The granite-or-concrete debate consumed the discussion at another Borough Council meeting with no resolution last night, where about 20 Cleveland Lane residents made their voices heard on an issue that has raised tensions on the normally peaceful, leafy avenue in the Borough's western section. The Borough Council's last meeting on April 22 also focused on this issue of what material the new curbs on the street should be made of.
The Borough has passed a bond ordinance to replace and improve the sidewalk on sections of Cleveland Lane and to install new curbs. The argument that has captured the bulk of the neighborhood's attention is over whether to make the curbs out of granite or concrete. A separate debate centers on whether the new sidewalk will damage the hedges of Cleveland Lane resident Kristina Johnson. The hedges date back to 1927.
Though the debate over curb material may seem inconsequential to some, Cleveland Lane resident Claire Jacobus said the controversy was about much more than sidewalks and curbs.
"This issue is more important than concrete, it's even more important than granite, and it goes to the absolute essence of why we are here," Jacobus insisted, blaming the leadership of the council for the ongoing fight. "In the long run, this kind of governance will make for a cynical, sullen and angry polity."
The granite curbs issue was what drew most of the attendants at the meeting. Around 25 residents of Cleveland Lane sat in on the meeting to voice their opinions. Currently, the Borough is planning to install concrete sidewalks and curbs, but Cleveland Lane residents protested the decision and demanded granite curbs.
In a survey issued by the Borough to residents of all 22 houses affected by the sidewalk replacement, 16 said they wanted granite curbs, four were opposed to granite curbs, and two did not voice their opinions. Including granite curbs in the sidewalk improvement would increase the cost of the improvement by $100,000.
The residents who were in favor of granite curbs cited the appearance of the curbs as the main advantage of granite over concrete. Dennis Langer, a resident of 12 Cleveland Lane, said that the granite curbs "will improve the appearance and raise property values. If it raises property values, everyone benefits."
But Merlene Doyle, of 10 Cleveland Lane, said that she "moved to Cleveland Lane because of the diversity of the Borough. It had nothing to do with what the curbs looked like."
Doyle added that she and her husband were not involved in the debate because they were "busy living our life and doing other things."
Marvin Israel raised doubts about the desirability of granite. "Granite is simply dangerous," he said. "I thought it was cool until I tripped on it when it was wet. And when it chips it looks ugly. Frankly, I would pay not to have it in front of my house."
At the beginning of the meeting, Borough Administrator Bob Bruschi suggested that the residents who wanted the granite curbs should pay for the difference in the price between the granite and the concrete, while the Borough and the residents who did not want the concrete should pay nothing.
This proposal elicited groans and cries of "Jesus Christ!" from the audience.
Another resolution, proposed by Councilman Andrew Koontz, called for all of the residents of Cleveland Lane to pool together to pay the extra $100,000 cost, regardless of their preferences. This left the Borough without having to contribute any money toward the improvement. This motion failed by a 3-2 vote.
Before the council adjourned, however, council members resolved to further consider Bruschi's proposal.
Johnson, who lives in a house with what she characterized at a previous council meeting as "ancient shrubs," sat quietly through the curbs discussion. But when the discussion was over, she and her supporters rose to attempt to save the life of her shrubs.
New Jersey Assemblyman Reed Gusciora was one of Johnson's supporters. "There are special issues with Kristina's house," Gusciora said. "I'm at a complete loss that anyone would look at this debate and not understand the issues. There will be a sidewalk right outside her windows."
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