Chester Twp. Sets New Speed Limit

Although not designated a school zone, St. Bernards Road runs the length of the Gil St. Bernard’s School property and the Mayor and Council voted 4-1 to mark the speed limit at 25 mph. The council then applied a 35 mph limit to Lamerson Road along its entire length between Rt 206 and Pottersville Road. That vote was unanimous. The difference in voting was Councilman Matt Kass.   

For his part, Kass was concerned that because the traffic study showed people drove generally in excess of that speed, 35-40 mph. “I’m concerned we would be setting up a speed trap.” Kass said.

“No, we’re not,” said Councilman Dan O’Donnell, who had been dialoguing with the community leading up to the vote. “I’ve spoken to administrators at the school and I’ve spoken to residents. There is no shoulder on the road, there is a curve in the road and during the school year there are a lot of day and weekend activities.”

Another quirk in St Bernards Road is the last 500 feet are in Peapack-Gladstone. “We spoke to their police chief,” O’Donnell said. “And he agreed with the 25 mph limit.”

Kass voted with the rest of the council on Lamerson Road because “it is consistent with the speed studies of how people drive on that road.”

O’Donnell also mentioned St. Bernard’s could be converted into a school zone down the line. “We can always add that layer later.”