In regards to “Residents hear options for improving pedestrian and bicycle safety in two shore towns.”
With appreciation for James Rutala grant writer and the grant to improve the safety of our streets and highways, he is correct in his statements. “You are an important part of the process,” Rutala told those attending the Margate meeting on Wednesday, March 29. “A plan like this requires consensus.”
Sadly, only a handful of residents and homeowners were in attendance, mainly because the majority of those people who will be grossly affected by a bike path, the homeowners along Atlantic Avenue and the beach block, are out of town.
These homeowners should be notified by telephone and by letter the exact information regarding the options being proposed so they can be well informed and included in finding an option that can work for everyone.
(editors note: DownbeachBUZZ.com & ACprimetime.com were both created to provide better communication with 2nd homeowners & visitors)
Parking along Atlantic Avenue is extremely difficult for residents and beachgoers. The beach is the lifeline of our beach town. Any reduction in parking will grossly affect Ventnor as a beach town.
While Margate may have needed a bike path, Ventnor taxpayers pay to have a boardwalk, which includes bike riding for everyone.
Unfortunately, the engineer at the meeting did not offer a long-term comprehensive report on his traffic study research regarding the safety statics of the Ventnor Boardwalk. More focus should be given to a bike route for the boardwalk, which will make better sense for commuters.
There are very few, if any, school children riding bikes across Atlantic Avenue to school, as mentioned in your article, because these homes are mostly unoccupied during the school term. During the summer months, when traffic and parking matter most to everyone going to the beach, there will be a great inconvenience and hardship on the elderly and very young children.
These facts must be considered first for the sake of our residents before taking space along Atlantic Avenue for a bike path.
I am in favor of bike paths along problematic routes for school children and residents to safely ride their bikes. I applaud a plan for safe pedestrian crossings, reduced and strictly enforced speed limits, which will be a plus for the cities of Ventnor and Margate. However, I am disappointed with the bike path options along Atlantic Avenue when a solid plan and new hours can be made for the boardwalk with no obstacles.
Commissioner Theresa Kelly said, “No matter which plan is recommended, it should take parking into consideration.”
The plan will not be decided until after the (May 10) election. I hope the next Ventnor mayor and commissioners will take all matters into consideration as Commissioner Kelly has for the convenience as well as the safety of all residents and homeowners of Ventnor City.
Annette Villari
Ventnor, NJ
