Assemblymen to discuss possible new rail lines

Assemblymen Michael J. Panter and Robert L. Morgan, M.D., (both D-Monmouth/Mercer) will host a town hall meeting to discuss the possible addition of new train lines in Monmouth County. The meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Shrewsbury Borough Hall.

NJ Transit is studying three potential routes to improve public transportation in Monmouth and Ocean counties: Lakehurst to Monmouth Junction (the Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex, or “MOM” line), Lakehurst to Matawan, and Lakehurst to Red Bank.

The Lakehurst to Red Bank line would have a significant impact on two river-area towns, including Shrewsbury Borough and Tinton Falls.

Panter and Morgan’s meeting on Thursday will be focused on gathering input from constituents about all three lines, but particularly the effect the Red Bank line could have on the surrounding area.

“It’s important that we work toward improving public transportation in central New Jersey,” Panter said, “but we have to be sure that the line that is chosen is the best one for everyone involved.”

“We are hopeful that our constituents will come out and tell us their concerns on Thursday,” Morgan said. “With that input, we will be able to serve as effective advocates in Trenton.”

The assemblymen will host another meeting in the western part of District 12 on Thursday, March 3, at the Freehold Township Municipal Complex, Schanck and Stillwells Corner roads, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the same issue. Shrewsbury Borough Hall is located at 419 Sycamore Ave.