DOVER TOWN COUNCIL FIGHTING SINKHOLE SETBACKS

Petitions staff to support local businesses and commuters and manage clogged roads.

The Dover Town Council outlined an action plan for immediate and far-reaching solutions to relieve the burden on Dover area residents, commuters, and local businesses Monday night. Discussion from Mayor James P. Dodd and council members Sandra Wittner (First Ward) and Claudia P. Toro (First Ward). They said that they have been informed that the NJ Department of Transportation has told them that all non-essential projects in the state have been suspended so all available resources could be allocated to the Route 80 emergency efforts.

In addition, the council discussions centered on safety on clogged roads and economic issues. The ideas include:

• Mayor Dodd said he has petitioned the state government to offer tax relief efforts to help local businesses cope with lost business.

• Council voted to approve the addition of an Office of Emergency Management, as mandated by the state.

• The New Jersey State Police has added two extra troopers on Rte. 15 and another pair on Rte. 46 to help keep traffic flowing.

• Toro announced that she had requested support from Rep. Dunn to include Dover, Wharton, and Morris Plains in the NJTransit emergency free-fare program, which was created to encourage commuters from Hackettstown, Mt. Olive, Netcong, Lake Hopatcong, and Mt. Arlington to travel by train instead of car.

• Mayor Dodd and Dover School District Superintendent Luis Jaime spoke after Dover High School students were involved in a minor traffic accident that was linked to the congestion. Dodd agreed to post extra police presence at Grace and White streets to manage the traffic flow.

Editor's Note: Keep checking back on dovernow.com for updates about this constantly evolving situation.