(10/09/06) LAKEWOOD ? Officials in Lakewood Township have answered merchant complaints with the creation of a gathering area for day laborers.

Business owners say day laborers intimidate customers, urinate in public and pose a traffic hazard when they cross the street. In response to those complaints, township officials have set up a ?muster zone? in the Lakewood Industrial Park. The zone is a designated area where day laborers can gather to find work.

Day laborers and contractors must start using the zone next Monday. Signs have been posted in English and Spanish in Lakewood. Township officials, who plan on heavily enforcing use of the muster zone, say the ?Job-Link? bus will be available to take day laborers to the site.