City tenant fined for having illegal bedroom

By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
   LAMBERTVILLE — A tenant was fined $1,000 for having an “illegal bedroom” in the Arnett Avenue property he rented.
   The city’s zoning official and fire prevention official, John Barczyk, inspected the property at 9 Arnett Ave. after receiving complaints of overcrowding.
   Mr. Barczyk found the only source of power to the basement was an extension cord. He also discovered the residence had two smoke detectors that did not work, and no carbon monoxide detectors or fire extinguishers.
   The tenant, Rodrigo Mejia, pleaded guilty Sept. 4 in Municipal Court. The city’s landlord ordinance allows citations to be given to landlords or tenants.
   Mr. Mejia’s landlord, Alan Sassman, of Lambertville, did not receive a citation. Authorities said he claimed he had no knowledge of the violation.
   In another alleged violation of the ordinance, landlord James Bishop could face a similar fine for an illegal bedroom in the basement of his property at 66 Ferry St.
   Mr. Bishop, of Swan Street, pleaded not guilty in Municipal Court Sept. 4. He is scheduled to return to court Oct. 16.
   When Mr. Barczyk responded to complaints of overcrowding, he discovered two mattresses on the basement floor of the Ferry Street property. Chairs and a television set also were in the basement. Also, there were no smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in the residence and no fire extinguishers.
   The New Jersey Uniform Fire Code calls for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors within 10 feet of all sleeping areas on each level of a dwelling. Also, fire extinguishers must be within 10 feet of a kitchen.
   Mayor David Del Vecchio said the city will continue to investigate complaints and “take appropriate action” if the situation warrants it.
   The City Council passed the so-called landlord ordinance in March 2006 to limit overcrowding. It was prompted by complaints from the neighbors of rental properties about all-night noise, garbage and a lack of parking.
   Council members also have said the ordinance was an effort to protect firefighters who would face difficulties battling a blaze in overcrowded conditions.