Vernon cancels second reading on ordinance

VERNON — The Vernon Township Council removed the second reading on a property maintenance ordinance after facing criticism at a special work session on Monday night.

The council introduced an ordinance on Monday, March 23 establishing fines of up to $2,500 should a property fall into disrepair or not meet the level of maintenance standards established by the township.

Several people attended Monday's work session, including realtors who could potentially be held accountable under the new ordinance.

“The way this is written, it’s just too vague.” said realtor Karen Golwacki. “This is very, very overzealous.”

Many in the community shared her view, citing concerns over how equitable the fines would be imposed and concerns over potentially singling out homeowners who may not be able to afford or be able to meet the property maintenance standards. The standards themselves were called into question.

Vernon Township has current property maintenance ordinance that is not as strict as the new one proposed.

“This is a total rewrite of the property maintenance code and can create an undo hardship for many.” resident Gary Martinsen said.

Many individuals and members of the council agreed that something should be done to protect property values within the township from being reduced due to homes falling into disrepair. Most were concerned with bank-owned, foreclosed and abandoned properties that otherwise sit empty and are not maintained.

“I agree something has to be done but we need to work it out so that we aren’t going after a homeowner that can’t do the work.” said John Massary, president of the Sussex County Association of Realtors, “You want to be working toward the bank-owned property.”

On March 23, Councilman Dan Kadish spoke out against the ordinance.

"I think it's totally heavy-handed," Kadish said. "There is a distinction between a foreclosure agency and a homeowner."