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Message |
    
sahm
Citizen
Username: Sahm
Post Number: 41
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, December 7, 2003 - 7:44 am: | 
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When i have been waiting to pick up my husband at the cut in area by the gazebo, the cops have come along flashed their lights & hit the siren telling me to move along. Am I not supposed to sit in the car & wait for the train to pull into the station there?
Also, I stay in the driver's seat when dropping off or picking up my husband, but I guess I usually let him drive when we go out together (i get to drive all week, woo-hoo!). I didn't realize this was such a habit until i watched my then 5 year old dtr having fun driving a toy motorized car at a friend's house. I was horrified to observe her immediately scoot over to the passenger seat to let another friend (who was a boy) drive, as soon as he walked over to the car!
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Dave Ross
Supporter
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5832
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Sunday, December 7, 2003 - 11:18 am: |
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I think it's more of a drop spot than a wait and pickup area. There are usually plenty of parking spaces in the nearby lot. |
Greg Spreeman
Citizen
Username: Mr_greg
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 9:38 am: |
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The answer is simple, it's easier to ticket a stopped car than to issue tickets to speeders on North Ridgewood. I live just off Ridgewood and it's rare to see someone obeying the speed limit. Since I've lived here, almost 2 years, I've never seen anyone pulled over along Ridgewood, not even on the side streets. If the city feels the need to raise revenues they should start enforcing speed limits instead of targeting stopped cars. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 888
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 9:42 am: |
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Greg: There have been cars pulled over for speeding on Ridgewood and other streets. In my opinion it is just as dangerous to stop a car in the middle of the street to pick up or drop off a person as it is to go over the speed limit.
The police should enforce both. |
Greg Spreeman
Citizen
Username: Mr_greg
Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 10:01 am: |
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While both create potentially dangerous situations I think there is a fundamental difference between quality of life and safety. Drop-offs at the train station by Starbucks is by and large an inconvenience, cars going down Ridgewood doing 35+mph. pose a risk to anyone trying to cross and other motorists as well. Additionally, when I go down Ridgewood it's only a matter of a few blocks before I am tailgated by someone who wants to speed...creating another hazard in case I have to stop suddenly. |
guessagain
Citizen
Username: Guessagain
Post Number: 7
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 10:28 am: |
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Plenty of cars get pulled over for speeding on both Ridgewood and Wyoming. My coworker got pulled over twice on Ridgewood in a span of 3 days (think he'd learn!) |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 894
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 11:49 am: |
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Greg: Drop-offs can be dangerous. Just ask the person who get rear-ended a couple of weeks ago dropping someone off while a car turned onto Sloan from S. Orange Ave and the car in front of him decided to stop and drop off a passenger.
Luckily nobody was hurt this time. I encourage the police to continue to ticket drivers who stop to drop-off (or pick-up) passengers in the middle of the street.
This is more than a quality of life issue. |
David Lackey
Citizen
Username: Davidlackey
Post Number: 42
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 12:09 pm: |
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The morning drop-off at the circle in the Transit lot would be smoother if the Parking Authority guy in the dark blue P.A. car would not park right there in the circle (almost every morning)! It's hard enough maneuvering around the West Orange commuter bus as it is. Shouldn't this guy be out patrolling for permit violations or something? |
M. Scott
Citizen
Username: Villageidiot
Post Number: 16
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 1:57 pm: |
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In regards to the warnings...Warnings are not required to be issued...Police Officers have sole discreation in issueing either a ticket or a warning. I hope that anyone who commutes to and from the city would have enough common sense to be picked up and dropped off out of the roadway, double parked in a lot is better then stopping on Sloan street.
THERE ARE SO MANY PARKING LOTS AROUND THE TRAIN STATION...I THINK YOU ALL CAN WALK A LITTLE FARTHER TO AVOID CAUSING A TRAFFIC PROBLEM ON SLOAN STREET. ITS SIMPLY LAZINESS, IF YOU DO IT YOU DESERVE A TICKET REGARDLESS IF YOUR A RESIDENT OF THE TOWNSHIP OR NOT.
In response to the speeding issue, I called a police officer who I play basketball with and he said that our police department does not have a traffic bureau or unit that is solely responsible to enforce traffic laws like most departments in Essex County.
