Parking Changes Ease Elder Drive Complaints

While many steps have been taken to make Elder Drive safer for residents, Morris Township officials agree there is still more work to be done.

In responding to residents concerns, the police department administered a survey to residents.

“After we sent out a survey we met with the residents to discuss the results of the survey and explain what everyone was thinking,” Morris Township Chief of Police John McGuinness said. “One of the things that a concern was parking in the cul-de sac.”

McGuinness said beyond the residents’ complaints, cars filling up the cul-de-sac was a safety concern.

“We eliminated parking there completely because of the fire hydrant,” McGuinness said.  “Drop off there isn’t a problem, but there is now no parking for any reason.”

McGuinness also said the south side of Elder Drive will not allow parking on Saturdays during the soccer season from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“The volume of traffic has been reduced,” McGuinness said. “We also posted our LED speed display. It flashes how fast drivers are going.”

McGuinness said the department is still receiving complaints about speeding on Elder Drive and they are gathering information to address it.

“Once we get that information we will get on the enforcement,” McGuinness said.

Morris Township Mayor Peter Mancuso said he was pleased with the meeting he had with the residents and felt the Township was working to address their concerns.

“We’ve had great conversations with the Morris United Soccer Club and they have been very supportive,” Mancuso said. “And the Morris School District has worked with us and allowed parking at Frelinghuysen Middle School. The police have been very active and we’re very, very pleased with what has happened."