Residents say township answered call for help Problems included alleged drug activity, speeding, vandalism BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer OLD BRIDGE - Residents of the Southwood development are singing the praises of township officials for making their neighborhood a safer place to live. "A lot of times, you feel like you're talking to people, and they're saying, 'yeah, yeah, yeah,' " resident Lynda Costello said. "They listened. They said they would look into it, they'd try to do something to help with it, and they have." In January, a group of about 40 Southwood residents gathered signatures on a petition and brought their concerns about drugs, vandalism and speeding in their neighborhood to the mayor and council. Meetings with township officials and police representatives gave the residents a chance to discuss the problems there, and suggest possible solutions. "Some of the problems that we've had have gone away," said Tina Garra, who organized the residents' group. "They've been fantastic." Since the meetings, there has been a greater police presence in the area, which has helped to thwart law-breakers, residents said. "We looked at it, and we came up with a plan of action," Police Thomas Collow said. "We listened to them, and we concentrated on those efforts, and we were successful." Costello agreed. "The police presence was right away," Costello said. "They were pulling cars over like you wouldn't believe. That pretty much sent the message to people." Due to motorists using Southwood Drive as a cut-through from Route 18 to Route 516, speeding was a prevalent issue. Residents said they were concerned for their children, some of whom walk to the nearby Southwood Elementary School. Commuter buses on the route that runs through the development often exceeded the posted speed limit as well, they said. Though stop signs were posted in the area, they proved ineffective in slowing traffic, according to residents. "We saw a reduction in the speeding," Collow said. "We did issue summonses, we did issue warnings." Collow said a speed trailer was placed on Marlboro Road, and in addition to regular officers, four officers dedicated to traffic and safety helped to address the problem. According to Collow, speeding issues exist in many areas of town. "With 40 square miles, we get a lot of requests for motor vehicle type offenses, but we try our best, and we do respond to citizen complaints," Collow said. In addition to the police activity, cross- walks and speed limits have been painted on area streets in order to alert drivers who may be going too fast. Costello said she could not determine as of yet whether the street markings have made a difference, but she is happy to see that what was promised has been fulfilled. "They actually came through with their word," she said. "I can't believe it." Costello said the prevalence of police in the area has died down some, but there is still more of a presence than in the past. That, combined with brighter lighting installed to make it code compliant, has made a difference in terms of drug and vandalism activity in the area, as well. "I don't see it as visible as it was," Costello said. "Our concern was that it was right out here in plain daylight, not a care in the world, as if they were running a hotdog stand." According to Costello, the drug dealers may have simply moved their operations to another area of the neighborhood, but they are certainly not as blatant with their activities if that is the case. Collow said the size of Old Bridge makes it impossible to concentrate police efforts on one specific area of town, and the department does what it can to ensure that all residents' concerns are addressed equitably throughout the town. "Our volume of calls for service is over 60,000 calls per year," Callow said. "We can't be everywhere at once, but we do our best to address the problems of all our residents." Garra pointed out that problems still exist in the area of the trail behind the school. The fact that there is no lighting or surveillance there makes it conducive to illegal activity, she said. Garra acknowledged that the area is the responsibility of the Board of Education, which she said has been responsive to concerns. "I know that it's on their minds, and they're looking for a solution of what they can do back there," Garra said. Donna Cotugno, who lives on Orchard Drive, is thankful for the improved quality of life in the area, but is still waiting for a light to be installed on the corner in front of her home. "It's very dark over here," Cotugno said. Cotugno said her corner is the only place in the neighborhood left unlit, and she has been calling town officials to find out when the problem will be amended. According to Cotugno, she spoke with Township Engineer James Cleary, and he said the light is in, but the town must get someone to cut branches from an adjacent tree before it can be installed. "Basically, things are getting done," Cotugno said. "Things are getting better." Garra said she is in contact with the mayor and township officials on a regular basis, discussing the results of what has been done, and what remains to be addressed. She said she is thankful for their efforts.