PLEASE FORGIVE ME BUT THIS IS GOSSIP. He said that only a few officers even get involved in traffic enforcement. To further make me laugh he said that the one cop who writes the most tickets works midnights because their schedule is based on seniority. Probably why you do not see many cops running radar or if you do its after 10pm. So apparently traffic enforcement is not a priority during rush hour or daytime when its one of the most visible issues within the village, or maybe we need to hire a few extra officers.
Is this a cost issue to not have a traffic enforcement team because you figured traffic enforcement would generate some revenue for the town which if I am not mistaken does share a portion of violation monies with the state.
As Mr. Rosner suggested, if I am able, I plan to attend the next Public Safety meeting because this seems like something we should all explore.
IN DEFENSE OF THE POLICE, I DID SEE THEM OPERATE SOME SORT OF CHECK POINT A MONTH AGO ON SOUTH ORANGE AVENUE NEAR THE TUXEDO PARK AREA. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 897
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 2:15 pm: |
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M. Scott: There are police officers who use radar during the daytime. I think it is much rared during the nighttime.
Most towns do not have a parking authority with enforcement officers. The parking authority deals with the parking tickets. This leaves the Police to deal with other traffic issues and not have to deal with parking tickets.
The village does have an officer who directs traffic (the dancing cop) at the Valley/Scottland/S. ORange ave intersection in the afternoon and at the NJ transit lot in the evening. |
Mayhewdrive
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 696
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 2:52 pm: |
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There have been many times I have made arrangements to pick up a friend at the train station WHO IS NOT FAMILIAR WITH SOUTH ORANGE. It is very easy to tell them to walk out of the station & meet right there (or in front of Cait & Abby's).
As a constructive suggestion...how about posting signs inside and outside the train station directing people to the "passenger pickup area" (i.e. the NJ Transit lot)?
I believe they have something similar at Metropark.
It wouldn't cost much money & would facilitate directing people to the correct location. |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 564
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 2:54 pm: |
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I was standing outside of Starbucks today (7:30) because I really enjoy watching the madness that ensues when everyone is running for the 7:34 train. A police officer pulls on the street from SO Ave, waits in some of the “Drop Off” Traffic, goes down the street, around the circle, back down Slone into a Parking spot. He then proceeds to talk to a very attractive commuter. All the while the cars were doing the most amazingly illegal things; people were running like mad across the street, people are honking, left hand turns, 1 dramatic K turn. Two cars stopped to allow passengers out and the car in front wasn’t fast enough so the guy just started laying on the horn.
In my opinion the Officer should have gotten out of the car and dealt with the pandemonium of Slone St. for a little while. Granted she was a very attractive commuter so I can understand his distraction. But if this really were a problem that the police cared about there would be an officer there everyday from 7:20 – 7:40, just to keep the drivers a little sane.
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Mayhewdrive
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 697
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 2:59 pm: |
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As a corollary to my post above, perhaps signs can ALSO be posted by the NJ Transit lot entrance (next to Bunny's) directing people to the "Passenger pickup/drop off area" |
kevin
Citizen
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 167
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 4:23 pm: |
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Brett, I saw the same commuter this morning....
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M. Scott
Citizen
Username: Villageidiot
Post Number: 17
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 7:26 pm: |
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Well, Butch Larkin doesn't really constitute as an officer considering he retired from the police department how many years ago? He is within an intersection directing traffic across SO and Valley/Scotland for a few hours a day, WHICH IS NEEDED AT THOSE TIMES. The parking authority I see a lot more standing around down or sitting in their jeep then actual ticket writing, they could be visually more aggressive during the day I think, but I do see them out a few nights a week when I walk the dog writing those 9 dollar overnight tickets, For the record It was cheaper to get a ticket each night then pay for parking at my old building on SO Av.
MROSNER: "There are police officers who use radar during the daytime. I think it is much rared during the nighttime."
FROM THE MOUTHS OF THE COPS THEMSELVES WHEN THEY GET THIER COFFEE...THEY DON'T DO RADAR!
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Greg Spreeman
Citizen
Username: Mr_greg
Post Number: 5
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 8:43 pm: |
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Although there are signs posted on North Ridgewood in front of the school, "No Stopping No Standing," does this not apply to parents dropping their kids off for school? If it is, fine. If it doesn't, that seems like a recipe for disaster...comuter traffic, kids, stopped cars, main thoroughfare; even though there is a crossing guard. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 900
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 10:18 pm: |
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M. Scott. The police director will beg to differ with you and you are welcome to come to the next public safety meeting and hear it from him directly. If you think he is lying, feel free to tell him.
