To the Editor:

The Newtown Bee reported last week that Queen Street residents have long complained about speeding motorists. Now with three speed bumps added to the two already installed, Queen Street residents have a new issue to complain about, noise caused by the speed bumps and motorists going over them, a few beeping their horns. One resident complained that the children are stressed by the sound of honking horns. Another resident said it was unclear why some people are angry about the presence of speed table. Yet another said divers were being un-neighborly and unkind.

What astonishes me, beyond the attitude of Queen Street residents that only they and their street matters, is the obsession the Police Commission and its Chairman Paul Mangiafico have with Queen Street.  This obsession with Queen Street has, over the years, already cost the taxpayers approximately $140,000 in consultants fees and studies, excessive police monitoring costs, public works activities, and of course the infamous cost, installation and removal of temporary speed bumps and then installation of five permanent speed bumps. Last week one resident, Michael Floros, told the Police Commission that the speed bumps have tremendously slowed traffic and now he wants sidewalks installed.  That’s another $300,000 for sidewalks (That is the amount the BOS estimated they would cost and had in the Capital Improvement Plan).  Mind you Newtown residents have been waiting for the completion of the Borough sidewalk loop for 25 years.

That’s not all; the chairman of the Police Commission Paul Mangiafico authorized and encouraged the residents to copy down license plate numbers of motorists who beep their horn. He told them he would send a police officer to visit the motorists home to discuss the matter. I wonder what that costs?

There seems to be no end to the special privileges bestowed on the politically connected residents of Queen Street and no reluctance by the residents to demand special attention.  What’s next a “residents only” sign?

Bruce Walczak

12 Glover Avenue, Newtown                        August 14, 2013