The addition of a traffic signal at Grove and Baptist roads three years ago improved safety near Caste Village Shopping Center. Now borough officials are focusing on a troublesome access road there.

A left turn onto Baptist from the access road, which runs directly in front of the center's shops, has always been illegal, but officials said last Wednesday that signs there were inadequate or confusing.

Some would like to prohibit any exit from this road.

"There has been an increase of vehicles exiting the center and turning left," said Councilman Phil Lahr, chairman of the public safety committee. He attributed this to a directional arrow painted on the recently paved surface that actually encourages the illegal exit.

Tom Caste, vice president of Caste Enterprises, said the arrow had been painted over and that issues regarding the access road would be addressed in a Saturday meeting that police Chief J. William Schmitt has scheduled with the center's merchants.

Only one sign facing Baptist Road notes "entrance only" to discourage motorists from exiting there.

Adding to some confusion was a sign in front of the recently opened Your Way Cafe Restaurant in the design of a an arrow pointing toward the exit onto Baptist Road.

"It was a temporary sign and the owner has agreed to remove it," Caste said.

While acknowledging the importance of maintaining this access road for the local merchants, Schmitt said, "There is a need for better signage."

First Published: May 19, 2004, 4:00 a.m.