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M. Scott
Citizen
Username: Villageidiot
Post Number: 18
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 9:26 am: |
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I stated I would try to come to the next meeting however I work two jobs and that might be difficult...You posted information regarding the time and date over the weekend.
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M. Scott
Citizen
Username: Villageidiot
Post Number: 19
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 9:31 am: |
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I never accused the Police Director of lying, and im somewhat offended that that comment is directed at me, The Director has made no statements or no information directly from him has been offered. Im giving you an opinion and my impression I get from what I observe.
Others feel the police department fail somewhat on traffic enforcement.
(FROM GREGG SPEERMAN : Since I've lived here, almost 2 years, I've never seen anyone pulled over along Ridgewood, not even on the side streets).
Were all exchanging opinions and as I disclaimed some of my statements are gossip from the coffee shop. I know there is an official point of view and then there is reality. I know there is evidence of traffic enforcement by our police officers. However, is it to the degree that it has any effect on driving habits in this town or could be classified as noticiable...I think im justified in saying possibly not.
I know I was correct when I stated we have no full time traffic officers within our police department to address NON PARKING TRAFFIC issues or enforcement, because I called and asked for the traffic bureau and was advised, "We don't have a traffic unit, I can direct you to the patrol Bureau Supervisor".
Can you not see the point of view that some towns have a reputation as strict traffic enforcers. Towns like Cedar Grove, Florham Park, Chatham, Roxbury, The Caldwells are towns off the top of my head that you can't drive through without coming upon a police officer with a car stopped, or a police vehicle parked in a radar operating position, I THINK THATS IDEAL FROM A POLICE AGENCY IN A TOWN WITH A LOT OF THRU STREETS.
You give the example of our "Dancing Cop" who is retired, and a Parking Authority which enforces parking meters and does so by double parking in the Train Station drop off/pick up areas.
I recall I applauded the PD on several of their efforts in posts, and for their strict enforcement of double parking on Sloan St, and Check Point, but when it comes to slowing traffic down, I agree with Mr. Speerman, it doesn't happen. |
Allan J Rosen
Citizen
Username: Allanrosen
Post Number: 55
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 10:09 am: |
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The next Public Safety Committee meeting is Monday, Feb 2 at 7:30 PM in Village Hall. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 901
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 10:09 am: |
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M. Scott: You are the one who stated the police do not use radar. That contradicts what the director says. Sorry if you are offended.
No, the village does not have a "traffic unit" but we do have officers who are assigned to deal with traffic issues including using radar to catch speeders.
In my opinion all police officers should deal with traffic violations when they see them. I know that studies have shown that the same people who consistenly speed on local streets are the same people who make right turns at red lights without stopping, going through stop signs where visibility allows, ignore no left turn signs, etc. and any police office can and should ticket those drivers. The net result will be the same.
Yes, it is a budget issue. We have more Police officers per capita that Maplewood or W. Orange and we cannot afford to hire more.
I will tell you that one resident who came to a meeting several years ago complaining about speeding on Ridgewood, himself received a ticket for speeding the very next day. He laughed about it but said it was the one time he was in a rush to pick up his children at day care (He was going 43mph). He was glad that we were enforcing the speeding.
Butch Larkin (dancing cop) might be retired as a cop, but he is working part-time to help with traffic.
As I said before, if you specific complaints or suggestions about the police, then you should either come to a public safety meeting or put them in writing and send to the village (or to me through here and I will foward).
By the way, one can go to any town meeting in almost any municipality in the Northeast and hear the same complaints about speeding on local streets. It is NOT unique to the village but a widespread problem. The speed limit on most highways is 65 and if you actually go that speed you will be in the right lane watching the majority of cars fly right by you. On S. Orange Ave in Livingston, it is rare to see a car going less than 50 (posted speed limit traveling west). And on Passaic Ave in the Caldwells, one can go well over 50 (posted limit is 45) and not worry about being stopped ( you will probably be going slower than most).
