Community Magazine July - August 2003

Power Precautions Slightly Speedier Trip to New York Tip: Use one of the three leftmost E-Z Pass lanes at the Brooklyn bound Outerbridge Crossing toll plaza. As of June 22, the speed limit on just these three lanes was raised to 25 mph, from 15 mph. Advisory: A barrier that extends past the plaza separates the three higher speed lanes from the remaining five lanes, so be careful. Note: Drivers who plan to exit at Page Avenue after the tolls will need to use the lanes to the right of the barrier. One of those lanes will also be dedicated to E-Z Pass, but with a 5 mph limit. Nickel and Dime As of November 18, 2002, the E-Z pass discounts for passenger vehicles on the garden state parkway have been discontinued. The discount had consisted of a two cent reduction, from $.35 to $.33 during peak times and a five cent reduction, from $.35 to $.30 at other times for cars paying tolls via E-Z pass. The New Jersey Highway Authority cites a failure of the discount to provide a sig- nificant incentive to motorists as reason for the discontinuation. Fire Prevention New Jersey’s greatest danger of wildfires occurs during the spring months of March, April, and May, and the autumn months of October and November. Because trees are bare during these months, sunlight is allowed to reach the ground and dry the leaf litter on the forest floor. Winds during the spring and fall can be strong and dry, thus creating a deep, fluffy layer of hazardous for- est fuels. Lastly, an ignition source can spark these fuels, creating a devastating wildfire. Statistics show that 99% of all wildfires in New Jersey are caused by people, either accidentally or intentionally. Since arson contin- ues to be the leading cause of wildfires in New Jersey, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the local forest Firewarden or call 911 for local police. The breakdown of New Jersey’s forest fires include Arson 40%; Children 17%; Miscellaneous 14%; Smoking 9%; Campfires 6%; Equipment Use 6%; Debris Burning 4%; Railroads 3%; and Lightning 1%. Bridge Out In January, the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders award- ed a $2,051,117 contract to Marbro Inc., Montclair, to recon- struct the bridge on Monmouth Road, formally known as County Road 15, over Deal Lake in Interlaken and Ocean Township (see map). The new bridge will have two lanes, side- walks on both sides, and decorative street lighting to make it blend with the surrounding area. The project started early in March and is supposed to last nine months during which time motorists must use detours for their North/South travels. Refer to the map for other summertime road and bridge clo- sures in the Jersey Shore area. A SPECIAL SECTION FOR OUR READERS WHO SUMMER AT THE JERSEY SHORE 56 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE s ” xc Life in the Get your trees pruned - Request tree work if you have a tree growing into your electric lines, posing a dangerous condition. Call JCP&L 1-800-662-3115 Get a streetlight fixed - Improve neighborhood safety by reporting a streetlight out. Call JCP&L 1-800-545-7738