Measure, mandated by state, draws objections regarding enforcement
By: Rachel Silverman
Feeding wildlife in Princeton parks is now illegal, according to an ordinance approved by the Princeton Township Committee on Monday night.
Residents who feed the ducks or geese at Community Park North or the numerous deer in Meadow Lakes Nature Preserve could now be subject to fine or penalty.
The ordinance, which is mandated by the state Department of Environmental Protection, specifies that residents may not feed "all animals that are neither human nor domesticated" on municipal property. Township Attorney Ed Schmierer said the legislation aims to prevent the pollution of waterways throughout New Jersey.
Committeeman Bernie Miller cast the lone vote against the ordinance.
"This is an example of a well-intentioned but unenforceable ordinance that’s been imposed on us by the state," Mr. Miller said. "I think that this is a nuisance ordinance, and I really object to it."
Valley Road resident Henry Frank agreed.
"This is certainly a waste of time for the police force trying to enforce this," he said. "It seems to me the township could do itself a favor by not passing this ordinance."
Joe Skupien, the township’s stormwater consultant, explained that one of the consequences of such a vote could be legal entanglements.
"The reality of rejecting the ordinance would be worse than just accepting it," he told the committee.
In other action Monday night, the Township Committee introduced an ordinance limiting the amount of impervious surface permitted on residential lots.
If approved following a Dec. 19 public hearing, the ordinance would allow smaller lots relatively greater surface coverage than larger lots.
For example, lots of 4 acres or more would be permitted 12 percent impervious coverage without a stormwater-management program. The maximum coverage with a stormwater-mitigation program in place would be 14 percent.
For a 1-acre property, maximum permitted coverage would be 19 percent without stormwater mitigation and a maximum of 22.5 percent with a stormwater-management plan in place.
The construction of surface material including driveways, patios or stone sidewalks could trigger a mandatory stormwater-management requirement, according to the ordinance. Such a requirement could be met by installing drywells, detention basins and underground pipes and tanks.
Mayor Phyllis Marchand praised the new controls.
"It is a step in what this committee has been doing about trying to keep things in scale," she said.
The committee also approved an ordinance requiring a construction records clearance prior to the sale of all residential or commercial property. The ordinance is intended to assure that all construction on the property has received a final inspection. The clearance requires a written application and fee payment at least 10 business days before any change in ownership or occupancy of property.