The Arnone Report: 9-11 remembrance, drive safely, especially around schools, and other good stuff

By Freeholder Director Tom Arnone

A new school year is officially upon us and that means it is time to be extra cautious when driving around our communities!

Last week I attended the kick-off event for Asbury Park’s month-long Street Smart NJ Pedestrian Safety Campaign. The campaign is hosted by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, of which I currently serve as a board member. This campaign has proved to be successful in several other communities throughout the county and I was pleased to be part of their most recent efforts to promote safety.

It’s always important – and especially now that children are back in school – that everyone obeys speed limits, stops for pedestrians and avoids distractions when driving. It’s also important that pedestrians and children walking to school use crosswalks or cross at intersections and wait for the walk signal or green light before stepping into the road.

As the school year begins, I will be sending notices to school districts and charter schools once again to let them know I am always happy to meet with students of all ages to discuss civics and the role of county government. Last year I had the opportunity to meet with students in several towns throughout the county including Middletown and Lake Como.

In addition to the start of a new school, we are also celebrating the extended tourism season here at the Jersey Shore. The Monmouth County Tourism Department, which I serve as liaison to, is keeping busy by attending several upcoming events, including the Feast of San Gennaro in Belmar September 15 – 16. The Spring Lake Italian Festival will also return on September 29. To find more information about these events and other activities in the area, visit the Monmouth County Tourism Website at www.tourism.visitmonmouth.com.

On another note, I am pleased to announce the County celebrated the re-opening of another bridge that underwent much needed repairs. Bridge A-4 on Hillsdale Road in Colts Neck reopened after nearly 9 months of construction. The project included the complete demolition of the existing timber bridge and installation of a new, single-span modern concrete bridge, replacing the original structure that was built in 1945.

On a separate note, I would like to take the time to reflect upon and recognize the 17^th anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack our nation witnessed on September 11^th, 2001. Though the years have passed by, we will never forget the lives and legacies of those who passed or the first responders who bravely did their jobs. Monmouth County will recognize the anniversary during a ceremony at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook in Atlantic Highlands.

Stay safe and keep the families of those who passed away on September 11^th, 2001, in your thoughts.