Supervisors propose Woodburn Road sidewalks amid resident traffic concerns

Middletown Township's Board of Supervisors meeting on September 7, 2022, highlighted significant community concerns regarding traffic and development, particularly along Woodburn Road. The board discussed plans to add sidewalks to improve pedestrian access between Woodburn Station and Oxford Valley Mall, aiming to secure grant funding for this project. This initiative is seen as essential due to the anticipated increase in residential and commercial traffic in the area.

However, community members voiced strong opposition to ongoing developments, particularly the construction of a large warehouse and new apartment complexes. Residents expressed frustration over existing traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, and raised concerns about the impact of additional vehicles from new developments. One resident, Michelle McKay, described her daily struggles with traffic, emphasizing that the current situation is already untenable, with significant delays caused by freight trains and heavy vehicle flow.

Concerns about noise pollution from the proposed warehouse operations, which are expected to run 24/7, were also prominent. Residents fear that the noise from trucks and trains will disrupt their quality of life, particularly for families with children. Ralph Pickle, another resident, highlighted the inadequacy of proposed noise barriers, questioning their effectiveness against the anticipated increase in traffic and industrial noise.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between development initiatives and community needs, as residents called for more consideration of their quality of life amidst rapid growth. The board's plans for infrastructure improvements, while welcomed, may not fully address the broader concerns about traffic and noise that residents are facing. As the township moves forward with these projects, the implications for local residents remain a critical point of discussion.