We have had a difficult time understanding the reasoning of the Bergen County and Bergenfield City Council in many instances. Years ago we passionately implored the city council to repave one street in Bergenfield on which it was almost impossible for a normal person to walk without tripping over the many potholes and crevices that lined the street. One local resident had broken five wheelchairs due to these unacceptable conditions. We were told that some elderly people refrained from walking to shul on that street because of their concern of falling. It took quite a bit of time until Highgate Terrace was finally paved.
The crosswalk at the corner of Westminster and New Bridge Road has been another bone of contention. Just three years ago, many attending Beth Abraham on Rosh Hashanah were witness to the horrific image of the crossing guard being hit by a car, suffering severe injuries. Personally, Nina has spoken with Mayor Schmelz about the necessity for making this corner more safe. He explained that it is primarily a county responsibility. We were told that a light cannot be erected at that corner because it is too close to the light on the corner of South Prospect and New Bridge and in the other direction the light at the Boulevard and New Bridge. Watching small children as well as adults trying to cross at that corner at any time of day while the traffic continuously rolls along makes one realize that this is a tragedy waiting to happen. After a plea to Corey Gallo, the borough administrator, suggesting a stop light at the corner, we were told that no one living on that corner would want to have such a light shining into their home. End of story.
The piece de resistance was the Rosh Hashanah “gift” that was given to the Beth Abraham community. The brilliant powers that be have moved the crosswalk altogether. It now is at the corner of Surrey and New Bridge Road. The problem is that once a person crosses New Bridge there is no sidewalk, so the choice is either to walk on New Bridge itself, together with traffic driving in the same direction, until you reach the corner or to walk on the grass. Person after person, after crossing the street, was heard discussing the stupidity of this decision. Even more amusing is that the old crosswalk lines are still visible on the street, so anyone who is driving and wants to be careful will stop there, where there is no longer a crosswalk. Parents are furious, adults are furious and the county is probably very proud of itself for this inane move.
As the mayor of Bergenfield, Norman Schmelz is missing a perfect photo op to come to the corner of Westminster and New Bridge and wish his voting body a happy new year. He is running against James Tedesco for the position of county executive in November. However, we do understand, because it is likely that he is afraid to stand on that corner for fear of being hit by a car. Instead, he has kindly sent an empty police car to stand on the corner across the street from the shul every Shabbat and chag. If we were terrorists or agitators we would definitely be afraid of the black dark police car that sits on the street each week without a sign of life nearby. So scary.
We want to clarify that the decision to move the crosswalk was meant for when the new Beth Abraham building will be erected. The entire configuration will be different then, but for the first time in its life the county is ahead of schedule. A warning to all crossing near Beth Abraham: Hold onto your children who you have instructed to only cross at the walk but who now have to walk on the street to get into the shul. We are warning everyone to be careful and never assume that any vehicle is going to stop for you.
By Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick
Rabbi Mordechai and Nina Glick are living in Bergenfield after many years of service to the Montreal Jewish community. Rabbi Glick was the rav of Congregation Ahavat Yisroel as well as a practicing clinical psychologist in private practice. He also taught at Champlain Regional College. The Glicks were frequent speakers at the OU marriage retreats. Nina coordinated all Yachad activities in Montreal and was a co/founder of Maison Shalom, a group home for young adults with special needs. They can be reached at [email protected].
