BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer
MILLTOWN – Councilman Michael Skarzynski often takes to the streets of the town on foot for enjoyment, but last Saturday’s walk found him on a sort of paper chase.
The windy weather punctuated the problem of circulars and flyers littering the streets and sidewalks, as well as becoming lodged within the sewer system.
At Monday night’s agenda meeting, Skarzynski told his fellow council members that he has been hearing complaints from residents about the issue throughout his 11 years on the council. He proposed the drafting of an ordinance that would create a “do not drop/do not knock” registry, which would allow residents to opt out of receiving unsolicited materials and solicitations.
“It’s not just an environmental problem, it’s a public safety problem,” Skarzynski said.
If a resident is away from home for any length of time, potential burglars are alerted to it by observing the pile-up of papers on their property, Skarzynski said. He also noted that many senior citizens are victimized by individuals who go door-to-door. Eliminating such activity could be a life-saver for them.
If an ordinance were to be created, Skarzynski said, it could be modeled after one enacted in North Brunswick. At the meeting, each council member received a copy of the North Brunswick ordinance, and Skarzynski asked Borough Attorney Patrick Diegnan to review it.
Councilman John Collins voiced concern, citing a lawsuit in Metuchen that stemmed from such an ordinance because of issues of freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
“I just think we’re opening ourselves up to a lawsuit,” Collins said. “Unfortunately, yes, it is unsightly, but there’s nothing we can do about it.”
Skarzynski said North Brunswick was able to successfully grapple with the legal issues involved with such an ordinance, and exemptions for news publications such as the Sentinel and telephone books would be written into Milltown’s version.
“You can’t be afraid to do something that’s right for the town,” Skarzynski said.
Members of the council had various suggestions regarding the issue, saying residents could complain to the distributors of the materials, or try to get them to only place such materials in a designated area on residents’ properties. Another suggestion, regarding subscriptions, was to withhold payment to the company if the materials are not left in the proper place.
Council President Eric Steeber said even that does not always work, since he has continued to receive a subscription for a daily newspaper that he never ordered, and has never paid for.
“It’s like a nightmare,” Steeber said. “It never goes away.”
Several council members, along with the mayor, said they have also received complaints.
“The beauty behind this ordinance is that it gives each and every homeowner the freedom of choice,” Steeber said.
Skarzynski said he plans to move slowly with the ordinance, to be sure everything is done properly and no legal issues arise.