Andover to allow turns out of school

By Rose Sgarlato
ANDOVER — Andover's Chief of Police Eric Danielson convinced the township council to place a moratorium on the no left turn law out of the Florence M. Burd School.

In an effort to alleviate back-up traffic on Newton-Sparta Road and the school parking lot, the local ordinance passed in 2006 states that a left turn is not permitted when exiting the school during the hours of 8 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Andover Township Police has been observing the situation for the past two months and fielding many complaints from neighboring businesses and residents of U-turns being made on their properties, according to Danielson.

“Both Anderson Farm Stand and First Hope Bank have many people pulling in and U-turning,” said Danielson. “We want to create a neighborly and safe atmosphere and avoid issuing tickets.”

Danielson said that a majority of the officers have only issued warnings to drivers thus far.

A special police officer directs traffic across from the school entrance on a daily basis.

“We are not looking to get our town residents in trouble, we just want to keep them safe,” Danielson said.

He further substantiated his case by pointing out it is permissible to make a left turn out of the adjacent shopping plaza where many businesses are located.

Township attorney Fred Semrau advised the council to adopt the moratorium as a resolution that would be on a trial basis until the end of the school year in June.

“I think this is a good idea, and if we need to get approval from the county we will,” Semrau said.

Sparta-Newton Road is one of the most heavily traveled roads in Sussex County.

The school was informed and is in total agreement, Danielson said, and permitting the left turn is effective immediately.