Paterson installs speed humps on 20th Avenue for safer street crossing
By Jayed Rahman
Published: March 25, 2021
Hundreds of seniors living at the former Governor Paterson Towers will now feel safer crossing the street after the installation of a pair of speed humps on 20th Avenue.
Workers from Millville-based Garden State Highway Products (GSHP) installed the two speed humps on 20th Avenue in front of the senior housing complex on Tuesday morning.
“They were speeding here. Now they have to slow down,” said Bill Priestly, head of safety at the housing complex.
Priestly said every couple of years someone gets struck or grazed by a vehicle while crossing the roadway.
“Even when we press the button they don’t stop,” said Angel Garcia, 78, who lives at the complex.
Garcia is referring to flashing lights that come on when someone presses a button to cross the roadway. The city installed the device to improve pedestrian safety after complaints from seniors.
Garcia said he hopes the speed humps will make street crossing safer for seniors like him.
Mayor Andre Sayegh said the speed humps cost little over $2,000. Officials said the Paterson Parking Authority will pick up the tab.
“I was asked to help,” said Tony Perez, director of the Paterson Parking Authority. He said his agency agreed to cover the cost for the speed humps.
After the city turned 21st Avenue into a one-way, the number of vehicles passing through 20th Avenue dramatically increased, said councilman Luis Velez.
“It’s a message: we want pedestrian safety,” said Velez.
Seniors protested turning 21st Avenue into a one-way, fearing it will increase the number of vehicles on 20th Avenue and make crossing the roadway a nightmare for them. They were promised poles that pedestrians can press before crossing, speed humps, improved road markings, and better signage.
It took two years to get the speed humps. Priestly, who watched as workers installed the speed humps, is not complaining about the delay. He is happy the promise was kept, and the speed humps have been installed.
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