By William Kenny
Times Staff Writer
The Northeast Times tried its best to tap directly into the pulse of its readers on the Woodhaven Road extension issue by printing a self-styled survey in its June 26 editions.
With fewer than 40 responses through last week, however, feedback was underwhelming. Even so, in those responses, a few truths became evident.
Firstly, people in the suburbs do not read the Times. How else could one explain the absence of even a single non-Philadelphia response in the batch?
Secondly, people are more likely to respond to a survey if they can do it electronically, without actually mailing anything in an envelope. Of the 39 responses, 31 came via e-mail.
Lastly, in Philadelphia at least, the Woodhaven issue remains a war with clearly delineated front lines. People in the Westwood section — the area immediately west of Bustleton Avenue and south of Byberry Road — adamantly oppose extending the highway westward from its existing Evans Street terminus. Most people elsewhere in Somerton seem to strongly support the extension.
Of the 39 responses, 23 were in favor of a “full” extension to Philmont Avenue. Two favored a “partial” extension ending at Bustleton Avenue. And 14 opposed any extension.
Of the 14 opponents, 11 listed Westwood residences. Two listed other Somerton addresses. One came from Oxford Circle.
Of the 23 full extension proponents, 14 were from Somerton residents not living in the Westwood section. Two each came from folks in Bustleton and Modena Park. One each came from Academy Gardens and Westwood. Three did not report a place of residence. Few responses introduced any new arguments to the long-running debate. Extension advocates repeatedly cited the need to relieve chronic traffic jams on Byberry and Southampton roads.
“If you have ever tried to travel from Evans Street to Montgomery County via Byberry Road during rush hour, you see the need to extend Woodhaven Road,” wrote John Mikula, of Academy Gardens.
“I feel sorry for those people who will be affected by this project, but it’s about time something is done to alleviate the traffic problems created by having a highway dead-end onto a city street.”
Mikula concluded that he favors extending Woodhaven Road beyond Philmont Avenue and “deeper into Montgomery County.”
Another recurring theme for full extension advocates was the need to avoid residential and commercial property demolitions to make room for new roads. In the early 1970s, the state took over more than 100 properties in the area, including more than 30 homes, to create a right-of-way for the extension. The ground remains vacant.
“I oppose any construction that would destroy the property and/or business structure on Bustleton Avenue or Byberry Road,” wrote Judi and Steve Radbill, who own property on Bustleton Avenue. “The land was allocated for a road, so put the road on the allocated land.”
Other extension advocates don’t see it the same way. Jim Pekala of the Overhill section of Somerton thinks new residential property acquisitions are worthwhile if necessary for the extension project.
“It is unfortunate that some residents may have to be relocated, but these residents were aware that they were either on or very close to a tract of land that is a state right-of-way,” Pekala wrote.
“The government has the right of eminent domain and I believe that on the whole, the community will be better served with the improved traffic flow.”
Among folks living in the shadow of the right-of-way, there is little confidence that the full extension of Woodhaven Road would remedy traffic woes. Rather, it would attract more vehicles on a daily basis, they say.
Meanwhile, those Westwood folks are certain that the extension would wreck their neighborhood.
“(The extension) will bring truck traffic, noise and pollution to the area,” wrote Mary Cole-Cerrone. “I would rather wait for five more minutes in traffic [only during rush hour] rather than have the environment of Somerton destroyed in these other ways.”
Joseph and Diane Mesiano, also of Westwood, concurred: “Why should a nice neighborhood community and outlying counties have to pay the price for the urban sprawl? If the roads were widened and then filled with cars, what road do you widen next and where does it stop?”
Most of the Woodhaven extension opponents feel that lesser improvements should be the first option.
“Drastic changes are not necessary,” said Danny Milea of Westwood. “However, other alternatives can easily alleviate the problems such as timing traffic lights all along Bustleton and Byberry, and creating left and right turn signals.” ••
Reporter William Kenny can be reached at 215-354-3031 or bkenny@phillynews.com