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ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 155
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 11:24 am: |
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A big THANK YOU to the Dancing Cop (whose name I now know). He's out there even in the most brutal weather, and having him at the intersection of the NJT lot and SO Ave. has made it much easier to enter/exit the lot.
And thanks to whoever (Mr. Rosner?) made that happen. |
Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonhw
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 12:13 pm: |
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Mark, while we are on "policing" within the town, would you address the status/effectiveness/condition of the closed circuit TV monitoring/surveillance system in the town.
Also, can you provide a list of traffic related projects/proposals and status such as:
> SO Ave. Traffic light timing by the county.
> Left turn arrow signal on No. Ridgewood for turns onto SO Ave.
Thanks
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 905
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 12:29 pm: |
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The left turn issue at Ridgewood is on the agenda at the next Planning and Zoning meeting. I will ask about the timing of the lights at that time too.
I will get you an answer on the other question.
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katie clayton
Citizen
Username: Grovykndofluv
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 5, 2004 - 1:07 pm: |
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sahm......i have never wanted to laugh so hard at anyone befor...ru kidding? did u not see the drop off being built so people like u can stop causing traffic jams???? my blood was boiling after i read what u wrote wake up and read the street signs lady!!! do u know that if the fire department needs to get out...ur causing them to be delayed.... ur taking up the police time and ur taking up my time when i'm sitting behind u in traffic.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
tom vilardi
Citizen
Username: Tlv350
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 2:02 pm: |
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Sort of on topic - if the Village puts in the Tony Smith sculpture, the Gazebo gets town down. (Anyone know what the Gazebo cost the town initially?) Very short lifespan.
My guess is that there will be less people waiting there for pickup once the only shelter outside of the station gets the wreckers ball. |
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 185
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 2:08 pm: |
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I have never seen anyone wait for a ride under the gazebo. Commuters usually huddle under the RR overpass, or by Cait & Abby's.
People used to sit on the benches there in nice weather, tho. |
tom vilardi
Citizen
Username: Tlv350
Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 2:16 pm: |
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Ril,
I used to pick up my wife there all the time. I come from the direction of the Ambulance Corp., so the location of the Gazebo out closer to the circle was a prime location for her to watch for me.
However, rather than pull up across from the firehouse doors (for obvious reasons), I would make the loop around the circle and then head back to the end of the parking spaces along the vaiduct so as not to block traffic or firetrucks.
There were always a few waiting there or nearby - some near the station entrances too. |
sahm
Citizen
Username: Sahm
Post Number: 44
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 8:32 pm: |
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Katie, i doubt you are waiting in traffic for me, I am pulled into the cut away area right in front of the fire station. I pull in while my husband is walking towards me to get in the car. I don't know what else that cut away area is for? |
just me fromsouthorange
Citizen
Username: Jmfromsorange
Post Number: 64
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 6, 2004 - 8:46 pm: |
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sahm-
the cutout could be for firetrucks maybe? |
Howard Levison
Moderator
Username: Levisonh
Post Number: 54
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 7, 2004 - 6:43 am: |
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While we wait for the construction to begin on SOPAC, why don't we use a portion for a Jittney holding area? Just move the fence. |
M. Scott
Citizen
Username: Villageidiot
Post Number: 29
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, February 7, 2004 - 12:07 pm: |
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Regardless of there being a cutout in front of the firehouse...I have to assume its 100% illegal to park or sit in front of its driveway...cutout or no cutout...I assume the other side was okay...however, temporary no parking signs are there currently and cones blocking the area have been up for a week or two now. |
sahm
Citizen
Username: Sahm
Post Number: 45
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, February 9, 2004 - 10:16 am: |
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i'm talking about the side by the gazebo. there isn't a sign saying no standing, i don't think. But i have started parking in the lot and jumping up and down waving at my husband so he can see me if that makes everyone feel better.... |
katie clayton
Citizen
Username: Grovykndofluv
Post Number: 4
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 1:19 pm: |
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sahm.....come on.....really....is it that hard to drive in the loop of the drop off to pic him up?? or do u have to park and "jump up and down waving" ? |
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 188
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2004 - 1:25 pm: |
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Actually, sahm is right. Between the cars waiting, the pedestrians, the jitneys, the limos etc., all using the same limited area in the transit lot, it's not easy for train commuters to locate the person picking them up, especially on a rainy or snowy night.
At rush hour, you can't simply drive in the loop. |
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