On different sides of the road

Byram - The battle lines have officially and firmly been drawn, with Byram Mayor Skip Danielson on one side of the Route 206 expansion issue and the members of the Byram Township Council on the other. The fight, brewing for several weeks now, culminated at this week’s council session with both sides sending dueling position letters to newly elected Governor John Corzine, asking him to intercede in the project. The council recently unveiled a plan designed by hired consultant Robert Orr, which combines the design and development of a Village Center along with the expansion of Route 206. Council members want the governor and the state DOT to seriously consider the proposal as a road map for the Route 206 expansion project. The council also wants the governor to look at several other issues such as the lack of a collaborative planning process and changes in state regulations, which they believe, render some of the DOT’s plans out-of-date. For his part, the mayor says there are substantial flaws in the council’s vision, and he wants the governor to give the go-ahead to break ground on the Route 206 expansion project as it now stands. “Mr Orr’s plan is not going to work. There is just no room for Mr. Orr’s plan,” said Danielson. “It is a vision but to mix that vision with the solid plan of the DOT is not good business. It is not a good plan to put before the governor. This is ill advised.” Danielson’s comments to council members drew considerable ire, particularly from Councilwoman Donna Griff. “You know Mr. Mayor, for once I just wish you would work with us,” said Griff. “It would be nice to have our mayor at least help us get an audience with the governor. I feel like we are working against our own mayor. I don’t understand why you have to work against us.” Councilman Lou Esposito added that the letter the council is sending does not promote one plan over the other but instead, clarifies the council’s position. “This very clearly defines for someone just coming in (newly elected Corzine) where we have been and where we want to go,” said Esposito. “This letter is not comparing Robert Orr’s plan with the DOT. All we are asking for is a better way to deal with it.” But in the comments Danielson plans to forward to the governor, he alleges that the time to act on the Route 206 expansion is now, and he wants the council to stop putting up roadblocks. “Although keeping a long-range eye on the Robert Orr vision may be salutary, it is at best 15 to 20 years away,” said Danielson. “Byram Township and Sussex County can’t wait 15 or 20 years for a vision. The NJDOT needs to be given the go-ahead now to build the 62-foot-wide plan while waiting to see just how much of the 132-foot-wide vision can become a reality.” The township council’s letter, without the mayor’s name and signature has been sent to the governor and to several other governmental officials in Trenton. The mayor’s letter is expected to be sent by the end of the week.