ASSEMBLYMAN KEAN APPLAUDS DOT DECISION TO DISCONTINUE PLANS TO BUILD THIRD PARK & RIDE IN WALL

CREDITS WALL GOVERNING BODY AND COMMUNITY GROUP FOR STRONG OPPOSITION

Assemblyman Sean T. Kean (R-11), a vocal critic of the plan to build a third Park and Ride facility in Wall Township, announced today that the New Jersey Department of Transportation has decided not to build the Park and Ride on the Wall site.

“The decision to abandon plans to build another Park and Ride in Wall Township is a victory for the entire community,” said Assemblyman Kean. “As I indicated in my letter to DOT Commissioner Kolluri, Wall Township has already done their share to support mass transportation measures and I had serious concerns about the impact of this facility on the environment and community.”

Kean wrote to Commissioner Kolluri in early November to express his concerns about constructing a Park and Ride facility on Route 18 at Route 138 in Wall Township. In addition, Kean also held a press conference at the proposed Park and Ride site where he was joined by the entire Wall governing body and members of the local group, Committee for a Better Wall Township, who were also opposed to the project.

“The Wall community really came together to express their opposition to the Park and Ride,” remarked Kean. “I believe the strong presence of the community, including the Mayor and committee members, and vocal opposition impressed upon the DOT that Wall Township would not stand for another Park and Ride facility.”

Wall Township Mayor Mary Burne added, “This news is a very nice Christmas present for the Wall Township community from the DOT. I thank the DOT for their attention to this important matter and their decision not to build another Park and Ride. This decision to discontinue plans for another Park and Ride in Wall Township will prevent the negative impact on our environment and our quality of life that would have resulted.”

Assemblyman Kean opposed the DOT plan to build such a facility on Route 18 at Route 138 because of the environmental impact, additional traffic congestion, and issues associated with bringing an influx of people into an area so close to several local schools.

In addition, Committeeman Bob Peters remarked, “I am delighted that the residents of Wall will not have to deal with this intrusion in our fine community. Wall Township is a great town in which to live and raise a family and the decision not to build another Park and Ride will go a long way toward preserving our quality of life.”

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