices already there. The borough installed the blinkers, and more recently the LED flashing stop signs in an effort to warn residents of the dangers at the busy corners, which are the site of many accidents each year. Van Vliet said that the majority of the accidents involved drivers from out of town unfamiliar with the dangerous corners. In addition to the problems caused by the topography, which makes entry/exit of the intersection difficult, Mayor Patrick “Bud” O’Hagan attributes the problems to driver distraction. Van Vliet agreed. Councilwoman Nancy Peet said that (continued on page 22) Vintage barn to be dedicated Midland Park’s new ambulance corps headquarters and the Bolger Commu- nity Center will be officially dedicated on Sunday, June 22, with an open house beginning at 4:30 p.m. The community is invited. The Bolger Foundation broke ground on the conversion of the vintage barn at the ITT Marlow property at 445 Godwin Avenue in January, 2013. The converted structure, to be turned over to the ambulance corps, will house the corps offices and garages on the first floor and a community center on the upper level.