Hightstown’s zoning officer is seeking an ordinance that would allow for tougher enforcement of repair, safety and cleanliness standards.
By: Scott Morgan
HIGHTSTOWN Borough officials are seeking an upgrade to the property maintenance code.
Harry Wetterskog, the borough zoning officer and building and housing inspector, said he has approached Borough Council to ask for an ordinance that will give the borough greater authority over property owners who do not maintain standards of repair, safety or cleanliness.
During Monday’s meeting, Borough Council discussed its support for an ordinance that would greater define property owners’ responsibilities and allow borough officials more power to enforce the property maintenance code.
Though Mr. Wetterskog said such a plan has been in the works for almost two years, the idea has come to the fore recently because of public concern over the state of the Bethany Gospel Mission Home on Stockton Street.
The Bethany Home caught fire last month and was rendered uninhabitable. The fire is believed to have started in a pile of long-standing trash that had been butted up against the house. Vociferous concern soon followed from Bethany’s neighbors, both current and former, that the fire never would have happened had the property been maintained.
Mr. Wetterskog said the Bethany fire is not the catalyst nor even a major reason for putting together an ordinance. But recent complaints by neighbors and other residents suggest the need for a stricter property code to compel the owners of the Bethany property to clean up the remaining debris, which, in part, remains at the site.
Councilman Mike Vanderbeck said he would support such an ordinance, should it be drafted. Likewise, Councilman Richard Pratt, who said in a later interview that he would support a stronger property maintenance code so long as it was geared toward corrective action and not invasion.
Mr. Pratt referred to an ordinance from Willingboro, which is similar to that being explored. He said Willingboro’s property maintenance code is "a little over the top," in that a public inspector cruises the streets looking for potential violations.
Mr. Pratt said he does not want to see such authority in the borough, but rather an on-the-books code that is enforceable, should a case involving public health or safety arise.