Community Corner

Letter To The Editor: Seniors 'Not Convinced' By Crossroads Mall Traffic Study

Senior Citizen Current Events Discussion Group also raises concerns about fire and police response to the proposed development

The following letter is from a member of the Mahwah Senior Citizen Current Events Discussion Group, which meets once a week at the . The group, which started in 2011, is moderated by Ramapo College Professor Phil McLewin. According to Dale Swisher, who wrote this letter to the editor, "People are supposed to bring in a newspaper article or something they'd like to discuss.  We go around the room and each person with an article summarizes it, and the floor is open to discussion.

We have talked about all kinds of things, such as the NYPD spying on mosques in NJ, the homeless man who was evicted from the motel, the local man cutting down trees from his neighbor's yard. One of the members said she would only bring in good news, so she brings positive items about the schools, or the Girl Scouts or the group of Mahwah residents who helped out after the flood. There is a lot of talk about the proposed mall, and the possible problems thereof.

It's a good group and we're getting to know each other, and one hopes, like each other. I started in August and am very glad I did."

Dear Editor:

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The Mahwah Current Events Discussion Group was very pleased to welcome Mayor Bill Laforet to [one of our March sessions], held at the .

Our group had lots of questions about issues facing Mahwah at this time, but we particularly wanted an update on the status of the . Many of our concerns were discussed, including traffic control, security, fire safety, and the effects of the law suits facing the town.

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We understand that there are areas still open for negotiation, and that the town's environmental committee is actively researching best-case solutions for flooding, water run-off, and air quality. Police Chief Batelli has told the mayor that there is no need for the town to hire additional police, as the mall will have ample security. 

The mall will be located at the intersection of Routes 17 and 287, and members of our group are not convinced that the is accurate. Traffic problems, such as access for fire, police, or ambulances, still concern us.

Our meeting was productive and informative. We want to thank the Mayor for taking the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. We appreciate his cooperation and are confident this open communication will continue.

Sincerely,

Dale Swisher

Mahwah, NJ

Also signed by many members of the Current Events Discussion Group


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