I appeared before the May 21 meeting of the West Windsor Council during the three-minute public comment section. I inquired if the administration couldn’t request residential and commercial properties around town maintain their properties. Is this a reasonable function of our government?##M:[more]##
@$:The general rule is if properties are deemed a health hazard, the township can either contract the work out or perform the work and add the cost to the owner’s property tax. I don’t think we need to go there. Procedure for cleanup:
Township staffer(s) and caring residents identify properties where farm animals could graze, dumpsters exposed to public view, garbage and recycling containers placed at the curb or on front porches for weeks at a time. Is this the new West Windsor standard? Township staff makes a phone call or personal visit to the owner for compliance within 5 days. For non-compliance, issue a $100 appearance ticket at Municipal Court. Revenue for tickets funds the program — or eradicates the eyesore.
When in Rome, do as the Romans? Who is setting the standards?
This isn’t about micro-managing the lives or properties of others. Rather, the indifference displayed by many infringes on everyone’s quality of life. It is a reflection of the community’s values and attention to detail. Trust me: you won’t find this in what Mayor Hsueh calls “the best community in the world.”
I was advised to speak with Mr. Hary to see if high grass constitutes a health hazard. Since high grass is often home to rodents, let’s mobilize the Administration to raise the community standards. You can start with the dead shrubs surrounding the flagpole at the Municipal Building.
The gateways to the community — such as the Penns Neck Circle and the triangle across from 1st Constitution Bank on Washington Road — are examples of how unimportant the DOT cares for the township in which the DOT Commissioner resides. The adjacent property owners could step if they participate in the DOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program. It is win-win.
West Windsor needs hands-on leadership and it starts with you making a phone call, sending an e-mail, or simply stepping up yourself to just do it. There are always extenuating circumstances. However, we won’t see improvements until we stop accepting excuses as a standard operating policy.
How long will it take “the best community in the world” to get things cleaned up?
Pete Weale
