Hall thanked for traffic safety efforts in Lincroft

The people of Middletown Township appreciate representatives that will sincerely listen to our concerns. Tom Hall — the newly appointed Township Committee member — is an excellent listener.

In April, the Leedsville Drive 25 Association (LD25A) was formed. The purpose of the group was to improve the safety for children, seniors, residents, walkers, runners and cyclists using Leedsville Drive ... not speeding motorists.

Once appointed to the Township Committee, Tom has taken the time and energy to listen to our group concerns.

He has attended multiple meetings, in the worst weather conditions to listen to us.

He patiently absorbed the situation presented, and then took time to witness the problem.

He cared enough to spend additional time becoming more informed on the topic of traffic calming.

Leading up to Tom’s arrival, the township had increased the speed limit enforcement and executed two speed-tube surveys. We would like to thank former Mayor Rosemarie Peters, head Administrator Robert Czech and Police Chief John Pollinger for their efforts to help our group.

Since Tom has agreed to help us, the following events have taken place:

• We were afforded a formal meeting with township representatives to present our problem and possible solutions

• Six "yield to pedestrian" signs have been placed in front of St. Leo’s the Great Church and Luftman Towers

• One — the first we know of in town — in-street yield to pedestrian sign. It is located mid-crosswalk by the southern end of Luftman Towers

• An ordinance to have a stop sign positioned at Leedsville and Turnberry drives. Children wait on this corner for the bus each morning. Traffic too often is traveling too fast to stop in time should a child step off the curb. The stop sign will hopefully slow the traffic passing the children in the morning. Sgt. Frederick J. Henry, Middletown traffic safety supervisor, deserves credit for this idea

• A north-facing modern flashing speed detector/recorder has been temporarily installed on a signpost at the midpoint of Leedsville Drive. It appears to be effective in reminding inadvertent speeders to slow down.

Tom has committed to work with our group to resolve the safety/speeding issue on Leedsville Drive.

We believe him. We feel permanent positive changes will happen without having to pester the Township Committee at their monthly public hearings. When you see Tom, please commend him for his efforts.

An avid marathon runner and Middletown "Great Race" founder he runs for enjoyment, we feel he’s off to a running start as one of our concerned representatives.

Mark Mastroberti,

LD25A

Lincroft section of Middletown