BRIDGEPORT — The Logan Township Council discussed an increase in traffic from tractor trailers in residential areas at their meeting on Nov. 21. The expansion of Logan’s industrial parks and business-friendly environment has caused added truck traffic around the community, some of them speeding.
Administrator Lyman Barnes mentioned that some of the trucks may have their GPS systems programmed incorrectly. “If a truck comes off Beckett Road down Exit 10, there’s no way they can turn around,” observed Barnes. “It’s challenging for a lot of drivers because they don’t know the area.”
Logan Police Lieutenant Joseph Flatley pointed out that truck drivers have scheduled appointment times with their clients. “If they arrive 20 minutes early, they’re just sitting there,” Flatley said.
Mayor Frank Minor noted that there had been progress made with tractor trailers hanging out in front of Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s on Center Square Road. Barnes commented, “There’s a balancing act between having a place to stop for an hour or so and just parking.”
Engineer Annina Hogan suggested added signage. Deputy Mayor Chris Morris expressed concerns for the children, adding that if a truck made a wrong turn, there were residential areas not far from there, with children playing.
Minor said that Council would think about the matter longer.
In other updates, Flatley reported that 15 officers had taken part in physical fitness testing. Also, Councilmember Bernadine Jackson reminded Council that Logan’s Christmas Tree Lighting was set for Dec. 3.
For Public Works, Superintendent Mike Riley reported that his department had begun a winterization of the Municipal Building, and had been putting up holiday banners. Riley listed approximately 12,000 pounds of paper recovered from Logan Township’s two 2017 shredding events.
Elsewhere, Council approved a request from the Village Pub, Holiday Inn and Town Place Suites by Marriott for extended hours until 2 a.m. on Dec. 31 to accommodate New Year’s Eve celebrations and parties.
Also, Barnes wanted to clarify a letter that had recently gone out to residents regarding home reevaluations. According to the tax assessor, Logan Township had seen an increase in property values.
“The important thing is that this doesn’t mean an increase in taxes,” emphasized the Administrator. “It’s because some people are not familiar with the process.”
Barnes said that if people feel that their property assessment was incorrect, they should contact the tax assessor’s office. “You can set up an appointment and go over the numbers on their reevaluation,” he explained. “There will be an informal meeting, and there may be an adjustment.”
In other reports, Morris noted that the Township Line Park soccer and softball field lighting would be operating in December. Morris thanked the Council for their work and consideration regarding the LED lights.
He added that Mayor Frank Minor and the other Councilmembers have always been supportive of Logan’s athletic programs, and the lights would increase safety for the children. “It’s really important that our kids have a well-lit field,” Morris commented.
by Robert Holt
