By Jacqueline Durett
Correspondent
EDISON—Mayor Thomas Lankey sees the township making progress.
A key theme of his State of the Township address on Feb. 25 was that the rate of that progress may be frustrating to some, but it was necessary to ensure things are being done the right way.
Lankey gave the address at Pines Manor on Feb. 25 at an event held by the Edison Chamber of Commerce. During his speech, the mayor covered the major accomplishments of various departments over the past 12 months. He discussed the road-paving program, the addition of new firefighters and police officers and equipment for both departments, and the improvement of various administrative processes to increase efficiency.
He said also acutely aware of needs, such as more road paving and addressing aging township buildings, but costs need to be kept in check. The township has seen a double-digit tax increase within two years.
He said there’s a lot to be excited about in Edison—and the township is one that gets outside accolades for its economic position, safety and livability. He said the positive changes the township has been making are reflected both in the township’s credit and bond ratings.
He also pointed to economic development. The former Ford plant is moving ahead with three businesses now signed on, information met with enthusiastic applause by from the audience. Top Golf, a golf and restaurant chain, had been previously publicly announced, and joining Top Golf will be a drive-thru Starbucks and Zinburger, a gourmet hamburger restaurant.
“Top Golf is going to be really exciting,” Lankey said. “It’s not like a driving range that you would ever have seen.”
He said Zinburger is “supposed to be excellent also,” adding that once construction is underway, the momentum of the project should pick up.
Another crowd favorite in terms of current projects was is the dog park. Lankey thanked all who are involved, including Freeholder Charles Tomaro, who was in the audience, with getting the park set up on Whitman Avenue.
He said one project that is not moving at the pace he would like is the traffic light at Woodland Avenue and Oak Tree Road. “It’s been a while,” he said, adding that he hopes the administrative red tape around the project to address what he called a “pretty dangerous intersection” is eliminated. “I believe it’s going to happen in 2016,” he said.
Also on his radar for this year is addressing quality of life-related concerns. He said most of the complaints he hears about from residents concern quality of life.
At the end of his speech, he spoke of how figuring out the best way to advance Edison is something he thinks about daily. However, to do that, he said he needs the community to come together. He understands that while residents may differ on issues, he believes everyone is on the same page for the “80 percent,” or the core elements.
“I do dream big, and I am dreaming big for Edison,” he said.
