TOWNSHIP NEWS ARTICLES

 previously published in

The Press of Atlantic City

August 2001

Buena Vista Intersection to Get Safety
Upgrades

-August 9, 2001- 12:10 AM
By LUIS PUGA
Staff Writer, (856) 794-5111

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP -Prompted by frequent accidents and a
petition, the intersection of Oak and Tuckahoe roads will get a
flashing light to reduce accidents, one of which recently resulted in a
death.

Mayor Chuck Chiarello said he has received correspondence from
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson that the intersection will
get the light, as well as stop bars and "Stop Ahead" signs.

"We are satisfied that the county has taken prompt action," Chiarello
said. "I believe the light will be put up as soon as possible."

Chiarello said residents have always been aware of frequent
accidents at the intersection. He said there are at least a few a year.

"We're not talking about fender benders," he said, citing that
Tuckahoe Road is a 50 mph county road.
Chiarello also noted the misalignment of Oak Road, where drivers
must cross Tuckahoe at an angle.

Chiarello noted a petition, distributed by intersection neighbor Gloria
Santiago, with 111 signatures of residents and non-residents who
commute through the intersection, in a letter sent to Levinson.

Santiago submitted the petition on July 12, with a letter citing
recent accidents, including that of Keith Desimone, 23, of Franklin.

Desimone was pronounced dead at the scene after colliding with a
car at the intersection June 30.

Beyond the lights and signage, Chiarello said the township has put
up a "Dangerous Intersection" sign on its side of Oak Road, and the
county will add one to its portion of Oak leading to Vineland.
Tuckahoe Road is also a county road.

Chiarello said it's possible the flashing light may be a first step in
making the intersection safer .

"I think it will highlight the fact that cars on Tuckahoe need to slow
down and exercise more caution," he said. "The next thing will be to
see the effect the light has."

Chiarello noted that if problems persist, the county might choose to
address the issue of alignment, which could mean escalating safety
measures to acquire right-of-ways in neighboring properties to
straighten the intersection and ultimately add a traffic light.