Despite threat of fines, some are not inspired to turn over a new leaf

Complaints about new leaf-collection rules pile up in West Windsor.

By: Molly Petrilla
   WEST WINDSOR — In recent weeks, complaints about the township’s leaf-removal policy have proliferated almost as quickly as the crunchy foliage has.
   From the time officials announced that residents who don’t comply with the township’s regulations could face a hefty fine, many residents have accused West Windsor of ignoring its citizens’ needs or looking to make a quick buck.
   But according to Township Administrator Christopher Marion, much of this recent criticism stems from misunderstanding — and he wants to set the record straight.
   "We’re really trying to work with the residents," he said in a recent interview. "The regulations are good regulations, but the problem is you can’t have a one-size-fits-all solution for the state of New Jersey."
   The leaf issue began in April when the township passed an ordinance in compliance with the state Department of Environmental Protection’s stormwater management regulations.
   That ordinance "covered a number of different areas," Mr. Marion said, including what to do with pet waste and yard waste. It also stated that residents could no longer pile leaves in the street outside their houses more than 7 days before a scheduled pickup.
   According to Mr. Marion, the ordinance was passed to protect the township from issues that often occur when leaves are packed over stormwater drains and also to comply with the mandatory state regulations.
   But even with the new rules in place, officials still faced a problem.
   "We really couldn’t enforce anything that we didn’t let the public know about first," Mr. Marion said. "So we decided to monitor the (leaf) collection zones and see if people were putting out (leaves) within the required time frame."
   As it turned out, many weren’t.
   In early May, township officials sent approximately 300 notices to residents who were in violation of the new policy. According to Mr. Marion, each mailing contained a warning letter and a copy of the new ordinance.
   Still, some residents continued to ignore the township’s request, and about a month later, officials mailed 150 second warnings.
   Over the summer, officials began to consider what consequences people who still ignored the ordinance could face.
   "No jail time was ever contemplated," Mr. Marion said, referring to recent talk in local publications of a so-called "leaf prison." "But we did say there could be a mandatory court appearance."
   In September, officials issued nearly 100 people third and final notices that cited a fine of up to $1,250 and/or a court appearance if the regulations continued to be overlooked. Around the same time, they mailed several hundred residents first- and second-time offense letters.
   Since then, numerous residents have appeared at Township Council meetings to voice their complaints about the policy during public comment.
   Some residents have asked for a longer pre-collection lead time to allow for two weekends of leaf clean-up, while others have said schedules with their landscapers make it difficult to follow the one-week rule.
   Still others have claimed the regulations are simply a way for the town to earn money through fines.
   But according to Mr. Marion, "It’s never been about revenue — it’s always been about compliance with (state) regulations."
   He said township officials are still working with West Windsor’s legal department to develop a fine structure for leaf violations.
   The township is also considering increasing collection in notoriously leafy zones, according to Mr. Marion.
   "West Windsor is a tree city," he added. "We really want to make sure that people are complying with the regulations, but the volume (of leaves) is significant."
   In the meantime, the irony of the township’s current situation is not lost on Mr. Marion.
   "It’s been a real learning experience," he said. "West Windsor’s been criticized because we don’t enforce existing laws. Now we’re actually trying to enforce one — and people are upset about that."