Opposition grew to the newly activated traffic light on Central Avenue near Clover Street on Tuesday night.

Several residents who had not previously spoken out against the light, questioned the Town Council regarding the placement of the light on a residential lawn, instead of at an intersection. The light has been opposed by the resident of the home with the light and her neighbor since September.

Lincoln Road resident Jim Baker, a frequent critic of Mayor Andy Skibitsky's administration, questioned whether or not the light was actually the mandated 130 feet away from the intersection of Clover and Central. He went as far as to offer a bet that it was not, his offer was turned down by Council members.

Francist Terrace resident Peter Laskaris stated his opinion that he respected the process of choosing the safest location but felt the person it directly effected deserved more of a say. Opponents of the light have said in past meetings that the town's traffic safety consultants had recommended the placement of the light at the intersection, with Council members saying the county government recommending moving the light to the front lawn of Central Avenue resident Adina Enclescu.

The light is pedestrian activated and was constructed in response to concerns regarding students crossing between Jefferson School and the neighborhood on the other side of Central Avenue.

Town Council members continued their defense of the light's placement on Enclescu's lawn.

"The focus has to be public safety here, this is bigger than one person," said Councilwoman Joann Neylan, the public safety committee chairwoman.

Council members said they have been receiving praise from residents who have used the light to cross Central Avenue.

The original consultant's report was cited several times by Council members, with Councilman Dave Haas, one of two Council members to express concern with the light in recent weeks, reiterated his opinion.

"I have to say that it is a tremendous asset that allows the kids on the eastern side of Central to be a part of the Jefferson community, I'm just asking in hindsight if its necessary to infringe on that person’s property and I don’t know that answer," he said.

Last month, Haas and Councilwoman Vicki Kimmins both recommended that the Council bring in the traffic safety consultant, Gordon Meth, to answer questions from residents, including the light's leading opponents, Ensclecu and Maria Carluccio, to answer questions. The opponents said they had not been notified about meeting Meth had with residents about the traffic light.

Skibitsky was quick to quash Kimmins and Haas' proposal, saying the town did not have the funds to afford to bring in Meth for a question and answer session. Skibitsky said Meth had answered questions during the prior meetings.

This issue has been the main topic of discussion at Council meetings since the light was installed. The Council has restated their position a number of times that they will revisit the issue 90 days after the light's activation. Skibitsky announced two weeks ago that the Council would stop answering questions about the light, saying they had been answered.