Democrats ignore concerns about Lawrence-Hopewell Trail

Richard J. Miller, August 18, 2005

To the editor:

Bunny trails to double diamonds — that's how Mayor Pam Mount described the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail (LHT) at a recent council meeting. After years of rhetoric claiming that the LHT would be family-friendly, safe and accessible to all, including the handicapped, the mayor's tune has changed. If the truth is that the trail will be diverse in terms of surface and accessibility, why does Mayor Mount and her Democratic council colleagues continue to insist that the segment of the trail through the nature preserve, Carson Road Woods, be paved with asphalt and be 10-feet wide? Why can't there be compromise in terms of surface that protects the natural resources of Carson Road Woods?

The LHT was discussed at the Aug. 2 meeting of the Township Council, only when I questioned the appropriateness of the trail along Lewisville Road, Princeton Road and over to Lenox Drive and back behind the Brearley House. The trail would then proceed up Fackler Road and dead end with no plan in place to cross Route 206 and reconnect with the rest of the LHT. This section according to the Mayor is "double diamonds" section of the LHT, using the ski term for an advanced slope. I would argue that it amounts to skiing off a cliff. To cross Route 206 where it intersects as a bend in the road on a bicycle is truly dangerous.

In addition to my problem with the design, or lack thereof, for the LHT through our town, I am concerned that my council colleagues have developed a pattern of adding controversial action items to the agenda at the eleventh hour. This is not the first time that this has happened. It leads people to believe that council is trying to stifle the voices of its residents. Do they not want to hear an opinion that is different than their own? Do they truly not care about others opinions?

Even if this is not the case, I have publicly expressed my concern with this practice and have asked my council colleagues to refrain from this practice in the future. I do not think it is fair to our residents, who deserve to have access to the government process and have an opportunity to voice their opinions for or against an issue.

Rick Miller
Carter Road

The writer is a Lawrence Township councilman who is seeking re-election on the Republican ticket. The Lawrence-Hopewell Trail is intended to connect the two townships.

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