State eyes truck lot for Molly Pitcher

[news]

State eyes truck lot for Molly Pitcher

By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
Posted: Friday, January 18, 2008 10:42 AM EST

CRANBURY — A new study released by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority is pinpointing Cranbury as a potential site for truck parking near the Molly Pitcher Service Area on the N.J. Turnpike.

According to the study, the proposed site, a 22-acre parcel west of the Molly Pitcher Service Area, could provide 300 to 450 spaces, said NJTPA Public Affairs Manager David Behrend.

”Right now it’s a concept,” Mr. Behrend said. “It’s a preliminary recommendation. If nothing else this study demonstrates there’s a real need in this region (for parking).”

Township Committee members said Monday that a face-to-face meeting between Cranbury and the NJTPA was in order.

”It seemed to me it was happening behind closed doors and going quickly,” said Township Engineer Cathleen Marcelli.

Committee members also are hoping to address potential problems for the site with Monroe officials because of the neighboring township’s close proximity to the future rest stop.

Committee members were particularly concerned that the rest stop could cause congestion on township roads and that it would mean an increase in manpower for the police to monitor the site.

If the project progresses, Mr. Behrend said that either the NJTPA, the state Department of Transportation or the N.J. Turnpike Authority would begin a dialogue with Cranbury officials.

”It’s a preliminary recommendation,” Mr. Behrend said. “Certainly there would be public outreach.”

The recommendations are so preliminary that Mr. Behrend said he was unsure how the project would be funded and was hesitant in providing a timeframe.

”It hasn’t gotten that far along where we would know more specifics,” he said.

Township Committeeman Richard Stannard said township officials and professionals are expecting to meet with state representatives concerning the matter sometime within the next month.
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http://www.packetonline.com/articles/2008/01/18/cranbury_press/news/doc4790c7de237f7526896899.prt