Code Enforcement Effort Leads to NJ Utility Crews Mowing Overgrown Lawns

Posted on September 9, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Some property owners in the Town of North Judson could be faced with a lien on their property, following a code enforcement effort for unmowed grass.

Over the past few months, Ordinance Officer Kerry Rust has been carrying out enforcement on a few different properties that were in violation of the town’s required grass height. Owners of those specific properties were given multiple citations and a warning that they had until Monday, August 26th to mow their grass or it would be handled by the Town and they would be billed.

Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe noted that there were two properties on Arlington Street and one on Franklin Street who were still in violation on Tuesday, August 27th so the Town utility crews had to mow the lawns.

On a related note, Officer Rust and Town Superintendent Joe Leszek have been identifying unkempt alleyways and enforcement has increased on those. Clerk-Treasurer Rowe mentioned that there are some that are currently impassible, which is a safety hazard for emergency vehicles.

As with unmowed lawns, if utility crews have to take care of trimming in the alleyways, the owner will be billed for the expense and if that goes on unpaid a lien can be placed on the property.

NJ Town Superintendent Issues Reminder About Alley Responsibility

Posted on July 3, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

North Judson Town Superintendent Joe Leszek discussed unkempt alleyways with Town Council members Monday night.

He explained, “Homeowners’ vegetation and brush has been over growing the alleys and it’s really the homeowners’ responsibility.”

He continued, “They should be cutting that brush back two feet onto their property. The alley is a right-of-way, an easement, they shouldn’t allow their shrubbery to grow over into it and expect the Town to go do it.

Leszek said they will deal with an obstructive alley similar to the way they treat overgrown lawns.

Homeowners will be issued a warning and given 10 days to address the problem. If the violation is not fixed within that time frame, Leszek said town employees will go take care of it themselves but the resident will be charged for the service.

Council President John Rowe asked how many homes currently have a problem that needs to be addressed. Leszek replied that there approximately 20 to 40 properties where some alley maintenance needs to be conducted.

He said he has provided Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe and Billing Clerk Jennifer Vanek with some information to put out on the town website and Facebook page. He added that he feels most property owners will be receptive to the reminder.