Sam's Next Windsor Job

You don't have to worry too much about Gridlock Sam. I believe that he will be getting a job very soon that could be even bigger for him than solving Windsor's border crossing issue and much more important.

Yes, he will be given a major assignment by the Mayor and Council that, given the vital role that it will play in the revitalization of the downtown errrr... the east end, may cost taxpayers even more than we have spent on his fees for the border.

It will be his task to try and figure out if it is humanly possible how to prevent a massive East End arena traffic jam before and after every Spitfires game or other big event that may take place at the arena.

Can you imagine what would happen if there is a sold-out hockey game and full use of all of the other icepads for tournaments. That would be 6500 spectators plus another 900 people who can sit in the three other rinks.

Someone complained now about the Barn and parking:

• "being there an hour ahead to drive around in circles trying to find a spot, like we do now"

What would it be like looking for spaces in the boonies and how long would it take to do so?

I notice that the Spitfires were offering one guaranteed parking space with the purchase of two platinum memberships. If one does some simple division, the possibility could exist that between 3500 to 4000 or more vehicles could be scrambling to get into and out of the arena parking lot. I believe that the parking lot holds less than 2000 vehicles so there would be a horrific traffic jam. I've not even figured out yet how many buses would be needed even if people decided to park away from the arena.

Therefore Sam will be needed here desperately before long to try and figure out how to solve the arena traffic jam issue. He will have some experience mind you. Here's what he is doing in the interim:

• Warning: Traffic gridlock ahead for Newark drivers
  by Maura McDermott Wednesday October 17, 2007
  Drivers, get ready for gridlock.
  
  That's the message officials are sending to Newark motorists, as the city braces for the Oct. 25 debut of the Prudential Center.
  
  The opening night concert by Bon Jovi is likely to kick off at least two weeks of traffic tie-ups, according to "Gridlock Sam" Schwartz, the city's traffic consultant. The band is playing 10 shows expected to draw as many as 17,000 fans a night, and the Devils hockey home opener on Oct. 27 could attract more than 18,000 spectators.
  
  The city is issuing "SlowGo" traffic advisories for event nights, encouraging Prudential Center patrons and commuters to use mass transit and stay away from the busiest routes.
  
  This morning, Schwartz and city officials offered advice to those driving to the Prudential Center:
  -- Plan to arrive 90 minutes before the show or game begins, to leave time for traffic and parking.
  
  -- Check parking maps at prucenter for the lots closest to the most convenient highway.
  
  -- Try to avoid Route 21, which is expected to be heavily congested. The city and state are posting signs directing motorists to other routes, such as the New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 15E to Raymond Boulevard; Routes 1 and 9 to Raymond Boulevard; Route 280 to First Street; and Route 78 to either Elizabeth Avenue or Broad Street.
  
  Newark commuters should try to avoid driving in the city - especially on Route 21 - in the two hours before events, Schwartz said today. Either drive out of the city before 5 p.m., or stay late for dinner to avoid the rush, he said.
  
  But all that advice is for those who can't avoid driving.
  
  The city and the Prudential Center are encouraging commuters and patrons to use mass transit instead. The arena is located three blocks from the Penn Station rail hub and less than a mile from the Broad Street station. NJ Transit is adding extra trains - including standby trains at Penn Station and an additional 11:40 p.m. westbound train at Broad Street - and the arena will post up-to-date train information after events.
  
  Free shuttles and city buses will take commuters to and from the Broad Street station. NJ Transit will post yellow-jacketed "ambassadors" in and around train stations.
  
  Also, the city will assign extra police officers downtown, and it is adding signs and new lighting in an effort to make the arena safe for visitors.