BERNARDSVILLE – The Borough Council plans to discuss possible measures to combat the overcrowding of rental homes in the borough’s “village” area at its Monday, Nov. 14, meeting.

Mayor Joseph “Jay” Parsons told residents attending the Monday, Oct. 24, council meeting that the council expected to hear from Fire Prevention Official Michael D’Alessandro, Zoning Enforce ment Officer Elaine Broyles, and Zoning Officer Michael Mondok at the meeting.

News of the discussion was announced after residents Neil Schetelick and Scott Green of Mine Avenue and Center Street resident Maureen Sciaretta again urged officials to take action on the problem.

“It’s been at least 15 years that this has been going on,” Schetelick said.

He said things had gotten to the point in the neighborhood where individuals were now “sleeping in their trucks” on his street.

Council members conceded the town has been unable to effectively deal with the problem due to a lack of resources.

Parsons, however, said Broyles, who was originally hired to perform shade tree as well as zoning enforcement, has now been “told to leave the trees alone” so she could devote her full efforts to overcrowding and maintenance issues.

Council President Vivian McMillen said officials were well aware the matter had to be dealt with but have to proceed cautiously to avoid potential lawsuits.

“We’re really trying very had,” she said. “It seems like it’s taken forever, but then something happens and we take a step backwards.”

The problem of overcrowded rental units, known as “stacking,” came to light last month when several residents accused officials of failing to crack down on property owners where alleged stacking was taking place.

The residents also complained about the condition of some rental homes, which they claim are deteriorating and lowering all area property values.

 

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