THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF NORTHFIELD CENTER TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE PAUL G. BUESCHER
~ KEEPING NCT RESIDENTS INFORMED SINCE 2005 ~
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#465 TUESDAY OCTOBER 04, 2016
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OLDE EIGHT REPAVING PROJECT IS “DISGUSTING”
We have been aware of the many problems associated with the repaving of Olde Eight Road by the private contractor who was the low bidder for the County project. Mr. Eugene Wilson, from the County Engineer’s Office was present at our Trustees meeting last night and heard about many of the complaints, including several accidents, vehicle damage, improper signage and snarled traffic. It was clear that residents, the Sheriff’s Office and our Board are disgusted with the problems and Mr. Wilson, who is not at fault for this, was obviously just as disgusted and is taking corrective measures. I want to emphasize the fact that this is a COUNTY project, which the Township has nothing to do with. The following was sent to Mr. Wilson this morning and pretty much sums up the problems:
Dear Eugene:
As you heard last night at the meeting, there have been major problems with the paving project on Olde Eight Road. I had similar experiences to those of Deputy Wes Dobbins.
There was absolute chaos on the first day of school, both at the Elementary School and Middle School.
The paving company parked their vehicles on Leonard Avenue, in front of the Middle School. It was bad for the morning drop-offs by parents and buses. Similar problems happened in the morning and afternoon at Northfield Elementary School.
It took some convincing to get the paving company to change the location of those vehicles prior to the close of the school day. Leaving them in front of the school, effectively blocking the pickup lane for parents and school buses, would have been disastrous. Similar problems happened in the morning and afternoon at Northfield Elementary School.
I spent a considerable amount of time with BOE employees on the first day of school. They weren’t happy!!
We have received many complaints of damaged tires, dust, and unnecessary delays on Olde Eight.
The “traffic control” has been non-effective. All phone calls were referred to the Engineer’s Office.
The continual postponement of the paving conclusion has been a sore point with drivers. Approximately 23,000 vehicles per weekday drive through the intersection of S.R. 82, Olde Eight, and Brandywine Roads, many of whom enter the intersection from Olde Eight Road.
The email below from a resident sums up the problem all too well.
Sincerely,
Samuel J. Ciocco
Administrator
We are lifelong residents and have lived on Olde Eight north of 82 for 28 years. I am writing to inquire about the road project.
We, as well as the neighbors and businesses across the street from us, were unaware that the project was starting in August. When it did start, the safety issues were horrible as the contractor did not adequately sign or block off areas. We were told it would last about two weeks.
We own a local construction company and are appalled by these workers. They show up, talk, and leave. I watched them block the mailman, Mike, and give him the finger as he tried to deliver mail. Their truck hit our mail box and destroyed it and the worker said “too bad- call the city”.
This morning, a Saturday, they showed up early and woke up everyone. I walked across to Stans where one of the workers explained to a the owner and other customers that the project hold up was because of the township officials. We all find this hard to believe. Of course, they paved a very short area and left once again. By about 10:00 they were gone. It is sunny and here we sit with no workers again.
This project is now on 6 weeks. There have been accidents, loss of business for the places across the street, safety issues for the walkers for school, and I believe a huge waste of time and money. The workers do not accomplish anything and openly blame the city. Weather will be turning bad and I’m concerned.
Can you help us? This is really becoming frustrating. I have never complained before but this is quite challenging to continue to live with. Thank you in advance for your help!
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES ON FIRE STATION BURGLARY & VANDALISM
The investigation into the burglary and vandalism that occurred at our fire station is still ongoing. The results of the Sheriff’s investigation, including interviews and forensic test results will not be known for another few weeks. In the meantime, the station has been cleaned and refurbished and is now staffed with Macedonia Fire Department personnel.
